North South Holiday Park Christchurch

If you're staying in a cabin or powered site, we loved firing up the communal BBQs scattered across the spacious grounds or using the well-equipped camp kitchen. For those first or last nights in the country when you can't be bothered cooking, the Highway Inn is just a short stroll away on Sawyers Arms Road, serving hearty pub classics like mixed grills, burgers and all-day breakfasts with happy hour from 5 to 6 pm. 

Five minutes from the airport, Untouched World Kitchen celebrates healthy, seasonal and free-range local produce in a welcoming environment, perfect for a leisurely brunch or locally roasted coffee. At Spitfire Square at Harvard Park on State Highway 1, just three minutes' drive from the airport, you'll find micro-roasted coffee, cabinet food, an all-day brunch menu and delicious made-to-order Mexican-inspired fare. For something more substantial, the Food Exchange at Novotel Christchurch Airport serves modern cuisine with global flavours and panoramic runway views stretching to the Southern Alps.

Start your day splashing in the heated swimming pool or lounging in the spacious grounds, with a sauna available for relaxation. 

Within 15 minutes' drive sits Orana Wildlife Park, New Zealand's only open-range zoo set across 80 hectares where you can hand-feed majestic giraffes, see the country's only gorillas, eyeball white rhinos, observe kiwi and encounter over 1000 animals representing more than 90 species. The International Antarctic Centre is equally close, offering interactive experiences including a storm room, penguin encounters and 4D cinema that transport you to the frozen continent. 

The Park is located just 20 minutes' drive to Christchurch city centre, where the 21-hectare Christchurch Botanic Gardens encompass 10 distinct themed gardens including a spectacular rose garden with more than 250 varieties. Christchurch's most popular beach neighbourhood is Sumner, where Sumner and Scarborough Beaches offer great surfing, swimming and paddleboarding, with surf schools along the esplanade and the scenic Te Ara Ihutai Coastal Pathway to explore.

We found the airport shuttle service (operating during office hours) incredibly handy for early morning flights, saving the hassle of taxis or parking fees.