Staying at Hotel Montreal puts you right at the heart of Christchurch's best activities. From art and cultural to nature and nightlife, here is a guide to a diverse range of experiences all just a short walk from your accommodation.

1. Attend live performances and explore cultural landmarks

• One New Zealand Stadium: Hotel Montreal, is conveniently located walking distance, just 1.5km from the brand new One New Zealand Stadium,
• Christchurch Art Gallery (Te Puna o Waiwhetu): A striking gallery showcasing a diverse collection of contemporary and traditional art from New Zealand and beyond.
• The Isaac Theatre Royal: This beautifully restored heritage theatre hosts a variety of performances, from live music to plays.
  
• Christchurch Town Hall: Known for it's world class acoustics, the Town Hall is a premier venue for orchestras, choirs, and concerts.
  
• The Piano: An intimate venue with superb acoustics, offering a mix of smaller individual and small group live music events.
  
• The Great Hall: The historic venue within the Arts Centre hosts regular lunchtime and evening concerts featuring local and visiting musicians.
  
• SCAPE Public Art: Discovering contemporary sculptures and public art installations within walking distance across the city, transforming Christchurch's streets into an open-air gallery. Hotel Montreal is a SCAPE host. Find the trail online.
  

2. Wander through scenic parks and gardens

Christchurch's central parks and gardens offer a tranquil escape, perfect for a leisurely walk or peaceful afternoon outdoors.

• Hagley Park: As one of the largest urban parks, it provides open green spaces, scenic walking paths, and even the chance to play a round of golf at the Hagley Golf Club. Hotel Montreal offers complimentary bike hire. Or for a small extra
  fee, explore further: Hotel Montreal has electric bikes for hire. Alternatively, you can walk til you’re tired and hire a Lime scooter to return or use a scooter explore Hagley Park paths in a fun way (best to download & install the app first).
• Christchurch Botanic Gardens: The gardens are a stunning showcase of native and exotic plants, vibrant seasonal flower displays, and serene water features. With themed areas like the Rose Garden and New Zealand Garden, the gardens are a wonderful place to rejuvenate the spirit. In Summer, the Council often hosts live music in the gardens on Sunday afternoons. The Curator’s House and Ilex are two lovely spots for tapas or lunch.
• Antigua Boat Sheds: For a unique view of the Botanic Gardens, take a peaceful punt ride along the Avon River or hire a canoe. The Avon River is a central feature of Christchurch and is pretty shallow.
• Victoria Square: A restored and rejuvenated historic park with fountains, statues, and manicured gardens, Victoria Square offers a peaceful setting for a relaxed stroll along the Avon River and nearby shops.
• Margaret Mahy Playground: if you have young children, this playground is a wonderful spot to burn some energy.

3. Indulge in shopping and local finds

Enjoy Christchurch's shopping scene, which includes everything from high-end stores to unique local boutiques:

• Ballantynes: Discover luxury fashion, homewares, and more at New Zealand’s oldest department store. The Contemporary Lounge upstairs includes a range of international designer brands.
• The Crossing: This modern shopping precinct offers a mix of international and local brands, ideal for a leisurely shopping day.
• New Regent Street: A picturesque heritage street filled with boutique shops and cafes, making it perfect for a charming afternoon of browsing.
• Five Lanes: Explore Five Lanes in the BNZ Centre, offering a range of unique eateries, boutiques, and specialty shops such as Scorpio Books, ideal for a leisurely shopping and dining experience in the heart of the city.
• Victoria St: just one block from your hotel, you’ll find some upmarket home stores like Corvocado for relaxed contemporary Scandi cane, timber and leather furniture; ECC lighting showroom; Matisse, and Citta Merivale. Mexicano’s is a lively casual restaurant just a block from Hotel Montreal.
  

4. Experience Christchurch's nightlife

Christchurch has a dynamic nightlife scene, with cozy bars, live music, and more:

• The Montreal Bar & Restaurant: For a relaxed evening, unwind at Hotel Montreal's outdoor space with outdoor fireplace. Thomas often arranges live music on Friday nights.
• The Last Word: A cozy whisky and cocktail bar on New Regent Street, ideal for a nightcap.
• Gin Gin: A tiny gin bar on New Regent Street, offering unique gin cocktails in a cozy, lush setting—perfect for a memorable night out.
• OGB: Set in the historic Old Government Buildings, OGB is known for its outdoor live music and classic cocktails in a heritage building.
• The Austin Club: Step into the 1920s at this hidden speakeasy, where live jazz and vintage cocktails create an unforgettable atmosphere.
• Christchurch Casino: Try your luck at the casino, which offers gaming, dining, and entertainment just a short walk from Hotel Montreal.
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5. Savor culinary delights

Christchurch's food scene is diverse, with options to suit every palate. Here are a few of must-visit lunch spots:

• Riverside Market: This lively market features local vendors offering a range of fresh produce and international dishes. It’s a great spot to sample different flavours in one place.
• Little High Eatery: A vibrant food collective with a mix of small eateries serving up everything from sushi to wood-fired pizzas. Each member of the party can get the genre of their choice and dine at shared tables.
• The Terrace: Dine along the Avon River at one of the terrace's stylish bistros or restaurants, where you can enjoy scenic river views, ideal for a relaxing lunch or evening out. Roca gets my vote. Chiwahwah is a popular Mexican Cantina. King of Snake’s Asian Fusion has a cult following. Definitely book at these to secure a table.

6. Discover local architecture

Christchurch’s architectural flair and historic charm shine through its streets:

• Christchurch Tram: The tram route is a great way to view the blend of English and newer contemporary buildings built after the earthquake.
• New Regent Street: This beautiful Spanish Mission-style art deco street is home to boutique shops, cafes, and colourful architecture, perfect for a photo-worthy stroll. Rollicking Gelato is a favourite for ice-cream. The street is lit up beautifully at night too.
• The Arts Centre: originally the university for the city, this fabulous historic complex has been nearly fully restored. Find artisan hand crafted souvenirs at Frances Nation upstairs, check out the latest exhibition at a range of art galleries or view artefacts at the Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities, or buy a treat at Fudge Cottage.