Campervan Road Trip in South New Zealand: 5D4N Must-go-Places in Christchurh (Part 4)

Yes! Finally, Our South New Zealand Road Trip Ends in Christchurch!

After an incredible journey exploring the South Island of New Zealand, we’ve finally arrived at our last stop: Christchurch!

This marks the end of an unforgettable campervan road trip that took us from Queenstown, through Te Anau, Milford Sound, and Arrowtown, to the stunning Lake Wanaka, Haast Pass, Twizel, Mt Cook, Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo, and Timaru.

Each place we visited had its own charm, mostly small towns and peaceful villages that offered a quiet retreat into nature. It’s been an amazing experience; hiking through stunning landscapes, capturing breathtaking views, and discovering local cultures and histories.

But after all that tranquility, we were ready for a change of pace, entering Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island.

It’s time to embrace the city vibe! Jia En, in particular, is thrilled for this part of the trip. As a true city lover, she’s been exicted awaiting the chance to leave behind the quiet, peaceful towns and embrace the vibrant energy of urban life.

If you’re new to my blog, be sure to check out my previous posts where I’ve shared all the details of my journey across New Zealand’s South Island.

Part 1: we explored Queenstown’s adventure-filled landscape, the serene beauty of Lake Pukaki, the tranquil town of Te Anau, the awe-inspiring Milford Sound, and the historic charm of Arrowtown.

Part 2: we discovered the stunning landscapes of Lake Wanaka, Haast Pass, Twizel, Mt Cook, and Lake Pukaki, each offering unique natural beauty and unforgettable experiences.

Part 3: we visited the stunning Lake Tekapo, enjoyed stargazing at Mt John University Observatory, and had a memorable encounter with wild blue penguins in Timaru.

So, here comes our exciting 5D4N adventure in Christchurch, where we’ll explore the city's vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and unique attractions!

Ready? Lets go! :)

Day 13: Timaru - Christchurch

I really enjoy waking up in the morning like this in the campervan, with the cool weather, chill vibes, and the natural view through the window.

Today marks our last day in the campervan, and it's hard to believe that we actually completed a 14-day campervan tour! I want to give a huge round of applause to my parents, as I know it wasn't easy for them throughout the journey. The tiny space in the campervan was a big challenge for them, as they aren't used to living in such close quarters, and it was often a struggle to move around in the cramped environment. On top of that, the ups and downs of the big van on winding roads definitely took a toll on them, especially on longer drives.

I still remember very clearly that during the first two days, they experienced a major culture shock with the campervan lifestyle and were seriously considering heading back to Malaysia right away. The constant change in how they traveled and everything feeling so new made them feel overwhelmed.

Thankfully, we managed to handle things differently, providing comfort and reassurance when unpredictable situations arose. We slowly eased into the experience, and by the end of the trip, we had all grown more accustomed to the van life. I had originally planned to visit Fox Glacier, but due to my parents' condition, we ended up with some extra time on our hands. This gave us the opportunity to explore Timaru and enjoy an extra day in Christchurch, which turned out to be a great way to wrap up the trip. Looking back, I’m really proud of how we all adapted and made the most of this unforgettable adventure.

We drove a total of 1,865.7 kilometers over the course of 14 days with the campervan.
A huge shoutout to our driver, Lik, who did an amazing job ensuring we had a safe and comfortable journey the entire time. Well done!

We drove from Timaru to Christchurch, a scenic journey that took us about two and a half hours.

I remember it was a very smooth drive, and we made a quick stop for lunch and coffee before heading into the city. It was a nice break, allowing us to stretch our legs and enjoy a little local café before continuing our journey.

We checked into the Airbnb I booked at Christchuech, which was Sunny's place, and it turned out to be a great choice. We paid a total of RM2,590 for four nights, which I think is an excellent value. When you break it down, it's only about RM130 per person per night, which is really reasonable for what we got.

The double-storey house was spacious and well-equipped, offering a large living room, a big kitchen, a sizable dining hall, and two full bathrooms, along with four comfortable bedrooms. It really gave us plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the stay. The only minor drawbacks were that the living room was a bit dark, and the parking space was quite small, which made it a little tricky when parking the big car.

Overall, though, everything else was fantastic, and my parents were especially happy with the stay. They appreciated the comfort and space, and it really added to the enjoyment of our trip. We couldn’t have asked for a better place to unwind and relax after the long days on the road.

During our 4 days in Christchurch, we rented a smaller car after returning the campervan. It was definitely more practical to drive a smaller vehicle in the city, especially when it came to parking and navigating through narrow streets.

We rented a Kia 23 NIRO through Ezi Car Rental, and the convenience of being able to pick up the car directly at the airport after dropping off the campervan made the process smooth and stress-free.

The total cost was NZD356.41 for 4 days, which is approximately RM900, and this included full insurance coverage, so we felt well taken care of.

Here’s a tip for anyone renting a car or campervan: always remember to take pictures or videos of the vehicle as soon as you collect it. This can serve as proof in case the rental company later claims that you damaged the vehicle when returning it. This actually happened to us when we returned the campervan to MAUI. They told us there was damage on one side of the van and mentioned they would charge us for it under the insurance, since we had purchased full coverage. However, thanks to the pictures and videos we took at pick-up, we were able to prove that the damage was already there when we collected the van. Though the damage was covered under our insurance, we still think we shouldn't be charged for it, as it was pre-existing. In the end, we didn’t have to pay anything extra. It’s always a good idea to document the condition of the vehicle upfront to avoid any misunderstandings!

Day 14: Christchurch CBD - Riverside Market - Cardboard Cathedral

So, here we began our days in Christchurch, excited to explore the city.
Our first destination was the Riverside Market, which we decided to visit for lunch. The market had a lively atmosphere with a variety of food stalls, local products, and a bustling crowd. It wasn’t just tourists filling the area either, the market was clearly a popular spot for locals too, even on weekdays. There was a mix of families, groups of friends, and workers on their lunch breaks, creating a vibrant, almost electric energy.

My dad has always had a fondness for exploring local markets wherever we go. He enjoys seeing the different kinds of fresh produce, handmade goods, and unique items that reflect the local culture. It’s a fun way for him to immerse himself in the local scene and get a taste of the area’s character.

There were so many food options inside the market, from Western to Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, and even some cuisines I had never heard of before. We were completely overwhelmed by the variety and had a hard time deciding what to eat. After considering all our choices, we finally decided on El Quincho, an Argentine BBQ restaurant, for lunch. The place had such a great vibe, and we were excited to try something new.

We ordered the Quincho Parrillada, a platter that offered a taste of the best selection of wood-fire grilled meats. It included juicy chicken thigh, tender pork belly, flavorful beef rump cap, El Quincho's signature chorizo, along with grilled bread, chimichurri sauce, criolla sauce, and aioli. The combination of perfectly grilled meats and rich, flavorful sauces made it an unforgettable meal, and it was definitely a great choice to kick off our lunch!

The restaurant had a very nice feature at the back, where the outdoor seating area was located. There was a beautiful wall there, decorated in a way that added a lot of character to the space. I found this part of the restaurant particularly photogenic, perfect for taking pictures!

Besides, we also tried Dimitri's Greek Food.

I had never tried Greek food before, so I was eager to give it a shot, especially after seeing the long queue outside the door. We thought if there was a line, it must be good.

Although I can't remember exactly what we ordered, I do know that their chicken and lamb are particularly famous. The dish was filled with a delicious combination of meats, cheese, vegetables, and sauces. What stood out to me the most was how flavorful everything was. The taste reminded me a little of Arabic food, with its rich spices and hearty ingredients.

It was definitely a unique and tasty experience, though it’s not really my favorite flavor. Still, I’m glad we decided to give it a try!

Jia En loves potatoes, so we decided to give Flash Browns a try during our visit at the Riverside Market.

We stumbled upon this incredible wall at the Riverside Market, located near the car park area.

It immediately caught our attention because it was so stunning. The design was so unique that it almost looked like it was made of cardboard, with layers and textures that gave it a surprisingly realistic feel. It was a creative and eye-catching piece of art that added a unique touch to the area, and we couldn't resist snapping a few pictures.

After lunch, we strolled around the city, exploring one route after another.

The streets weren’t crowded, which felt a little strange at first, but it was also liberating.

There was something peaceful about walking without the usual hustle and bustle of a busy city, and having the streets almost to ourselves made it feel like a calm, quiet escape.
Besids, the perfect weather, clear skies and a gentle breeze, also added to the tranquility, making the walk even more enjoyable.

Passed by the Bridge of Remembrance, an iconic landmark in Christchurch, built in 1923 to honor soldiers who fought in World War I.
Located in the heart of the city, the bridge spans the Avon River and features beautiful stonework and intricate details. It blends historical significance with modern charm, offering lovely views of the area. Whether passing by or stopping to admire its beauty, the Bridge of Remembrance is a must-see, connecting Christchurch’s past and present.

During our city tour, we were amazed to suddenly spot the Christchurch Tram crossing through the heart of Christchurch. It was such a unique sight to see a train moving through the city streets, passing iconic landmarks. It added a charming, almost nostalgic touch to the city’s atmosphere and was a fun surprise during our exploration of Christchurch.

When you're in Christchurch, you absolutely must visit the Cardboard Cathedral, the only one of its kind in the world. This iconic structure is an architectural marvel, and it's a must-see for anyone touring the city.

During our city tour, we made sure to stop by and experience it for ourselves.

The cathedral stands out not only for its unique design but also for the story behind it.
Built after the original Christchurch Cathedral was severely damaged in the 2011 earthquake, the Cardboard Cathedral was constructed using cardboard tubes, making it both a symbol of resilience and an innovative piece of architecture.

The exterior is striking, with its triangular roofline and rows of large, white cardboard tubes that create a distinctive, modern look. As we stepped inside, the interior was just as impressive. The light streamed through the tall windows, casting a warm glow over the space. The wooden pews and simple, yet elegant, altar gave the cathedral a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere. The interior had a calm, almost serene feel to it, thanks to the large open space and the natural light filtering in. The use of cardboard tubes, while unconventional, added a beautiful, almost organic touch to the structure. It was truly a one-of-a-kind place, and we were in awe of how the cathedral had been built and how it stood as a symbol of Christchurch's strength and creativity.

Here came another Christchurch Tram, and this time, I got a closer look. I watched it from the moment I first spotted it until it left, enjoying how it blended with the city’s streets and adding charm to the experience. It was a fun and memorable part of our tour.

Loving this shot, especially how my outfit came together.
The colors and style just feel perfect for the moment. :)

Day 15: Christchurch CBD - The Tannery - Lyttelton Port of Christchurch

The next morning, we kicked off our day by heading to The Tannery, located in a charming historic building that offers a unique shopping and dining destination in Christchurch.

It was only about a 10-minute drive from the downtown area, and I found it to be a worthwhile place to visit if you're in Christchurch.

The tannery in Christchurch has a building with red brick walls on the outside, giving it a classic and sturdy appearance.

The inside of The Tannery is absolutely beautiful, featuring vintage-style architecture and floors that perfectly blend with the modern shops and cozy cafes.
This combination of old-world charm and contemporary design creates a unique and inviting atmosphere, offering a mix of boutique stores, local artisan products, and delicious food.

The main purpose for coming to the Tannery is to enjoy the famous hot chocolate at Bon Bon, a charming coffee and chocolate shop nestled in the heart of the Tannery Atrium.

Bon Bon offers a cozy atmosphere where visitors can indulge in rich, velvety hot chocolate, perfectly paired with freshly brewed coffee. The shop also features a selection of local artisan goods, making it a great spot to explore unique treats and gifts.

The hot chocolate at Bon Bon is absolutely delicious, with a rich and indulgent chocolate flavor that melts in your mouth. It's the kind of drink that warms you from the inside out, perfectly crafted with a smooth, creamy texture and an intense cocoa taste.

However, while the drink was a true highlight, the service left something to be desired.

I’m so glad that everyone is happy with the choices I made; the hot chocolate at Bon Bon was a hit, and the visit to the Tannery turned out to be a great experience for all of us.

It was the perfect spot to enjoy something sweet, and the Tannery itself offered such a charming atmosphere. It's always nice when things come together like that, and everyone walks away feeling satisfied!

After that, we made our way to the Lyttelton Port of Christchurch, a bustling hub of activity and a key part of the city's maritime history.

We drove up a small hill through a residential area with narrow but manageable roads.

Parking at the roadside, we enjoyed a stunning view of the mountains and Lyttelton Port below. The peaceful scene was a perfect contrast to the busy port, offering a beautiful glimpse of Christchurch’s natural beauty.

Since we were already there, I decided to climed a little bit of staircase to check out The Lyttelton Timeball, a famous landmark in Lyttelton, New Zealand.

The timeball, which was restored after being damaged in the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes, has a fascinating history. From 1876 to 1934, a zinc-coated sphere was lowered from the top of a mast exactly at the stroke of the hour, helping ships in the harbor set their clocks. It was amazing to learn about its historical significance and see this iconic piece of Lyttelton’s past, beautifully restored and still standing strong.

Lyttelton is a small town, and there aren’t many people walking around the streets, giving it a peaceful, laid-back vibe.

Then, we drove back to the Christuch CBD.
We walked around the city and stumbled upon the Christchurch Post Office at Cathedral Square.

It was a large, impressive building, and I never would have guessed it was actually a post office. Its architecture was striking, making it stand out as one of the city's iconic landmarks.

Opposite the post office, you’ll find the Chalice, a stunning sculpture standing proudly alongside the cathedral. Its modern design contrasts beautifully with the historic architecture of the cathedral, creating a unique and striking scene in Cathedral Square.

After having dinner, Lik and I decided to drive back to the CBD in Christchurch to check out the city at night. We were both curious to see how it looked after dark, wondering if it would be the same as it usually is during the day; quiet with hardly anyone walking on the streets or if it would be busier, with more people out and about.
It wasn't what we expected; the city was surprisingly quiet.

The streets were almost empty, with just a few cars passing by, giving Christchurch a calm, eerie feel at night.

Day 16: The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora - Christchurch Botanic Gardens - "Munted" Medway Footbridge - New Regent Street

On our last morning in Christchurch, we visited The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora, a vibrant cultural hub housed in a beautifully restored former school building.

The centre combines heritage architecture with contemporary creativity, offering galleries, workshops, and artisan studios.

The Centre is home to a range of art galleries, performance spaces, boutique shops, and cafés, making it a lively destination for both locals and tourists.
It celebrates a diverse mix of art forms, from visual arts to theater and craft, and often hosts workshops, exhibitions, and cultural events.

I enjoyed walking at the open-air courtyards because the atmospheric spaces provide a perfect blend of historical charm and contemporary creativity.

The main reason I visited The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora was to see Echo, a famous sculpture by Neil Dawson.
Echo was created in 1981, it was designed to complement the centre’s Gothic architecture, and its playful, perspective-driven design has made it a beloved piece of public art in Christchurch.
After being accidentally damaged, it was removed but rebuilt and permanently installed in 1991. Destroyed in the 2011 earthquake, it was reinstated again. Echo is a "sky drawing" that changes its appearance depending on the viewer’s perspective.
Made of carbon fibre and suspended 6 meters above the North Quad, it continues to captivate and inspire, especially for selfies.

The design of Echo is truly fascinating.

It appears as a delicate house made of a single wire, seemingly floating in the sky. The wire is nearly invisible to the naked eye, making it look like the structure is suspended in mid-air. To spot the wire clearly, you’d have to zoom in with a camera, otherwise, it’s nearly impossible to see.

What's interesting is how it gives the illusion of floating, even though it's so small that it could easily be missed, despite being located at the main entrance.
If you’re not paying close attention, you might overlook this captivating piece entirely.

I tried capturing Echo from different angles to fully appreciate its design.

It truly looked amazing when standing right in front of me, with its intricate structure seemingly floating in the sky.

In addition to visiting Echo, The Arts Centre itself was a pleasure to explore.

The vintage architecture of the buildings is charming and picturesque, creating a beautiful atmosphere to walk around.
The centre also offers free admission to some of the art shows inside, making it a great way to spend a morning.

Opposite The Arts Centre, just across the road, is the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.

It’s easy to get there, and it’s a lovely spot to visit. New Zealand, like Australia, has many beautiful botanical gardens, and walking through them is a wonderful experience, especially when the weather is nice, quite a contrast to the hot and humid conditions in Malaysia.

The gardens abroad are also very well maintained, adding to the overall peaceful and refreshing atmosphere.

Most botanical gardens feature fountains, probably because fountains enhance the aesthetic appeal of the garden, adding a calming, tranquil atmosphere with the sound of flowing water.

The Ornate Iron Carriage Gates opposite Hereford Street are the oldest in the gardens, having been gifted by the organizers of the 1882 Industrial Exhibition held in South Hagley Park.

Just visible is the old holly hedge, which was replaced in the 1960s by the current stone and iron wall.

Although I’ve never visited New Zealand in other seasons, I’m really glad we chose May for our trip. Even though June marks the start of their winter, the weather was perfect; not too cold, just pleasantly cool with a bit of a chill. The rain was minimal, which made exploring much more enjoyable.
We also got to experience the beauty of the yellowish autumn leaves scattered everywhere, adding a picturesque touch to the landscape. It was a great time to visit, with mild weather and stunning scenery.

Before leaving the area, we stumbled upon the Birria Boss food truck, which is famous on social media. Jia En was eager to try it, so we decided to give it a go. The Birria Quesadilla and Consommé were absolutely delicious, packed with flavor, and definitely lived up to the hype. It was a great, unexpected food find to wrap up our visit on a high note!

For lunch, we discovered The Little High Eatery, a food court with various food stalls inside.

I loved the vibe there, it was relaxing and chill, making it a great spot to unwind.

During lunch hours, it was pretty busy, probably because of the wide variety of food options and the reasonable prices.

It’s self-service, and one thing I really appreciated was the self-service water, which was a nice touch.

It was a fantastic place to grab a bite and enjoy a laid-back atmosphere.

We ordered burgers, pizzas, and Japanese ramen.

The pizza was really good, loaded with cheese and full of flavor. The burgers, however, were a bit dry, but still okay. As for the ramen, it was delicious, just as Jia En had mentioned.

Overall, it was a satisfying meal with a variety of flavors to enjoy.

Next to The Little High Eatery, there’s a café called Bohemian Bakery that looked really inviting from the outside.
Since we had already found parking in the area, we decided to stop by for a quick coffee right next door.

After lunch, we felt like taking a walk, so we headed to an important landmark, the "Munted" Medway Footbridge, which holds significance for Christchurch's Avonside and Richmond communities.

A section of this twisted footbridge, severely damaged in the September 2010 earthquake, is being relocated as a commemorative structure along Te Ara Ōtākaro, the Avon River Trail.

It’s a poignant reminder of the city’s resilience and recovery.

The scenery around the area was beautiful, with lush trees, vibrant grass, and the peaceful river flowing nearby. It was a lovely, serene spot to walk around, offering a refreshing connection to nature.

Before we ended our day in Christchurch, we visited New Regent Street, a pedestrian mall located in the CBD.
Built as a private development in the early 1930s with 40 shops in the Spanish Mission architectural style, it is now one of the city's major tourist attractions.

New Regent Street is a lively spot to hang out, whether it’s day or night. The street is lined with a variety of great places to grab a quick bite, enjoy a refreshing drink, or indulge in a tempting dessert. One of the unique features of the street is the tram that runs down the middle, adding to its charm, so be sure to watch out for it as you stroll!
The atmosphere reminded me a lot of Bugis in Singapore, with its vibrant, bustling vibe and mix of modern and historic elements.

Mum loves waffles, so we went to the Waffle Haus there.
The shop is really tiny, and we had to sit upstairs, where the stairs were also very small, but the waffles were absolutely delicious, especially with the chocolate ice-cream on top, it was so rich and fulfilling.

Well, that’s all about my trip to Christchurch.

I know that 5 days and 4 nights might seem a bit long, especially since we didn’t partake in any extra outdoor activities.But, considering we were traveling with my elderly parents, we wanted to take a more relaxed approach.
We focused on making the trip easygoing, with no rush, plenty of time to stroll, enjoy leisurely coffee breaks, and simply soak in the city’s charm. It was about creating a comfortable pace for everyone, making sure the experience was enjoyable and stress-free.
Sometimes, it’s not about packing in as much as possible, but about savoring the moments together.

Lastly, I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about my time in Christchurch and that it gave you a glimpse into the charm and beauty of this wonderful city.
A huge thank you to South New Zealand for all the unforgettable memories we made, from the stunning mountain views to the serene landscapes and charming towns. Each place we visited offered something special, whether it was the natural beauty or the warm hospitality of the locals.
It was truly a memorable experience, filled with moments I’ll cherish forever.
South New Zealand has a unique way of capturing your heart, and I’m grateful to have experienced it all.
Stay tuned for the final post of my New Zealand journey, where we’ll be flying off to the vibrant city of Auckland in the North Island.
I can't wait to share more of my adventures there with you guys!
XOXO