Get active, connect with friends and family, and enjoy Christchurch’s myriad delights this summer. All the ingredients for a sizzler are right at hand.

WALK IT OUT

With the Port Hills in our backyard, we have a smorgasbord of fantastic walks and hikes to choose from. Get amongst Mother Nature, drink in the stunning scenery and get your heart pumping with a few of our top picks. The granddaddy of Christchurch walks is an oldie but a goodie – the Bridle Path between Christchurch and Lyttelton is a great alternative to driving through the tunnel, and there’s always the promise of brunch to get you to the other side of the hill.

Another track that’s popular with fitness fanatics but a little less strenuous than the Bridle Path is Rapaki Track. You’ll be rewarded with expansive views over to Quail Island on your way up and the city and coastline on your descent. While you’re there, a 10-minute walk up to the Mount Vernon summit is well worth the extra effort.

If you’re a hardcore adventure junkie then the Crater Rim Walkway promises jaw-dropping vistas of the entire length of the peninsula, while Godley Head is another stunning walk that’s more of a leisurely stroll. Setting off from the Urumau Reserve Track junction, the 2½-hour walk will take you past the historic gun emplacement buildings at the heads and along the ridgeline of the 120-metre cliff face, through the Buckleys Bay Scenic Reserve.

For something a little further afield there’s Mount Herbert, the highest peak on Banks Peninsula. Either catch the ferry from Lyttelton or take a leisurely drive around the bays to Diamond Harbour, where the track begins. This is an easy walk, traversing farmland that winds its way gently up to Packhorse Hut, where you can stay overnight to break up the 4½-hour journey or continue on to the summit, where you’ll be greeted with magnificent 360-degree views of the peninsula.

For a day trip out of town, Mount Grey, just 15 kilometres west of Amberley, is another laid-back full-day walk across 1,700 hectares of native forest and tussock grasslands within the Ashley Forest. Take one of two tracks, either Mount Grey through black beech forest or the Red Beech track that follows the ridgeline, both ending with panoramic views across Pegasus Bay.

So slap on some sunscreen, pack some water and snacks, throw a change of clothes in your bag for unpredictable weather and head for the hills!

WHEELING IT

Another great way to explore the city is to get out on a bicycle. Christchurch has over 48 kilometres of dedicated cycleways for you to explore. So don your helmet and check out such options as the Quarryman’s Trail (city centre to Halswell Domain – 8.5km), the Coastal Pathway (Ferrymead Bridge to Moncks Bay – 3.5km) or the Heathcote Expressway (city centre to The Tannery – 3.5km).

The Quarryman’s Trail starts at the Antigua Boat Sheds, where if you’re not in a rush you can hire a canoe or kayak and enjoy a relaxing meander down the Avon. Back in the saddle, ride south on Antigua Street towards Moorhouse Ave then follow the cycle trail across Brougham Street and onto Strickland Street, past the Christchurch South Community Gardens. Turn right into Roker Street and continue until it merges with Sparks Road then follow all the way to Halswell Domain, home to the Canterbury Society of Model and Experimental Engineers’ wonderful miniature railway (every Sunday 1 – 4pm, weather dependent). The final stage of the cycleway runs from Halswell Domain to Te Hāpua and Victors Road.

The warmer months invite carefree bike rides along the causeway, which has been resurfaced and replanted, from Ferrymead Bridge to Moncks Bay. If you’re in the mood for a stroll along the beach, continue on just around the corner to Sumner.

The addition of the Ferry Road cycleway means the Heathcote Expressway is now rideable from the central city through to The Tannery in Woolston, where you can feast on some heavenly pastries at Bellbird Baked Goods followed by a spot of shopping at Recycle Boutique, Uncommon Ground, The Fabric Store and The Apothecary. Start your journey in the central city and head for Ferry Road. Follow the cycleway along Wilsons Road and Charles Street, then follow Mackenzie Avenue to Woolston and on to The Tannery.

For something more challenging, there’s the Te Ara Ōtākaro Avon River Trail, an 11km mountain-bike trail linking New Brighton and the central city that snakes through the residential red zone and alongside the Avon River.

If you or your visitors need to hire some bikes, head to Action Bicycle Club in Walker Street. They have city, mountain-bike and e-bikes for hire, so there is something for everyone. They also stock a full range of new bikes and accessories, and can repair and service your bike if it has been too long hanging in the garage!

SUMMER LICKS

Summer just ain’t summer without ice cream. Kick things up a notch and knock your taste-buds for a six with killer gelato and sorbet. When you are next in Sumner, a visit to Utopia Ice is a must – the queues snaking through their gorgeous leafy courtyard are testament to their popularity. With ingenious vegan gelato and sorbet flavours like Beetroot & White Chocolate, Blood Orange & Black Pepper, Tarragon & Rhubarb Jam and Sea Salt Caramel & Popcorn (yes, with real popcorn!), and with the option of waffles and a number of delish toppings, we are die-hard fans!

Ice cream legends Ben & Jerry’s have brought their world-famous wares to Christchurch. Head to their Oxford Terrace Scoop Shop, on the fringe of Riverside Market, and check out any of their epic range of flavours in the way the first scoops were served up by Ben and Jerry back in 1978. They also make delicious custom ice cream cakes for any occasion.

Using organic milk courtesy of happy, free-roaming cows in Rangiora, Rollickin’ Gelato serves up sensational gelato flavours like Black Forest, Peanut Butter & Jelly and Pop’s Lemon Pie, alongside innovative dairy-free sorbet flavours like Lemon Lime & Bitters and their Crouching Tiger, made with organic espresso whipped into a lickable creamy brew.

HORSES FOR COURSES

Whip out your dapper threads and dress to the nines for this summer’s Lexus Urban Polo in Hagley Park on February 29. As well as witnessing the skill and pace of some of the world’s best polo players, spectators will also be treated to a not-to-be-missed music lineup. Lexus Urban Polo is played on a significantly smaller playing field, which brings the game as close to spectators as possible, so close in fact that they can high-five the players as they ride past!

TEE TIME

Head out onto the greens for a peaceful few hours of meditative golfing. Choose between the Christchurch Golf Club, where you can hone your skills at the driving range or play a round of 9 or 18 holes; Russley Golf Club, runner-up in 2019’s National Golf Awards for Club of the Year, which is open to locals and visitors alike and offers five sets of tees to challenge players of all ages and abilities; and Hagley Golf Club. Canterbury’s oldest golf course is right in the middle of the city, and visitors are welcome.

RAINY-DAY STOPGAPS

When summer’s sizzle cools with the odd rainy day, there’s still plenty to amuse in and around the city. It’s a joy to spend the morning or afternoon at the slick central library Tūranga. Escape into a good book or interact with the touch-sensitive Discovery Wall, a digital representation of Ōtautahi, where you can swipe your way through a virtual world of photos, videos and fascinating facts about our city.

The cinema is a fab place to retreat to when the skies open up. Lumière, in the Arts Centre’s former West Lecture building next to the Great Hall, specialises in art-house and classic screenings and is in the safe hands of city cinema legend Nick Paris. There are two entrances, one off Rolleston Avenue and the other from one of the courtyards in the grounds of the former Canterbury College. From the entrance foyer, it’s down by stairs or lift to the 46-seat Bardot cinema or up to the 70-seat Bernhardt and the adjacent Bijou Bar. You can take your cheeseboard and glass of wine, craft beer or cocktail to your seat.

Rainy days are perfect for gallery hopping, broken up with a spot of lunch and an afternoon coffee and sweet treat. All within strolling distance, check out the latest in modern art at CoCA and The Central Art Gallery in the Arts Centre or see what’s on offer at the Christchurch Art Gallery, where you can pick up a styley designer gift and end your day with a swanky dinner at Universo Brasserie & Bar.

Relive your youth and channel your inner pinball wizard at Arcadia Retro Arcade and Pinball Emporia, where you can also kick back with a game of pool or hone your board game skills. Fancy the chance to escape reality? The team at CodeBreakers are masters at setting up quirky, challenging and entertaining scenarios for you to escape from. The aim is to work in a team to uncover clues, crack codes, solve puzzles and complete your mission, which is to get out of a locked room – all within 60 minutes. Themes include becoming a real-life James Bond, or stealing the Mona Lisa.

AL FRESCO ENTERTAINMENT

Bread & Circus – World Buskers Festival brings its wonderful brand of madness to the city once more. The festival, which runs from January 23 to February 16, will feature a mix of ‘hatted’ and ticketed shows, with a programme jam-packed with some of the best talent from Aotearoa and across the world – 60 artists will deliver 40 shows across 25 action-packed days.

For a fun, free family day out, Deep South Lazy Sundays in the Botanic Gardens is a fab way to spend an afternoon. Grab a rug, pack a picnic basket and rock on up to the Archery Lawn for some live local muso talent on five consecutive Sundays starting on January 19. Bop along this summer to the likes of Hobnail, Katie Thompson, The Butlers, and Holly Arrowsmith and Amiria Grenell. The season closes on February 16 with a real treat ­– NZ Opera performing with professional Christchurch choir Atlas Voices.

For a firm fave with Christchurch folk, be sure to mark February 15 in your diary for the annual Sparks event in Hagley Park, where sparks fly in the skies and on the stage courtesy of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.

Leighs Construction Outdoor Cinema in the North Quad at the Arts Centre kicked off in December and ends on February 8. There are two screening sessions each evening throughout the season; one for the family at 5:30pm and another general entry at 8pm. Entry is by donation.

Shakespeare’s classic tale of star-crossed lovers, Romeo & Juliet, will be performed in the picturesque surrounds of Mona Vale Gardens this summer by the talented thespians of Top Dog Theatre. Expect traditional costumes, a large cast and live music.

Get the wind in your tresses with a trip to New Brighton when Deep South Kite Day lifts off on January 25. Marvel at the sky as it explodes with an array of gigantic colourful kites.

OUT & ABOUT

Explore what’s new on the retail and hospo scene as you duck and dive around the city’s laneways on a Lime scooter. Whizz around Cathedral Square and stop off for a game of jumbo-sized chess; have a go at the world’s first giant, outdoor arcade game system, Super Street Arcade, opposite the Vodafone building; then pop on over to the Margaret Mahy Family Playground to let your inner child run wild; or take the family out for a round of mini golf at the nearby City Putt and Cruise.

On a budget this summer or just fancy keeping it real? The quintessential Kiwi summer grub, fish ‘n’ chips on the beach, is always a winner, especially if you find a sheltered spot in the dunes to watch the sun set. Another cheap ‘n’ cheerful al fresco option is making use of the communal barbeque areas at the Margaret Mahy Family Playground, the Botanic Gardens or Spencer Park, or pack a picnic basket and head for the hills. Victoria Park has expansive views across the city, as does the Sign of the Kiwi, or for rolling manicured lawns and majestic oak trees, Mona Vale offers a backdrop that’s a little more refined.

FEEL THE SERENITY

Get off the grid and back to nature with a spot of camping in and around Christchurch this summer. You don’t have to travel far to find an isolated camping spot near the beach to feel like you’re on holiday. Perched high above Lyttelton Harbour, Godley Head Campsite offers staggering views from where you can enjoy some quiet time delving into a gripping summer read or pop down to Taylors Mistake for a swim.

For a 45-minute jaunt out of town, Little River Campground is within the idyllic Manaia Native Habitat and offers campers the option of powered tent sites or cabins. From Little River, a day trip to Akaroa and the surrounding bays for some beach action is on the cards, and there’s also the famous Little River Rail Trail to explore by bike. If you’re looking for a unique accommodation alternative to the campground, a stay in a yurt, tipi or house truck in Okuti Garden offers a rustic eco-friendly glamping experience, or try the SiloStay eco cabins next to Little River Gallery.

Another peaceful spot to pitch your tent a little further afield (2½ hours from Christchurch) is the Lake Taylor Campsite in Lake Sumner National Park. This is an ideal fishing spot where you can catch your dinner fresh from the water, take a dip, glide across the sparkling lake in a kayak or explore the surrounding scenic areas either on foot or mountain-bike.