On this page 6 sections
What makes a good first date
Somewhere public, relaxed and easy to leave or extend. A walk or a market works well because there's always something to talk about, and nobody's stuck across a table.
In the city
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The Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park
Huge, beautiful and right next to the city centre. Wander the gardens, then grab a coffee nearby. Lovely in every season.
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Punting on the Avon
Ōtākaro Avon River on Google Maps
Sit back while a punter guides you along the river through the gardens. A bit of a classic, and it gives you time to talk.
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Riverside Market
An indoor market with food, drinks and produce under one roof. Easy to share a few things and see how the conversation goes.
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New Regent Street
A short, colourful street of small shops and cafés, with the tram running through it. A good meeting point before a walk.
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Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū
A gallery gives you something to talk about straight away. Pick a favourite each and compare.
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The Tannery
Boutique shops, cafés and a brewery in a restored Victorian building. Good for a relaxed afternoon.
Get outside
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The Christchurch Gondola
Ride up the Port Hills for views over the city, the plains and Lyttelton Harbour. Walk one of the tracks at the top if you're keen.
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Godley Head and Taylors Mistake
Port Hills coast on Google Maps
A coastal walk with big views. Pick a section that suits you both, and take water.
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Sumner Beach
Walk the beach out to Cave Rock, then get something to eat at one of the cafés along the esplanade.
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Lyttelton
Lyttelton Harbour on Google Maps
A small port town over the hill, with good cafés, bars and a farmers market. It feels like a getaway without going far.
Bigger plans for a second date
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Orana Wildlife Park
Near the airport on Google Maps
An open-range zoo with animals from New Zealand and around the world. Plan a few hours.
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A day trip to Akaroa
Banks Peninsula on Google Maps
A pretty harbour town under two hours' drive away, with French-influenced history, cafés and harbour cruises. Better as a second date, since it's a full day.
Tips for dating in Christchurch
- Meet in the middle. Coming from opposite sides of the city? Matcha's meet in the middle planner suggests a café, bar or restaurant about halfway between you, open when you want to go, without either of you sharing where you live.
- Use the flat. The central city is easy to walk or bike, so plan two stops close together.
- Check the nor'wester and the temperature. Christchurch weather can swing between hot and cold quickly.
- Save the drives to Akaroa or the Port Hills tracks for when you know you'll enjoy a longer day together.
Common questions
What's a good free first date in Christchurch?
Try the Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park, Godley Head and Taylors Mistake, or Sumner Beach. They cost nothing, so add a coffee or an ice cream and you've got an easy first date.
What can you do on a rainy first date in Christchurch?
Try Riverside Market, Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū or the Tannery. They work whatever the weather.
How do you pick a first date spot halfway between you in Christchurch?
Use Meet in the middle in Matcha. Choose coffee, drinks or food and a time, and it suggests a café, bar or restaurant about halfway between you, without either of you sharing where you live.