Christchurch, New Zealand

Gyms - Christchurch gyms vary from small rehab specialists to major commercials and women only gyms. Most accept casual visitors at around $10 -15.00 a session

Swimming pools - mostly indoor pools, and a few outdoor pools open during summer months only. Best value - City County Leisure Centres. $5.00 admisson gives you access to pools, spa saunas and steam rooms. For a low impact workout go aquajogging at QE2 or Aquagym.

Walking, Jogging, Rollerblading, Cycling -  A great way to combine exercise and sightseeing. Try the inner city walking routes and cycleways. Or take to the wide open spaces on walking and jogging tracks around the hills. Maps at the Information Centre, Cathedral Square or City Council offices.

Mountain Biking - Enjoy spectacular views from the network of Port Hills tracks. Mountain Bike hire from $25.00 - $40.00 a day

Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Qigong and Meditation - Visitors are welcome at most centres

There's an abundance of golf courses in and around the city, and several driving ranges. Within 30 minutes of the city centre you can enjoy rock climbing, kayaking, horse riding, hang gliding and some great surf beaches.

In winter Christchurch is the gateway to popular ski and snow board areas.

Visitor accommodation and lodgings range from luxury hotels, apartments, motels, bed and breakfast through to hostels and backpackers.

Vegetarian, vegan, organic and gluten free eating out - there's lots of tasty vegetarian fare on offer if you know where to find it. Vegetarian or "vegetarian friendly" menus are becoming trendy and there's an increasing use of organic ingredients.  If you're stuck in a fast food addiction try the low fat and vegetarian versions

Organic and gluten free retailers, suppliers and bakers - Plenty of choice around town. Farmers markets offer fresh organic produce. Specialist

retailers and supermarkets stock imported and locally produced

organics. Gluten free products available at most supermarkets or can be bought direct from bakeries.

A travellers guide to keeping fit and healthy eating away from home.Whether you are visiting  on business or holiday,  back packer, corporate traveller or tourist, Christchurch offers you a wealth of easily accessible exercise and keep fit options.

From swimming pools and aquajogging, mountain biking and on road cycling, roller blading or in line skating, jogging, trail running, golf, yoga, pilates, through to gyms and health clubs.

If you're eating out there's a choice of  restaurants and cafes serving vegetarian and organic and gluten free options

If you're self catering you will find a wide range of Heart Foundation approved  low fat, low salt products as well as certified organic produce in supermarkets and specialist health food
shops

            

Quik 'N Easy A Healthy Walk around the central city – three 45 minute City Walks taking in historical & cultural sites. Maps at the Cathedral Square Visitor Centre   Quik 'n Healthy Brunch Plenty of low carb, low gi, high protein salads -around $5.50 small $8.00 large.  Salads Served from 10am Juices, Smoothies $5.50- $6.50 Cheapest wheat grass shots in town $3.00 Reload Juice Bar, The Crossing, 690 Colombo St Mon - Sat 8am - 6pm Sun 10am - 5pm & at The Palms Shoppnig Centre, Shirley   A Short Walk( or Jog) on the Esplanade At Sumner, trendy seaside suburb 20 mins from city centre. Shag Rock to Scarborough approx 2kms. Join the morning walkers and joggers. Best to begin and end halfway at Cave Rock. Enjoy a latte at one of the beachside cafes   Quik 'n easy Central City Cycle Tour Through Hagley Park to Mona Vale, historic homestead set in English gardens on the River Avon. Lunch or morning and afternoon teas available.. Mountain Bike Adventures deliver and collect bikes free $25 1/2 Day (4 hours) $35 Full Day 0800 424 534   Paddle your own canoe - or rowboat From historic Antigua Boatshed through Christchurch's superb Botanic Gardens. Canoe $14/hr Kayak $15/hr Rowboat $20/hr   A Quik Pick me Up Try the spa, sauna or steam room at Centennial Pool. In Armagh Street conveniently close to the Square Great value at $5.00   Anyone for Tennis Social tennis every Monday & Wednesday 6.00 - 8.00pm $8.00 Rackets supplied. Hagley Park Tennis Club. Everyone welcome. You dont have to be good. Call Mark Belcher 348 6108 or 0274 986 363   Vegan Delight Quik lunch at Gravity Cafe and Deli, hidden away in an appealing little warren of Victorian alleys and courtyards. All vegan savoury menu $4.95 - $8.95. Salads, Vegan Burgers, Organic juices. Cotters Lane, 158 High Street.   Yoga 'n Vegies 1 hour session Hatha yoga $15.00. Includes generous vegetarian meal. 6.00pm Monday-Thursdays Govindas Vegetarian Restaurant, 602 Colombo Street