Attractions

We are surrounded by a selection of restaurants and Cafes including Dux n Dine, winner of the Peoples Choice Awards, Arjee Bharjee, Thai Orchid, Thai Chef… just to name a few. Aalton Motel is located close to Hagley Park, 165 hectares of parkland, including beautiful floral displays, the world-class botanic gardens, the cricket oval, netball centre, and the Ilex cafe/function rooms, plus walking, running, and biking tracks. Regular guided tours are conducted throughout the year, except winter.

Riccarton Bush is also located close to Aalton Motel, with 12 hectares of native forest reserve, beautiful gardens, and a historic homestead. On Saturday mornings Riccarton Bush hosts a Farmers’ Market, with local fruit and veg growers, butchers, bakers, brewers, baristas, winemakers, cheesemakers, and farmers selling their wares in a lively atmosphere.

The historic Victorian homestead Mona Vale is also close to Aalton Motel. Surrounded by 5.5 hectares of English gardens, mature trees, and a lily pond, Mona Vale is an idyllic place to meander. Christchurch City’s rebuild is going ahead in leaps and bounds, with new buildings, shops, and businesses opening up regularly.

The Cardboard Cathedral is another popular destination in Christchurch. The 700-seater cathedral was designed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban. Orana Wildlife Park, with its array of exotic animals, including lions, cheetahs, and giraffes, and Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, with its native birds, including kiwis, and other wildlife, are popular attractions for all members of the family. At the International Antarctic Centre, visitors can play on snow and ice and see the little blue penguins.