Christchurch: Day 21 — Resilience, Wildlife, and a City Rebuilding With Intention
After driving along the east coast we reached Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island.
For us, Christchurch was mainly a practical stopover on the way further south. Rather than spending much time in the city centre, we focused on a short break and good food.
Riverside Market
Our main stop in Christchurch was the Riverside Market.
The covered market sits right in the centre and is an ideal spot for a break during the journey. Many small stalls offer a variety of cuisines — from street food and bakeries to coffee and desserts.
It worked perfectly for us: everyone could choose something different, and with a child this kind of market is much more relaxed than a sit-down restaurant.
The market was lively without being hectic, and a good place to pause before moving on.
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Later we also visited Willowbank Wildlife Reserve.
Here you can see many animals native to New Zealand, including the kiwi, which is rarely spotted in the wild. The grounds are easy to navigate and well suited for a visit with children.
Practical Information – Day 21
Driving
- Kaikōura → Christchurch: approx. 3 hours
Accommodation
Restaurants & Cafes
Tips
- We took an Uber from Tasman Holiday Park to the Riverside Market.