Local Activities

Local Activities

Top Things to Do in Christchurch

The attractions of Christchurch and Canterbury are many and varied with a wealth of options as you travel the region in your RaD Car Hire rental car.

Below is a list of just some of the best activities and attractions in Christchurch, as recommended by RaD Car Hire Christchurch.

Christchurch has embraced "cafe culture" with a vengeance so no matter your preference, there are plenty of places to stop for a meal, a snack or just a coffee to sit and watch the world go by.


The city still retains much of its English heritage with many historic buildings being restored or incorporated into new developments.

Drive out to Ferrymead Historic Park and enjoy the Tamaki Heritage Village Experience. A unique look at the rigours of European and Maori interaction in the 18th century presented via a live interactive performance and ending with a great Meal!!

For stunning scenic views of Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains and Lyttleton Harbour nothing beats a drive up and over the Port Hills and around Banks Peninsula.

Park your rental car up and take a trip on The Gondola to the top of the Port Hills. After a nearly 1km trip you reach the Summit over 500m above sea level.

Stop to enjoy the view or stay for a wonderful meal in the restaurant looking over the city lights.

If you want something a little more unique and "uplifting" try the stunning open air experience of Up Up And Away with their hot air ballooning over Methven and the Canterbury Plains.

Just a short hour and a half drive over Banks Peninsula will take you to the French settlement of Akaroa. On your way enjoy great cheeses from Barrys Bay Cheese. Perhaps even a gentle cruise with Blackcat Tours out to see the dolphins in Akaroa harbour.

You can access all of the attractions of the region easily with your rental car, with activities as diverse as Whale Watching up in Kaikoura, tramping and skiing in the Southern Alps, or drive up to the hot pools at Hanmer Springs Thermal Resort.

Christchurch is the central point for road access to every corner of the island from Nelson and Golden bay in the north to Fiordland and the magical Milford Sound in the south. You are in for a treat of unparalleled beauty as your RaD Car Hire car takes you the length and breadth of the island.

Soak in the sun on our uncrowded beaches. Spend your time hiking through our National Parks. Loose a few hours driving your rental car up to Arthurs Pass soaking in the hot pools at Maruia Springs or driving along on a summers day with your windows open inhaling the sweet smell of the Beech forest that fills the area.

Head across Banks peninsula to one of the many beaches or bays. Drive out to Waikuku Beach north of the city or hire one of our reliable 4 Wheel drive vehicles and relax with your fishing rod dangling in the water at the mouth of the Rakaia river. Check out our full range of rental vehicles today.

Christchurch and Canterbury have so much to offer you and it will be our peasure to see you safely on your way, so contact us today for a competitive, quality vehicle hire.

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