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. 

Christchurch's back alleys hide some of the city's coolest spots. Strange's Lane is tucked between High and Lichfield Streets and is lined with hip restaurants and bars, which comes to life in the evenings. Strange & Co (89 Lichfield Street) is a dining institution that pays homage to Christchurch's past, present and future. For a taste of the New Orleans, head on to Orleans (89 Lichfield St), where you can find some of the best fried chicken waffles in the city. 

Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011

Christchurch is home to a burgeoning arts scene, with artists from the city and beyond taking the streets and splashing murals on its walls. A testament to this is Brockworth Street Art Gallery, an outdoor art gallery littered with colourful murals.  Since the city's rebuild in 2011, the open-air gallery has livened up the urban landscape. Take a stroll along this creative hub and you'll find street art treasures by the city's most talented artists. 

33 Riccarton Rd, Riccarton, Christchurch 8011

The annual SCAPE Public Art brightens up Christchurch with public art all year round, with a focus on the annual seasons. This year's season will take place from October 5 to November 16, with the iconic Rock : Paper : Scissors as its starting point. Catch inspiring artworks from local and internationally renowned artists, curated by Emma Bugden. 

794 Colombo St, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011

Craving something delish after strolling around the Arts Precinct? Head to Fiddlesticks, one of the tastiest restaurants in the city. Sit at the courtyard to watch the activity and soak up the ambience while having a meal. A highlight is the BBQ lamb sandwich ($21.65) served with charcoal bun, beetroot relish, cheese, and fries, and the Pappardelle ($23.38) with Venison ragout and Swiss chard.

Corner of Worcester Blvd & Montreal St, Christchurch

Most of the buildings in Christchurch are new. However, this 19th-century theatre has much of its original architecture and interior design intact – which makes it an attraction in itself. Now, you can catch world-renowned performances such as Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake and Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox's Welcome to the Twenties 2.0 Tour. 

145 Gloucester Street, Christchurch

New Zealand is synonymous with farmer's markets. The Christchurch Farmers Market at Riccarton House is the largest Saturday farmers' market in Christchurch, held in the historic grounds of Riccarton House and Bush every Saturday from 9am to 1pm. Soak in the atmosphere and shop for meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables alongside coffee and pastries such as hand-made French macarons.

Stay in the only five-star boutique hotel in Christchurch, The George Christchurch, which overlooks the picturesque Hagley Park and River Avon. Choose from 53 well-appointed rooms away from the cultural precinct and key attractions. The hotel is also home to two restaurants, 50 Bistro and Pecatore, should you choose to treat yourself to a luxurious meal. 

50 Park Terrace, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand

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.

A common misconception is that you have to stopover in Australia to get to New Zealand. But Christchurch isn't as far as you think. With the non-stop service to Christchurch from Singapore Airlines, you can get there in 9 hours 40 minutes on our award-winning national carrier.

With over 1,800 on-demand movies, TV shows, music albums, interactive games and more on KrisWorld, the airline in-flight entertainment system, getting to Christchurch is a breeze. 

From now to October 31, Singapore Airlines is offering promotional fares starting from $1,098 to Christchurch – so it's time to book your vacation now.