You could spend days wandering the streets of Christchurch and still have exciting things to discover. The northern CBD has some of the city’s most iconic sights, from the Gothic revival architecture of the Canterbury Provincial Council Buildings to Cambridge-style punters on the Avon. Restored electric trams rumble past inner-city terraced housing on the oh-so-English, tree-lined lawn of Cranmer Square. There’s always a festival or event to join in and plenty of wonderful cafés, restaurants and bars. Or sample some lovely local vino at one of the stylish riverside spots. A caffeine fix is never far away (do as the Bear does and prowl Victoria Square with a takeaway macchiato). The shopping’s great too. There are numerous excellent stores to choose from, including locally famous gift and fashion stores on Victoria Street. Travellers should check out the duty-free stores on Colombo Street north of the Square.

The southern CBD is retail central, so put on your favourite walking shoes and hit the shops (and if your feet start hurting, do as the Bear does – buy new shoes and keep on shopping!). From iconic department stores through to chic boutiques, here you can find just about anything you could possibly want. West of Cathedral Square, Worcester Boulevard will reward you with the sights and sounds of an atmospheric arts precinct. Over 150 years ago, Christchurch’s founders planned a unique cultural heart for the province of Canterbury, providing for education, art, science, government, religion, history and recreation within an area of less than one square kilometre, all entwined by the gently flowing Avon River and now a striking backdrop for ever-changing cultural activities. Today, stone buildings nestle alongside the leafy Botanic Garden and the stunning Christchurch Art Gallery injects contemporary style. The Cultural Precinct is easy to walk around or you can travel by tram.

South of the Square, Christchurch ups the ante with world-class High Street shopping and a network of charming little lanes where former industrial brick buildings now house bars, restaurants and boutiques. Take your time to explore this fabulous corner of the city!

victoria street Even the person who has everything is catered for in the high-end homeware and gift shops of the half-mile of style. Add great fashion boutiques, bars and eateries, and you’ve got a corner of the city that demands attention – like a certain big, extremely handsome Bear, eh?

the strip & cashel mall The pulsating heart of Christchurch houses establishments offering indoor and outdoor dining overlooking the Avon River. Most are open late at weekends, with tables moved aside to make room for dancing, while City Mall has specialty shops and iconic department stores.

high street & lichfield lanes Share the sidewalk with an eclectic mix of streetwise style mavens. The destination for dedicated fashionistas, here is where high-end fashion boutiques gravitate. Fortify yourself for your next foray into the fitting room at one of the super-cool local cafés or bars.

south of lichfield (sol) Walled by the red bricks of historic buildings, the atmospheric bars, cafés and nightclubs of SOL Square cater for all ages. A relaxed meeting place for locals and a popular venue for music and dance events, the entire area is alive well into the night.