From adrenaline-pumping obstacle courses to a relaxing boat ride down the river, these activities in Christchurch ensure you see the best of the city
1. Vintage peddler
Christchurch is a flat city and bikes are an essential part of everyday life — but hire one of these restored vintage cycles and you will see the city in style. Each bike comes with local dining, shopping and sightseeing recommendations for your route.
2. Velocity carts
Simple fun is hard to beat, and whether it’s the wind-powered Blokart you’re skimming round on, or the battery-driven Driftkart, these easy-to-operate three-wheelers will put a grin on your face. Follow the instructions and you’ll soon be tacking or drifting around the course like a pro.
3. Margaret Mahy Playground
The much-loved children’s writer is well remembered in this innovative and exciting playground. With water cannons, flying fox, slides, a Tower of Terror and food carts, it’s just as well there’s no age limit here. It’s fun for the entire family — just follow the whoops and laughter to find it.
177 Armagh St, Christchurch Central
4. Adrenaline tours
This aerial obstacle course with seven levels of difficulty will test your brain as much as your brawn, though you’ll hardly notice since it’s so much fun – until you’ve taken on a challenge swinging along ropes that are 20m up in the air, that is.
5. Punting on the Avon
Lie back as a skilful fellow in a striped blazer propels you gently in a flat-bottomed boat along the tranquil Avon River. You’ll pass under the weeping willow trees and through the timeless beauty of the Botanic Gardens, or past the ever-changing city centre. There will be some traffic: Watch out for ducks!
6. Jet boating
Skim along the clear, turquoise waters of the intricately braided Waimakariri River in the north of the city. Powered by the New Zealand-invented Hamilton Jet engine, there are both thrills to be had from 360-degree spins in impossibly shallow water, and quieter enjoyment from observing the bird life in the reserve alongside.
7. International Antarctic Centre
Whatever the weather, you’ll find snow, ice and little blue penguins here, as well as the chance to experience an Antarctic storm. Learn about this mysterious continent and life at Scott Base. Inside, there’s a 4-D simulated cruise; outside, you can go for a lurching ride in an all-terrain vehicle.
PHOTOS: SUPPLIED, INSTAGRAM, THE VINTAGE PEDDLER BIKE CO’S FACEBOOK PAGE, VELOCITY KARTS’ FACEBOOK PAGE
This article was originally published by Singapore Press Holdings.
