Best Destinations for Senior Travelers in Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand has a definite reputation – the most “English” city outside of England! On the South Island, it is the largest city and offers an impressive collection of restaurants, leisurely activities, and tour-worthy attractions. Traveling with friends? Or maybe, since arriving, you’ve made some new friends. By booking mini bus hire in Christchurch, small groups can enjoy stress-free travel from location to location without the hassle of traffic or the worry of getting lost. For seniors, many tour groups offer tours that are geared toward specific age groups. It’s a great opportunity to see the sights without having to plan it all out. But if you’d rather go off on your own, you will never want for something to see and do. Let’s see what’s happening in Christchurch.

Do Some Power Shopping!

As with most places, there are an abundance of opportunities for treasure hunting, deal finding, and just plain shopping. Let’s look at the top couple of places in Christchurch at which to get that shopping done.

Northlands Shopping Mall – If you’re up to it, this is actually just a quick walk from the park. This is where, in one convenient location and throughout 135 stores, you will find everything you need. It is one of the largest indoor shopping centres in the city. Parking is free and found within the mall are Pak’N’Save Supermarket, 24-Hour Countdown, a bar, restaurant, cafés, food court, Hoyts Cinema, The Warehouse, Farmers Department Store, ASB, Ticketek, and more.

New Regent Street – Part of the tram circuit, it is the only complete heritage streetscape in Christchurch. Originally having opened in 1932, it displays a distinctive pastel colour scheme with gorgeous Spanish mission architecture. Both tourists and locals flock here year after year. New Regent Street offers steam punk accessories and fashions, a whiskey bar, gourmet cookies and fudge, a thrilling range of boutique shops, and more. The Theatre Royal, which is newly refurbished, neighbours New Regent Street located in the heart of Christchurch city. If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, just a short stroll down the street, you will find Re:START Mall.

Live Performances in Christchurch

Sometimes you just want to sit down and be entertained. There are few better ways than with a live performance. Let’s check out some of the theatres in Christchurch.

The Court Theatre – New Zealand’s largest theatre company is hidden away in Addington, a suburb of Christchurch. It is a magical world of intrigue, drama, laughter, and happiness. Don’t be offset by its rugged appearance. With 19 productions each year, and hundreds of artisans and artists, a 60-person permanent staff keeps this dynamic, diverse company running. Check their website to see what’s playing.

Isaac Theatre Royal –This iconic venue, for more than a century, has played host to spellbound audiences and spectacular shows. It is the spiritual heart of the arts scene. It’s exceptional acoustics and unique ambience have attracted some of the worlds most acclaimed storytellers and entertainers; some of the best loved musicals and plays; and outstanding comedy performances, ballets, concerts, orchestras, and operas. The theatre is the perfect blend of new and old – a beguiling blend of modern comfort and classic architecture. For a truly unforgettable experience, catch at least one performance at the Isaac Theatre Royal.

Get Your Golf Game On!

Golf can be an invigorating challenge or the perfect way to relax and take in a little fresh air. Nothing beats a quick nine holes to break up your day. Then again, spending a leisurely day at the golf course, and having a little something at the clubhouse after 18 holes, is some people’s idea of a little slice of heaven. Let’s take a look at three highly-rated golf courses near Christchurch.

Templeton Country Club – Just 10 minutes from Christchurch airport, and 20 minutes from the city centre, this course has the reputation of providing golfers a friendly and relaxed atmosphere in which to enjoy their game. Both out-of-town visitors and locals frequent the Templeton Golf Club. Excellent greens, well manufactured fairways, natural undulating terrain, and distinctive water attractions offer golfers of all abilities a definite challenge. Following your game, enjoy the upstairs lounge and bar.

Charteris Bay Golf Club – Come for the golf, but enjoy the magnificent views of Mount Herbert, Mount Bradley, surrounding hillsides, and Lyttelton Harbour at this beautiful Orton Bradley Estate located course. The club has a good mix of rural and city members, but new members are always welcome.

Clearwater Golf Course – Both locals and international travellers have enjoyed this course for over 13 years. Clearwater lives up to its name with its glistening spring-fed lakes. Impressive accompanying facilities, impressive practice areas, and a fleet of modern electric GPS equipped golf carts only serve to complement this 18-hole course. The Member Lounge offers superb hospitality with a wonderful deck area, leather lounge chairs, and outstanding views.

Time to Grab Some Grub!

Even on holiday, everybody has to eat. Actually, particularly when you’re on holiday! You simply must try all of the local fare from cute little cafés to fine dining to the ever-popular pub experience. Whether you’re looking for woodfired pizza, European fashion, Indian, fancy vegetarian, or something else, you’ll find what suits your taste – literally. Let’s take a look at some of the favorite eateries in Christchurch.

King of Snake – When it comes to gastronomy, you will find Christchurch to be a cultural melting pot. Don’t be dissuaded by the name, this bar space and restaurant is less like a fine dining establishment and more like a movie set! The food is definitely the star of the show. With rave reviews, try the crispy press half duck with caramelized mandarin sauce.

Twenty-Seven Steps – Just one last quick mention before we wrap this up. In the way of seafood, beef, and lamb, the absolute best that New Zealand has to offer is showcased here. The phenomenal nature of these dishes will send your gastric juices into overdrive. Though they serve it up in a most exciting and modern way, be advised, they only do so with food that is in season.

Can you visit New Zealand without spending at least a little time in Christchurch? Absolutely. Should you? Absolutely not. The sights, sounds, and people of Christchurch should not be missed. From interesting public spaces and markets to breathtaking views and world-famous street art, there is no place quite like Christchurch, New Zealand. And remember to get a little group together, if you can, and save yourselves the trouble of unclear directions or confusing GPS by looking into a minibus fleet for transportation.