Facilities and Activities

FACILITIES

Thanks to all of those lovely folk who have been so hospitable over the years, we have incorporated some of your fabulous ideas into the experience that is WISH!

THESE INCLUDE

  • Really comfortable beds with 1000 thread count 100% cotton sheets, lots of pillows and quality rugs and comforters.
  • Rooms that have a local flavour... we have original Contemporary NZ art displayed throughout WISH!
  • Fully tiled Guest bathroom with a Bath. (Great for those travelling with children)
  • Large and small towels and Bathrobes for adults.
  • Complimentary natural/organic bathroom supplies from local soap makers.
  • Fresh Flowers.
  • Free postcards and note paper.
  • Magazines and books for you to relax with.
  • Local maps, information and discount taxi cards.
  • Fridge in your room with bottled water and glasses.
  • Family friendly touches... toys/entertainment/activities for children, on-site child minding by arrangement at a reasonable cost.
  • Snacks and tasty apples are provided.
  • Tea, coffee for you to relax with as you settle in.
  • Mostly organic continental style breakfast at a time you choose between 7-9 am.
  • Flexible check-in/check-out whenever possible- if you have an early flight we can provide a snack breakfast box to take with you. (Usually we ask that you check out between 8am and 10am and check in after 3pm but before 11pm.)
  • Totally non-smoking and no animals.
  • Computer available for e-mails, Plasma TV available if you have time!
  • Interaction and local knowledge from your hosts... as much or a little as you need.

Other Notes...

  • Your party will have exclusive use of WISH! We have two queen-sized rooms with a shared bathroom in between. Ideal for families or two couples travelling together.
  • We have parking for your campervan if you just feel the need for a night with a little bit of luxury.
  • We are happy to have Bands and WWOOFers stay with us and will trade to cover costs.
  • We recommend at least 2-3 days exploring Christchurch.

ACTIVITIES

Christchurch is a value added destination. There are so many activities that are free or low cost and most are within an easy day's drive or bus ride.

  • You can walk or catch a bus to most tourist attractions within the city... no need to hire a car for the first two days at least.

  • There are plenty of free activities -The New Arts Centre Markets, The Botanic Gardens,The Re-Start MAll, The Museum,  Mona Vale Rose Gardens, Riccarton Bush, The Catholic Cathedral, some local walks to Sign of The Kiwi or over The Bridle Path to Lyttelton or along The Port Hills or Avon River have re opened and there are Art Galleries reopening daily and lots of playgrounds for children.

  • The local beaches are 10-20 minutes by bus or car  from the City.

  • Eating out is really economical... ask us about great deals and vouchers. It can even be free- look out for the Food Not Bombs kitchen around town-mostly on Sundays.

  • Go wine and olive oil tasting in Waipara... there really is no obligation to buy but you will want to!

  • Take a day trip to the French Colonial Village Akaroa -  Visit The Little River Café and Gallery, The Craft Station, Barry's Bay Cheeses, The Hill Top or even The CCTHW Meditation Temple on the way...all are free to enter.

  •  Go through the very long Lyttelton tunnel check out the maritime history at The Museum and then explore the bays- look out for the amazing bird and wildlife- especially the Hector's Dolphins.(The world's smallest and rarest.)

  • Day trips by bus, train or car to the Hanmer Hot Pools, Kaikoura for Whale Watching or The Westcoast or even Mt Aoraki (Mt Cook) are really enjoyable and relaxing too.

  • There are two farmers markets... Friday in The Arts Centre or Saturday at Riccarton House and heaps of speciality food stores for yummy local supplies.

  • Live music thrives in Christchurch and most venues have free entry. Some well know or out of town bands may be a charge but it is usually under $NZ 20 and worth every cent! Bands need to live too! 

  • The international Airport is just 20 minutes from the city - shuttles and buses cost from $NZ7/person.

Other activities in and around Christchurch

  • Punting on The Avon River

  • The Antarctic Centre

  • Orana Wildlife Park

  • Willowbank

  • Skiing - Mt Hutt is an easy day trip.

  • Surfing- Sumner has a surf school.

  • Diving with the dolphins

  • Wildlife Cruises

  • Bungy Jumping

  • Tram ride around the city

  • Gondola ride

  • Casino

  • Visiting the factory shops for quality Merino products

  • Hot Air Ballooning

  • Alpine Safaris

  • Skydiving

  • Lord of The Rings Tour

  • Hands on Helicopter flight

  • Jet boating on The Waimakariri River

  • Airforce museum

  • Ferrymead historic village and railway

  • Drive a Tank

  • Paddle a waka

  • Go to the Rugby

  • Enjoy a massage or Day Spa experience

  • Have a picnic in a park

  • Go the the movies.

  • Eat out at one of the great CHCH eateries...there is something for every taste and budget

Or relax at Wish with a glass of local wine and a platter of organic spreads and cheeses!

Need to know more? Just ASK! or visit The Information Centre near the Museum