The Summit Road
Drive it or bike it or take a bus then walk it. the road and the crater rim walkway traverses the crest of the port hills, which separate christchurch from lyttelton harbour. breathtaking views over christchurch, the southern alps, pegasus bay, lyttelton harbour and banks peninsula - often all from the same vantage point. lots of sheep on the walkways, some of which traverse working farms. it is not possible to drive along all of summit road because it is closed due to earthquake damage.
Lyttelton,the port over the hill from the city, is accessible by car/bus through the tunnel, or by the scenic port hills route via the seaside suburb of Sumner. The road from Sumner over Evans Pass to Lyttelton is closed because of earthquake damage. Although only about 15 km 9 mi from the central city, Lyttelton feels like another world entirely, with its cafes bars shops and locals, its ever-busy port, its stunning hilly backdrop and beautiful harbour.
Lyttelton Farmers Market
Is an authentic farmers market in the lyttelton school grounds every saturday morning, 10:00-13:00. not necessarily the cheapest food in town, but always fresh, local, and seasonal. food available ranges from fruit & veggies to bread, coffee, home-baking, farm eggs, local honey and cheeses, preserves and relishes, etc. there is usually some live music and always a lively collection of marketgoers, great people-watching.
Festival
The World Buskers Festival
(http://www.worldbuskersfe...). runs for two weeks in january and usually features about 30 comedy, street, and circus acts from around the globe.
Summertimes
Runs from december through to late february and includes a number of major free events in hagley park, which attract audiences of up to 100,000. it consists of music, arts, culture and sporting events.
Christchurch has the busiest program of annual festivals of any New Zealand city.
The Christchurch Garden Festival
Takes place in march.
The Festival of Romance
Lasts for 10 days leading up to valentines day and includes a range of romantic activities.
Carols by Candlelight
Is a longstanding tradition on christmas eve, now held in victoria square.
Carnival Week
Is centered around a number of events taking place in november - guy fawkes' night a major public firework display at new brighton pier, the two new zealand cup trotting and galloping horse racing meetings, and the canterbury agricultural and pastoral show, which is the largest in the country. (http://www.nzcupandshow.co.nz/)
Kidsfest
Is on during the midwinter school holiday.
The Christchurch Arts Festival
Is the largest arts festival on south island and takes place every second year in mid winter 12 aug-2 oct 2 2011. (http://www.artsfestival.co.nz)