31/12/2025
Day 1 – A City Experienced by Road, Sky, and Water
Day 1 began with a city tour — but not the usual kind. Imagine exploring a city by roadways, skyways, and waterways. That is exactly how we experienced Christchurch.
We began with the skyway, riding the iconic Christchurch Gondola. In just about ten minutes, the gondola lifts you nearly 500 metres above sea level, unfolding breathtaking views of the city below, Lyttelton Harbour beyond, and on clear days, even the distant Southern Alps. From one vantage point, you can see the Pacific Ocean and the Canterbury Plains — city, sea, and mountains perfectly framed together.
The cabins are fully enclosed, making it a comfortable ride in all weather. For the kids, it felt like floating inside a slow-moving flying bubble — quiet, safe, and strangely calming. At the top, the experience goes beyond the views. The Time Tunnel ride brings Christchurch and Ngāi Tahu history to life through sound and visuals, adding depth to the landscape you’re gazing at. And a pleasant surprise — the café and small shop at the summit were honestly among the most affordable we found in Christchurch, proving that great views don’t always come with a hefty price tag. Even in peak summer, the air up there carried a crisp chill — definitely jacket weather.
From the skies, we moved to the waterways, and next came the charming Punting on the Avon — quite possibly the cutest ride of the trip.
Gliding gently along the river beneath graceful willow trees felt like drifting through a storybook. The willows form a natural green canopy, and it’s easy to see why this spot is so popular for romantic proposals — especially under the grand old willow that seems to witness countless love stories. Inspired by the traditional punting of Cambridge, England, this experience brings old-world elegance into the heart of the city.
Punting moves deliberately slowly, encouraging you to pause and notice the little things — reflections on the water, birdsong, and the soft sway of willow branches overhead. The punters, dressed in classic Edwardian attire, add to the illusion that you’ve stepped briefly into another era, even as the modern city hums quietly nearby. The Avon River has flowed through Christchurch long before the city itself, and drifting along it feels like moving through layers of history and quiet resilience.
Next came the roadways, and what better way to explore them than aboard the beautiful Christchurch Tram.
The tram ride felt like a moving storybook. As it glided through the streets, each stop felt like turning a page in the city’s narrative — one of heritage, loss, and renewal. The lovingly restored heritage carriages echo a time when travel was slower and journeys were meant to be savoured. With its hop-on, hop-off format, the tram invites you to explore at your own pace, letting curiosity guide the day.
Post-earthquake, the tram stands as a symbol of continuity — still running, still connecting people, quietly stitching the city back together. From a tram window, Christchurch reveals itself gently: gardens, street art, cafés, and everyday life passing by like a living postcard.
Honestly, the entire day felt like living inside a novel.
Most importantly we did manage to go to Rollicking Gelato.
Rollickin Gelato is one of Christchurch’s most loved local gelaterias, known for its small-batch, handcrafted gelato made with real ingredients — which is why flavours often sell out by the end of the day. That’s how you know it’s the good stuff.
Even though we were exhausted, the day wasn’t over yet. As evening fell, we made our way to the famous New Brighton Pier. “Breathtaking” doesn’t quite capture it. It was freezing cold, but the views were absolutely stunning — dramatic, wild, and unforgettable.
By the time we returned to our room, we were tired but still buzzing with energy. Determined to bid farewell to the year properly, we headed out again around 11 p.m. to join the New Year’s Eve celebrations at Hagley Park. The atmosphere was electric. The live band Kora performed infectious numbers that made it impossible to stand still, even as a light drizzle began to fall. Fireworks followed, lighting up the sky and perfectly closing the night.
And just like that — bye-bye 2025.
We welcomed 2026 with a bang, a feast for both eyes and ears.
Adieu, 2025.
