Christchurch

1. Sumner

With the beach as its main attraction, Sumner is a neighbourhood to spend a lazy day, especially over the weekends. On most days, expect to see elderlies, families or surfers flocking to the beach to enjoy the sunny day. There are also many holiday homes in Sumner that face the beach, making it a great place to spend a short vacation.

2. Ferrymead

Located close on the way to Sumner, Ferrymead is home to a majority of Christchurch's most popular cafes, shopping outlets and restaurants. Tourists will also find several accommodation options to choose from. This part of the city mainly became popular after most commercial establishments shifted here after the earthquake in 2011.

3. Cashmere

Towards the southern end of Christchurch, Cashmere is a great area, away from the crowded locales of the city, to spend some leisurely time. With a village-like setting replete with old heritage buildings, this neighbourhood is a fantastic choice for history buffs. There are also some excellent cafes and restaurants to choose from, making Cashmere well worth the time for a visit.

4. St Albans

Located within walking distance from the city centre, St Albans is a quiet area of the city which is home to many parks. St Albans Park and Malvern Park are two popular parks in this vicinity.

1. Customs check is tough when entering New Zealand. There are strict laws on prohibited items that cannot be brought from international shores. Read the form carefully about what to not carry on your trip to avoid any inconveniences and delays after landing.

2. It is recommended to get the Metrocard (NZD 10) and top it up to use when using the public transport system in Christchurch. Using the MetroCard can save up to 50% in daily travel costs.

3. The weather can be unpredictable. Even though it might look like a cloudy day, it can quickly turn sunny, making it easy to get sunburnt if not careful. Make sure to pack sunscreen and protective sunglasses, and headgear.

4. New Zealand follows the left-hand drive system. Learn the basic rules if you plan on renting a car when in Christchurch.

5. Internet access is not widely available in New Zealand, which also holds true in Christchurch. Sometimes cafes or other public spots might not offer WiFi or have weak coverage. It is recommended to bring along or subscribe to a cellular plan with strong internet coverage in the country. 

6. Ubers are cheaper as compared to local taxis. But fares over long distances can also be high for Uber taxis as well.

7. Remember to carry a water bottle. Drinking water from public and hotel taps is safe in New Zealand. It is a great way to save costs by not buying packaged drinking water.

8. Private rooms in budget hotels and AirBnBs are almost similarly priced. Try and look for the best deals on highly rated accommodation options well before a trip. Find the best deals at bookme.co.nz on both tours and hotel rooms.