Visit these beautiful cultural and natural wonders in Christchurch and beyond

What is it? Known as "The Garden City", Christchurch is South Island's largest city – and the gateway to the rest of the region. While most visitors fly into Christchurch before driving out to the island's famed landscapes, this quaint city is worth exploring for a day or two.  

Why go? There is no place quite like Christchurch. It's a resilient city that continues to thrive despite the hard times. In recent years, it has undergone a massive facelift, and you can now find super chic restaurants, urban bars, eclectic cafes, boutique hotels occupying converted heritage buildings, and music venues found in its back alleys. Not to forget its world-famous art scene, which has transformed the city into a creative, artistic powerhouse. 

When to go? In Spring, the streets are awash with hues of pink as the daffodils begin to bloom. Blossoms line the avenues and beautiful parks such as Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park. This also ensures that you are ahead of the summer crowd, and get to enjoy plenty of clear, settled days to explore the great outdoors. 

Drive time from Christchurch: 4 hours 50 mins

Why go? Of course, you can't head to New Zealand's South Island without visiting one of the country's most iconic landmarks, the Franz Josef Glacier. The glacier is five kilometres from its namesake village, where you can find great coffee such as Vivace Coffee and have a kayak on Lake Mapourika. 

What to do? At the stunning glacier itself, take a guided ice walk, a beautiful heli-hike, or go aerial sightseeing. If you're a more adventurous soul, bring out your inner daredevil and challenge yourself to ice glacier climbing in Aotearoa with Franz Josef Glacier Guides. The arrival will be memorable in itself, where you fly in a helicopter over the glacier valley before landing on the ice. After a rewarding climb, relax in one of the glacier hot pools. 

Drive time from Christchurch: 55 minutes 

Why go? The Waipara Wine Region is one of New Zealand's fastest-growing wine regions with under 75 vineyards in the Waipara Valley spanning over 1,200 hectares. Here's where to go if you like spicier Pinot Noirs and Rieslings.

What to do? Visit the family-owned Pegasus Bay Winery and Restaurant (Stockgrove Rd, Glasnevin 7482), which was established in the early 1970s. Here's an interesting fact: the Donaldson family were pioneers of local grape growing and winemaking back in the day, so you know you're in good hands. The Sauvignon Semillion has hints of complexity arising from skin contact during fermentation, while the Semillon component helps round out the palate, adding fruit weight, richness and age-ability. Another winery to check out is Black Estate Wine (614 Omihi Road Omihi Waipara), which consists of three organic hillside vineyards in Waipara Valley. The wines are grown and crafted by hand to maximize expression from each site.  

Drive time from Christchurch: 1 hour 20 mins 

Why go? Immerse yourself in the French character of Akaroa township, a seaside retreat in the heart of an ancient volcano. Walk around and you'll find that the historic British and French settlement is brimming with colonial architecture, galleries, craft stores, and cafes. 

What to do? Most people come here for one thing: the dolphins. The Hector's dolphin, an endangered breed that is protected in Akaroa Harbour, is the world's rarest and smallest oceanic dolphin. Dive in with Akaroa Dolphins, a locally owned and operated tour, and swim with these graceful creatures in their natural habitat. 

Drive time from Christchurch: 3 hours 

Why go? You've probably seen a hundred photos of Lake Tekapo, a township known for its iconic turquoise coloured water and mountainous landscapes of the Southern Alps. In spring, Lupin flowers dot the landscape. 

What to do? As the lake is part of UNESCO's International Dark Sky Reserve, it's the perfect spot for astronomy buffs to stargaze. During the day, soak up the beautiful views from the Tekapo Springs Hot Pools or ice skate on the outdoor rink – the possibilities are truly endless.