🇳🇿 Christchurch Ultimate Guide | 3-Week Local-Tested Itinerary

"From secret beaches to aurora chasing—here’s how to really experience the Garden City!" 🍻 Unique Experiences ⛪️ The Church Pub Drink craft beer in a *19th-century church* + wood-fired pizza! 🏡 Akaroa Day Trip "Soul-quieting" French-inspired village → Bully Hayes’ legendary fish & chips! 🌅 Sunset/Night Magic 1️⃣ Bowenvale Lookout → Panoramic daytime views 2️⃣ Victoria Park → Golden-hour sunset 3️⃣ Cashmere Hill → City lights after dark 🚶♀️ Outdoor Adventures 🌊 Taylor’s Mistake Beach Mussel foraging! Wear gloves + check tides. ⛰️ Orton Bradley Park $10 entry → Choose 1h or 3h hikes → Castle café pitstop! ⚓ Diamond Harbour Pair with Lyttelton Saturday Market → Ferry accepts cards! 🌸 Seasonal Highlights 💐 Llama Gardens (Spring) → "Flower explosion worthy of Monet!" 🌌 Birdlings Flat → Aurora hunting or Milky Way gazing 🎪 Markets & More 🗓️ Thursday: The Hub Hornby (6PM) → Best char siu rice! 🗓️ Saturday: Lyttelton’s steampunk coffee + harbor vibes 🗓️ Sunday: Riccarton Market → Local crafts & treats ⏳ Hidden Gems 🏰 Ferrymead Heritage Park → Time-warp to 1900s Edwardian town 🌊 New Brighton Pier → Sunrise over black-sand beaches #ChristchurchNZ #NZTravel #SouthIslandSecrets #GardenCity