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You can of course use the gondola to go up to the ridge of the Port Hills at any time during the day, and the views over the city, or down the other side to Lyttelton Harbour, are superb. And hiring a bike there to speed back down is a thrill, albeit a mild one by NZ standards. But getting up there just before dusk, in time to see the sun set across the plains and the city lights come on, well, it’s romantic enough to bring a tear to an All Black’s eye. And the food is worth staying for too.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11646 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11645 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11645 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11644 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11644 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11643 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11643 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11588
Situated behind the Arts Centre in tree-lined grounds, it’s the perfect place for an afternoon pint of their own brew while sitting outside in the sun.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11588 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11587
Located in a gaudy red and yellow art deco building, with cheap formica tables and Mex-influenced menu, the Volcano and its Lava Bar buzz with an energy lacking in most city centre eateries. Maybe Lyttelton is where Christchurchians go to get their groove on.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11587 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11586
Check out the stale-beer carpet, or decor seemingly designed with fistfights in mind. Don’t even think about the food.

All of which make The Bohemian, by the banks of the River Avon, all the more enjoyable to discover. The beech and brick decor create a warm atmosphere, the food is delicious (the antipasto plate is superb), and you can even sit on the street outside in the summer.

How very continental.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11586 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11585
A swinging band provide the thumping beat, and salsa dancers bump and grind on the packed dancefloor. Let the cerveza and salsa flow.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11585 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11584 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11584 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11583
Dining on good solid fare while the old Victorian tram makes its stately progress through the streets and parks of Christchurch is about as far from extreme as you can get, and all the better for it.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11583 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11581 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11581 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11580
This place is hidden away down a dead-end street, so it’s one of those Swingers-style places that you need to be in-the-know to find. The music is pretty swinging too, and it’s buzzing at the weekends.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11580