You like your landscapes with a side of laneways, galleries and good gigs. For those drawn to cities with layers, local character, and a wine list worth staying out for.
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Culture Cruiser
For those drawn to cities with layers, local character, and a wine list worth staying out for.
Things to do
Culture
A scenic art trail along State Highway 1, featuring murals, carvings and storytelling stops that share the living history of Kaikōura’s hapū.
Culture
Cultural Artwork Trail
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Along the 60km scenic stretch of State Highway 1 from Oaro to Waiau Toa (Clarence River), experience this unique art trail centred around seven safe stopping places. Pull over to see murals, pouwhenua and tekoteko (carved pillars), beautiful native planting and information panels that share the rich stories of the hapū of Kaikōura.
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<list>
<item key="Location">Kaikōura</item>
<item key="Distance From CHC Airport">>3 hrs</item>
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Christchurch: New Zealand’s Newest City
Discover a city of surprises, from laneway galleries and street art to a creative culture you simply grow into.
Culture
Christchurch: New Zealand’s Newest City
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Christchurch isn’t a city with one story — it’s a city that keeps surprising you. One minute you’re wandering a street-art filled laneway, the next you’re catching a jazz trio in a repurposed church or sipping orange wine in a tucked away bar.
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The creative scene here isn’t just strong — it’s part of everyday life. The Court Theatre, CoCA, The Physics Room, and the city’s vast open-air street art collection offer culture that’s easy to stumble into and hard to forget.
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Markets, food tours, live music, indie bookstores, inventive cuisine — it’s all here, waiting to be discovered.
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Christchurch doesn’t chase the spotlight. It builds the kind of glow you grow into.
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<list>
<item key="Location">Christchurch City</item>
<item key="Itinerary">Recommended 2–3 Days</item>
<item key="Hours">Always Open</item>
<item key="Price">Free</item>
</list>
Culture
A Saturday morning favourite in Timaru, showcasing local produce, artisan goods, handmade gifts and delicious food stalls.
Culture
Timaru Artisans Farmers Market
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A Saturday morning must do, the Timaru Artisan's Farmers Market offers a wide variety of offerings from craft items and gifts to delicious food stalls, locally made produce and more!
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<list>
<item key="Location">Timaru</item>
<item key="Distance From CHC Airport">2 hrs 30 mins</item>
</list>
Culture
A vibrant street art scene of murals and installations, transforming Christchurch’s laneways into bold, playful and ever-changing outdoor galleries.
Culture
Street art
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Christchurch’s street art scene brings the city to life, with vibrant murals and creative installations around every corner. Explore laneways and public spaces to discover ever-changing works by local and international artists that showcase the city’s bold, playful, and inspiring spirit.
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<list>
<item key="Location">otautahi-christchurch</item>
<item key="Distance From CHC Airport">20 mins</item>
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Rebuilt & Reimagined
Explore Christchurch’s layers—from the new Court Theatre and laneway bars to hidden galleries and a vibrant street art trail.
Culture
Rebuilt & Reimagined
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Christchurch has layers. You won’t find the culture all in one place — it’s in side streets, small venues, heritage theatres, and on the walls.
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Start with the <bold>Court Theatre</bold>, or roam through <bold>The Physics Room</bold> and <bold>CoCA</bold> for something to talk about over dinner. If you wander long enough, the <bold>street art trail</bold> will take over — entire walls transformed into galleries, often where you least expect them.
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There’s music everywhere — in pubs, converted churches, and rooftop bars that know what they’re doing. Grab a drink. Watch a set. Stay out a bit longer than planned. </break>And if you’ve got time, loop in <bold>Akaroa</bold> for a slower pace and a little French flair. It fits.
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<list>
<item key="Location">Christchurch City Centre</item>
<item key="Itinerary">Recommended 2–3 Days</item>
<item key="Distance">Located in CBD</item>
<item key="Hours">Venues vary (approx 10AM–5PM)</item>
<item key="Price">Free (Art) to $$ (Theatre/Dining)</item>
</list>
Culture
Guided journeys to sacred Māori rock art sites, sharing the stories, history and living culture of Ngāi Tahu at Te Ana.
Culture
Te Ana Māori Rock Art Tours
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Follow in the footsteps of our ancestors on personalized guided tours to iconic Māori rock art sites, and immerse yourself in the history and culture of Ngāi Tahu at our tribal rock art centre, Te Ana
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<list>
<item key="Location">Timaru</item>
<item key="Distance From CHC Airport">2 hrs 30 mins</item>
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Culture
Christchurch’s vibrant food and craft hub, filled with local flavours, fresh produce and artisanal finds in a lively riverside setting.
Culture
Riverside Markets
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Riverside Markets is Christchurch’s vibrant food and craft hub, bursting with local flavours, fresh produce, and artisanal goods. From breakfast bites to unique gifts, it’s a lively, colourful spot where locals and visitors mingle, shop, and taste the best of the city.
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<list>
<item key="Location">otautahi-christchurch</item>
<item key="Distance From CHC Airport">20 mins</item>
</list>
Timaru: Low-Key Coastal, High Reward
Discover Timaru’s down-to-earth charm, from the sandy sweep of Caroline Bay and historic streets to hidden inland tracks and Māori rock art.
Culture
Timaru: Low-Key Coastal, High Reward
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Timaru doesn’t make a fuss — but it makes an impression. With its long beach, historic architecture, and walkable waterfront, it’s a place that feels familiar fast.
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Start your day at <bold>Caroline Bay</bold>. Watch the locals walk their dogs, catch a morning swim, or spot little blue penguins if you’re lucky. In the town centre you’ll find pies (the proper kind), secondhand bookstores, and that small-city hum that feels more lived-in than laid-on.
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Drive 20 minutes inland and you’re into <bold>Peel Forest, scenic reserves,</bold> and walking tracks that don’t make the tourist maps — but should. History buffs? The <bold>Te Ana Māori Rock Art Centre</bold> is one of the most quietly powerful stops in the South. </break>Timaru’s not trying to be next. It’s happy just being itself.
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<list>
<item key="Location">Timaru District</item>
<item key="Itinerary">Recommended 1–2 Days</item>
<item key="Distance">2 hrs from Christchurch</item>
<item key="Hours">Always Open</item>
<item key="Price">Free / Variable</item>
</list>
Culture
An immersive Paparoa National Park experience, blending Māori culture, history and geology through innovative, technology-led storytelling.
Culture
Paparoa Experience
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The Paparoa Experience blends Māori Culture with history & geology - captivating visitors by giving them an immersive insight to the history of the Paparoa National Park. Crafted by Gibson Group, the experience is executed through innovative technology, delivering an extraordinary experience to visitors.
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<list>
<item key="Location">West Coast</item>
<item key="Distance From CHC Airport">4 hrs</item>
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Culture
Scenic helicopter flights over Mid Canterbury, from short hops above the plains and gorges to epic alpine lake and glacier adventures.
Culture
Heli Rural: Premier Helicopter Service
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Heli Rural Methven offers a range of scenic flights around Mid Canterbury, offering incredible experiences that you'll never forget. Whether you choose a 12 minute flight over the iconic Canterbury plains, Rakaia Gorge and Mt Hutt, or a longer expedition to Alpine Lakes and Glaciers - you'll have the adventure of a lifetime.
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<list>
<item key="Location">otautahi-christchurch</item>
<item key="Distance From CHC Airport">1 hr 15 mins</item>
</list>
Markets, Music & Makers
Wander through vibrant farmers' markets, enjoy authentic food tours, and taste fresh seafood and wine from passionate local makers.
Eat & Drink
Markets, Music & Makers
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This one’s for the people who love a good stall, a great set, and food with a story behind it.
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The <bold>Christchurch Farmers Market</bold> is a Saturday staple — set under lush trees, full of energy, and packed with legit local produce. Further north, <bold>Hurunui</bold> and <bold>Kaikōura</bold> have smaller markets where you’re just as likely to meet the grower as the baker.
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For flavour with a story, book an <bold>Āmiki food tour</bold> in Christchurch — part kai, part kōrero. In Kaikōura, add <bold>Nins Bin</bold> and <bold>Hapuku Kitchen</bold> to your list if you like seafood with a sense of place. Finish with a glass at <bold>Greystone Winery</bold>, where the views go well with pretty much anything.
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This isn’t artisan for Instagram. It’s just people doing things properly.
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<list>
<item key="Location">Christchurch, Hurunui & Kaikōura</item>
<item key="Itinerary">Half Day Experiences</item>
<item key="Distance">Varies (Multi-region)</item>
<item key="Hours">Sat 9AM–1PM (Markets)</item>
<item key="Price">Free Entry / Pay as you go</item>
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