4 and a half of the best things to do in Christchurch.

By DIMITY KIRKWOOD

Whenever I pictured New Zealand, 100 sheep flashed before my eyes. Obviously this automatically made me ready for a nap and the thought of travelling to the actual country left my mind immediately. So for the one moment when I forced myself to ignore the sheep and really consider going there, I wasn’t sure on what to expect.

After a little deliberation, my boyfriend and I decided to make the trek over to the land of hobbit-lovers to spend two days in Christchurch. And shockingly, there was not a sheep to be seen.

My partner and I stayed at the beautiful Quality Hotel Elms in Christchurch, conveniently (due to our excessive jet-lag) located 10 minutes from the airport and 20 minutes from Christchurch CBD.  We spent most of our stay eating their delicious food and seeing the magnificent sites that Christchurch had to offer.

Following my stay, I would strongly encourage you to also experience 4 and a half of the best things to do, see and eat in Christchurch.

1. The food.

Before setting foot in Christchurch, I’d been told the food was comparable to Melbourne’s laneway meals. I nodded and smiled politely to the friend who shared this, while privately ridiculing them in my head.

Had they ever even been to Melbourne’s laneways? They’re incomparable. Idiot.

But with my first delicious mouthful, I also ate my words. I can only demonstrate the deliciousness in picture form which will not do it justice…. This was just one section of one meal at the Quality Hotel Elms’ Restaurant:

And…

Heaven.

2. The beach.

Granted, we went to New Zealand just after winter. Still, the beaches were simply beautiful. And, luckily for us, it was prime frisby playing weather:

3. The people.

We may have cheated a bit in this department by organising to see friends who live in Christchurch. But not only were they testament to the loveliness of New Zealanders but every other person we met, like the lovely staff at Quality Hotel Elms, were just as friendly.

3 and a half. The food… again.

According to experts like me, food is the most important part of travel and life. As Christchurch had simply delicious meals, it gets two mentions. I compromised by only giving it half a point though (because I am fair).

New Zealand’s snacks and treats are different and wonderful. The things you definitely need to try are:

L&P. Is it lemonade? Is it mineral water? No-one is yet to uncover the answer to this mystery.

Whittaker’s Chocolate. All the Whittaker’s Chocolate.

Bluebird chips. If the penguin on the front isn’t enough of a selling point, I don’t know what is.

*Added bonus* – getting to pronounce “chips” with a New Zealand accent.

4. The shipping containers.

Following the destruction caused by the earthquake in 2011, Christchurch is doing a remarkable job of honouring the people who lost their lives, while embracing the opportunity to recreate the iconic city. In the meantime, they have managed to integrate the shipping containers that are being used in the rebuild into hipster-like buildings and stores. This pop-up mall is a prime example:

So hipster. So chic.

The author stayed at The Quality Hotel Elms in Christchurch for the purposes of this review. If you are interested in accommodation for business and leisure in Christchurch city you can book online here.