An advantage of having your own mode of transport while staying in Christchurch has to be the freedom to go and see what you want, when you want and for as long as you want!

If you are planning a visit to Christchurch (or around the South Island) check out the affordable Rental Vehicles on offer here, from petrol friendly little cars that are easy to navigate around Christchurch city through to spacious people movers and stationwagons ideal for carting the family (or golf clubs) around!

There are many suburbs and locations around Canterbury that offer a lot for visitors to see and do, however a lot of visitors are unaware of these suburbs and what they can offer...

The Strip
Okay, so you can easily walk from the Wheels Rent-A-Car Christchurch depot, but there are loads of carparking buildings scattered throughout the inner city and the council has provided loads of easy to find (and read) signage to assist you in finding a nearby carpark building.

The Strip is the central hub of wining, dining and exciting night-life for the city. Along The Strip you will find a row of fabulous restaurants offering an array of delicious breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and late dining options. Coffee or cocktails, quiet brunch or late night clubbing, it's all here on 'The Strip'.

High Street
For the discerning fashion shopper visiting Christchurch, High Street is a 'must see'! An amazing range of unique designers offering original streetwear, ball gowns and stunning couture to suit the taste and budget of any shopper! If you need a pick-me-up there is a choice of iconic cafes including Java, C1 and The Globe, all offering their own quirky touch on the cafe scene but guaranteed fantastic coffee!

Merivale
Surrounded by some of the plushest suburbs in Christchurch, Merivale attracts a more discerning crowd who enjoy the best - and are quite happy to pay for it!

Merivale Mall is fully enclosed and is home to some of the city's top fashion stores, including Kimberleys and Quinns as well as a collection of newer boutique clothing stores along the main street frontage. A smaller version of 'The Strip'(but more in a square!) offers a wonderful range of dining and drinking options for anytime of the day or night! Thursday nights at Zanzibar is still a popular place to meet people, however leave the car at your motel and grab a taxi instead!

Riccarton
Riccarton Road has to be the busiest street in Christchurch with bumper-to-bumper traffic during peak travelling times, so if you are planning on a visit to the huge Westfield shopping mall, give yourself a bit more time to get there!

Westfield Riccarton is huge by shopping standards and visitors can enjoy all the top well known fashion stores, there is also an extensive food court area, a supermarket and Hoyts movie theatre.

Papanui
Papanui Road offers a huge selection of motels and hotels, all with off street parking for your rental vehicle.

Northlands Mall is a modern mall, smaller to Westfield Riccarton, but it still offers a lot of good shopping, a food court, supermarket and Hoyts movie theatre.

Sumner
During hot summery weekends you'll know you are on the right road to Sumner when the traffic is bumper to bumper (mostly with convertibles driving to the beach with the roof down!).

This seaside suburb has a lovely sandy beach and a selection of terrific cafes and restaurants. For a true 'Kiwi' experience that wont break the bank, buy some local fish and chips and sit on the beach to enjoy!