Visitors are pleased they chose Ātaahua to unwind at the start or end of their holiday, but wish they had planned to stay longer, using Ātaahua as a base.  There is plenty to see, do & enjoy in & around Christchurch, add an extra day or two to your schedule now!.

We have planed your days - here are our suggestions:

Walk a while: Popular walking tracks surround Ātaahua, adjacent to Brooklands lagoon in Seafield Park – a wildlife conservation reserve.  Walk the tracks viewing an estuary environment of saltmarsh & mudflats at low tide & acres of seawater at high tide. The area provides a unique niche for wildlife living in the coastal plants, so there are bird lookout platforms along the way. Stop at Spencer Park which has a picnic area, a wetland pond walk, mountain-bike tracks linking to Bottle Lake Forest, safe swimming on a sandy beach, children’s play area, adventure course, mini golf.

Christchurch City: Visit the Square – the very heart of the city and the Christchurch Cathedral.  The Information Centre is there too.  Take a historic tram to The Arts Centre.  On weekends The Arts Centre Market bursts into life with the sights & sounds of artists, craftspeople and buskers – buy quality NZ gifts for your friends back home.  Include the Botanic Gardens, our wonderful Museum & new art gallery – all within an easy walking distance, entwined by the gently flowing Avon river. Let someone else do the work while you lie back & float lazily down the river in a punt.  Hop back on the tram & head to delightful New Regent St.

Back to Ātaahua to rest your feet a while, before heading to the Tamaki Maori Village.  New to Christchurch, we absolutely recommend it as an evening experience not to miss.  A world first – not a song & dance entertainment - much more.  You will be taken back on a journey to the 1800’s in 25 acres of live theatre (Mura is an actor there), then treated to a Maori meal (hangi).  This unique experience includes Ferrymead historic village. A must-see

Other attractions that might interest you:

Antarctic Centre - Tiny blue penguins will delight you, the hagglund ride will terrify you, the snow & ice room will freeze you - but where else in the world could you visit a working Antarctic centre. 

Willowbank Wildlife Park and Ko Tane - See kiwis in their natural habitat on a night tour, dine at their restaurant & enjoy the cultural performance

Lyttelton Harbour - The collapsed crater of a volcano. Drive through the tunnel to a now trendy working port village crammed with historic cottages. On Saturdays arrive early for the Farmers Market – sample free tasty gourmet morsels.  Have a hot chocolate to die for, then walk to the information centre for help with timetables for a cruise on the harbour or  Timeball Station for top-of-the-tower views. Soak up the tiny & now expensive historic cottages, some bought on the internet by people overseas wanting a seaside holiday home.  Have a trendy cafe coffee before heading to the Gondola, at the entrance to the Lyttelton tunnel.  Stay up there a while, then a short drive to the right is Sumner beach.

Akaroa on Banks Peninsular - We are disappointed that visitors miss seeing this paradise. Words simply can’t describe the absolutely beautiful drive over to the peninsular (1 ½ hours) Stop at Barrys Bay Cheese factory. Akaroa is Julie’s favouite place on the planet –  a picturesque French village –  even the streets have French names.  Harbour cruises, swiming with the dolphins, horse trekking, wineries, galleries – plenty to make an enjoyable day out.  A few degrees hotter than Christchurch so take your sunhat & sunscreen.                             

Waipara Wineries - Mura works during the winter in a Waipara vineyard. - about 45 minutes from Ātaahua - there are lots of wineries so take the tasting easy!

Hanmer Springs - An easy day trip. Natural hot pools that are a real attraction.  Bunjy jumping, jet boat rides, bush walks

Gardens and Golf - Near Ātaahua there are vibrant gardens open to the public and golf courses for those that like to chase after small white balls on huge areas of grass.