Things to do in Wainui

Lie on the soft, warm sand and work on your tan or swim in the shallow waters at gorgeous Sumner Beach. Explore the iconic Cave Rock or unwind with a drink at one of the bars that overlook the ocean when you visit Christchurch’s favourite weekend destination.

The quaint harbor at Lyttelton sits on an ancient volcanic crater. The steep hills rising around the port town reach a height of 1,640 feet (500 meters), and are known as the Port Hills. In the town, you’ll find an excellent choice of restaurants, shops and cafés. Observe sea and birdlife out on the deep harbor with cruises run by local operators.

New Brighton Beach is a great coastal retreat to visit when holidaying in Christchurch. The beach boasts about 18 kilometres (11 miles) of golden sand, stretching from the mouth of the Waimakariri River to South Spit. Activities at New Brighton Beach range from surfing in rolling waves to wildlife spotting and walking amid untamed landscapes. Find accommodation options, cafés, restaurants and a weekly market at the village adjoining the beach.

Admire spectacular 360-degree views as you take a ride in the Christchurch Gondola. Have a drink or something to eat at the café before you gently descend back toward the city skyline.

Treat yourself to some retail therapy during a visit to The Tannery in Christchurch. This small boutique shopping center is housed in a restored Victorian tannery by the Heathcote River. Formerly an industrial precinct where hides were turned into leather, it is now a retail wonderland of more than 50 shops, cafés, restaurants and a cinema. This is one of the few old brick heritage sites to have survived the Christchurch and Canterbury earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 that destroyed many historical buildings.