🇳🇿 Christchurch: More Than Just a Pit Stop!

Often seen as just a transit hub for New Zealand's South Island, Christchurch surprised me this time with its charm during a leisurely city walk + drive. Here’s why it deserves more than a quick pass-through: 🍽️ Riverside Market Cozy outdoor seating with Avon River views + winter heaters ❄️ Bluff oysters (~NZ$20/dozen) – cheap but mediocre (Bessie’s is better!) Dimitris Greek Food: Huge portions but just okay – hype > taste 😅 🎨 Arts Centre 10-min walk from Riverside along Worcester Blvd (gorgeous autumn foliage 🍂) 3D "Floating House" illusion – insta-worthy! 📸 Cool finds: Vintage knives at a lifestyle shop + earthquake restoration exhibits Food trucks out back – someone please review these for me! 🌿 Botanic Gardens Peak autumn colors 🍁 + friendly ducks/geese along Avon River Serene 1-hour loop walk – crunching leaves underfoot = pure zen 🧘♀️ ⛪ Cardboard Cathedral FYI: Church vs. Cathedral Church = local worship place Cathedral = bishop’s seat (usually grand architecture) Why "Cathedral"? After the 2011 earthquake destroyed ChristChurch Cathedral, this temporary eco-structure (designed by Shigeru Ban) was built with paper tubes & steel! Inside: Stained glass + quake memorials Note: Best reached by car – quick but meaningful stop. Final Thoughts: Christchurch shines in autumn – slow down, sip coffee by the river, and soak in its post-quake resilience. ☕️❤️ #ChristchurchNZ #SouthIsland #NZTravel #CityWalk #HiddenGems