Bella Vista Motel Christchurch

• Kitchen or kitchenette facilities
• Eftpos and credit card facilities
• Spa bath units
• Access units
• Continental Breakfast service available
• Secure off street parking (some with garaging)
• High speed (secure wireless) WiFi internet access in all rooms
• Sky Movies, Sky Sport One, Sky Sport Two, Discovery, Sky News

• All units smoke free
• Guest barbeque area
• Telephone
• Modern guest laundry
• Local sightseeing information and bookings
• Good heating and electric blankets

• Type 2 EV chargers. Please pre-book.

As the gateway to South Island, Christchurch remains a must-do on any traveller’s New Zealand bucket list. The city has bounced back following the 2010-2011 earthquakes and has seen the rise of an innovative range of attractions, from the Re:Start Mall (made out of container crates) to the Cardboard Cathedral and other interesting art projects.

Christchurch retains its reputation as the Garden City. Here is a run-down of some of the many fabulous sightseeing options

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

An oasis in the center of Christchurch, these gardens are the perfect place to come and relax for a while. Take a stroll around the well laid out gardens and along the Avon River. Admire the various gardens, exotic plants, the indoor conservatory, and enjoy a coffee at the onsite café.

Christchurch Gondola

Jump aboard Christchurch Gondola and make your way up Mt Cavendish in the Port Hills. The ride up is exciting and the views when you reach the top are spectacular. There’s a gondola shuttle bus that leaves from Canterbury Museum for those without their own transport.

International Antarctic Centre

Within close proximity to Christchurch International Airport, the Antarctic Centre is the closet most of us will ever get to Antarctica. This interactive attraction whisks you away as if you were in Antarctica, see Little Blue Penguins, experience an Antarctic storm, learn factual information about what life is like in Antarctica and Scott Base, plus enjoy a Hagglund ride. A great day out for young and old.

Hagley Park

A beautifully maintained, large city park with something for everyone – gardens, a lake, tennis courts, sports fields and great walking and running tracks. Pack a picnic, relax and watch the world go by.

Canterbury Museum

Located in Christchurch’s Cultural Precinct, Canterbury Museum is housed in a beautiful stone building that first opened in 1870. The Museum is well known for its focus on natural and human history collections, plus it has an ever-changing programme of exhibitions and events, as well as a comprehensive offering of permanent displays.

185 Chairs – Earthquake Remembrance Art Installation

Whilst this artwork has not yet found a permanent location, it is currently located at St Paul's Trinity Pacific Presbyterian Church site on the corner of Cashel and Madras Streets. This creation is a moving tribute to the 185 victims of the Christchurch earthquake.

Quake City

An insight into the devastating Canterbury earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, you’ll learn what it’s like to live through a quake, read personal stories of bravery and sadness, have the opportunity to see some of Christchurch iconic artifacts up close and learn of the plans for the future and recovery of Christchurch.

Cardboard Cathedral

A temporary structure (although created to last 50 years) was built to be a transitional cathedral because of the unusable and severely damaged Christchurch Cathedral. Unique in architecture and design, the Cardboard Cathedral structure epitomizes the stoic and carry on attitude of the people of this city.

Avon River

The picturesque Avon River flows though the centre of Christchurch and is a popular choice for runners, walkers, picnickers and day-trippers. One popular option is punting on the Avon; this is an iconic Christchurch activity where you’ll find yourself gliding along the Avon River assisted by charismatic punters dressed in traditional attire.

Port Hills Walk

One of the most popular walks in Christchurch, this track is steep in parts but the view at the top overlooking Christchurch, Lyttelton, Banks Peninsula and beyond makes it well worth it.

Christchurch Art Gallery

Housed in a beautiful building the gallery showcases a range of artists from around New Zealand and the world. It’s an interesting and thought provoking place to visit.

Orana Wildlife Park

Only 15 minutes drive from Christchurch Airport, Orana Wildlife Park is a fantastic option for all. With over 80 hectares of land, you’ll get up close to a range of animals – Gorillas, Rhinoceros, Giraffes, Lions and New Zealand’s iconic Kiwi.

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

A wonderful place to bring the family to visit, if you’re lucky you’ll get the opportunity to feed and stroke a variety of animals and birds. Highlights include the Maori Cultural Experience and the Kiwi Nocturnal House.

Air Force Museum of New Zealand

Explore and learn about New Zealand’s aviation history, see restored planes, medals, memorabilia, the cockpit for children to explore and the flight simulator.

Christchurch Tramway

This is the ideal way to get out and see the city; the friendly and knowledgeable drivers provide an interesting commentary on local landmarks and attractions. If you purchase an all day ticket you can get on and off the tram as often as you like.

Riccarton House & Bush

A wonderful New Zealand heritage site that comprises of two historic buildings set in beautiful park surroundings and bordered by the Avon River. Join a guided tour of Riccarton House, visit the Deans Cottage, enjoy a coffee or stroll through the native bush.

Ferrymead Heritage Park

Take a trip down memory lane and see for yourself an early 1900s (Edwardian) township, with exhibits such as houses, picture theatre, school classroom, church, jail, railway station, lodge hall, post office, printers, tobacconist, general store, lawyer’s office and more.

Cycling in Christchurch & Beyond

Christchurch’s flat and grid like layout makes it the perfect city to explore by bike. Alternatively you could enjoy one of the many on or off-road trails around the region; The Port Hills, Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, Kaikoura cycle & mountain bike trails, Hurunui, St James Cycle Trail, plus many more.

Skiing Canterbury

There are a number of ski fields within close proximity to Christchurch:

Skiing at Mt Hutt  

Elevation: 2,086m, 683m vertical drop
365 hectares
Terrain: 25% beginner, 50% intermediate, 25%

Methven Heliskiing

Runs for all standards of heliboarder and heliskier, beginner to expert
Over 1,000 square kilometres of mountains to roam
Over 200 named heli-skiing runs across 3 mountain ranges
Average vertical drop approx. 850 vertical metres

Also try: Porters Ski Area, Ohau Ski Area, Mt Dobson Ski Area, Roundhill, Ski The Tasman, Broken River, Mt Cheeseman Ski Area, Craigieburn Valley Ski Area or Mt Olympus.

Day Trips

Akaroa

With a 1 hour 20 minute journey time from Christchurch, the small French settlement of Akaroa is a quaint and charming seaside destination. You’ll enjoy strolling through town and appreciating the rose covered cottages, French Street names and the charming cafes and shops. Akaroa is a wonderful day-trip with overnight accommodation options also available.

Kaikoura

A 2 and a half hour drive from Christchurch, Kaikoura offers a range of nature loving activities for visitors. Try swimming with the dolphins, Fur Seals, whale watching and viewing other seabirds or albatross. While you’re there try some of the delicious seafood on offer. If you would like to overnight in the area, book into Bella Vista Kaikoura.

Rangitata Rafting

This rafting experience has been described as Lord of the Rings scenery meets white water exhilaration.  Rafting trips are a guaranteed fun day out with grade 1 – 5 trips available.

TranzAlpine Train Trip

Running daily between Christchurch and Greymouth, the TranzAlpine is one of the world’s great train trips. Enjoy rich farmland, cross over gorges and traverse the Southern Alps. The scenery is breathtaking and there are a number of fantastic photo opportunities. Make this a daytrip or stay overnight at Bella Vista Greymouth.

Coastal Pacific Train Trip

This scenic train journey runs between Christchurch and Picton.  ** Please note due to earthquake damage this train journey has been suspended until further notice**

Hanmer Springs

Located only an hour and a half drive from Christchurch, Hanmer Springs is an alpine resort town well known for it’s thermal pools. Hanmer’s beautiful surroundings see mountains and forests every way you look, it’s a wonderful place to visit for the day or overnight at Bella Vista Motel Hanmer Springs.

Lyttelton

Only 45 minutes drive from Christchurch is the port town of Lyttelton. It’s a great place to come and visit to learn about the importance of the port to the surrounding areas. While you’re in town stroll around the quirky shops, enjoy the local beaches or dine at one of the cafes.

Arthur’s Pass

A 2-hour drive into the heart of the Southern Alps is where you’ll find Arthur’s Pass. Here you’ll see NZ scenery at its best with rivers, mountains, farmland and waterfalls. Try one of the many walks or hikes available in the area; from easy walking tracks through to multi-day expert tramps.
 

Bella Vista Christchurch will happily offer local advice on any of these activities and will gladly facilitate complimentary reservations should an activity require a booking