Day tripping

Oft considered more English than England, Christchurch, New Zealand’s oldest city offers a preferable moderate climate, fresh contemporary Antipodean cuisine and a host of outdoor activities in and about the city limits. The Sydney Morning Herald’s Tricia Welsh spends 24 hours in Christchurch and writes about her day, suggesting travellers begin “at the very Italian Caffé Roma overlooking the Avon”, before taking a leisurely 3-minute punt. Then, “to get an idea of an extraordinary remote icy continent”, Welsh takes a free shuttle to the International Antarctic Centre. Later, for “a cleansing ale”, Welsh suggests trying the “local brews” at The Twisted Hop, a micro-brewery that makes a range of beers such as English-style Golding Bitter and a dark malty “Twisted Ankle”. And for dinner, book a table at The Bicycle Thief overlooking Latimer Square or “delicious authentic and contemporary Thai food at Keo Thai in Merivale”.