A five-minute walk to Victoria Street brings you to the Christchurch Casino - definitely a great night out - whether it is full on gaming or a dining experience at the Grand Cafe which serves contempory cuisine.

In the opposite direction from the Randolph, away from the city center, is Merivale Mall, perfect for those seeking a quality shopping experience. The mall has a number of high-end fashion retail stores, which will keep you entertained for hours.

Merivale also has a huge selection of takeaway bars and delicatessen shops, quality restaurants and cafes to cater for all tastes and appetites. Enjoy a drink beside the outdoor pond at Brewers Arms or dine out at one of Christchurch' finest Italian restaurants - Tutto Bene. Wherever you choose, you will not be disappointed.

The Randolph is also within close proximity to two large shopping complexes - Northlands and Westfield Riccarton. Both have over 100 shops, food courts and multi cinemas.

Near Westfield Mall is the Riccarton Bush reserve where you can amble along a 2 km boardwalk through the only area of native forest left in Christchurch. The area features over 400 kahikatea trees, New Zealand's tallest tree, and is a safe haven for native birds. At the start of the walk is Deans Cottage, built in 1844; it is the oldest remaining building in Canterbury, and homestead of the famous Deans pioneer family.

On the northern side of the city are Willowbank Native Reserve, Orana Wildlife Park and the Antarctic Centre. Willowbank prides itself on its conservation and rehabilitation of rare and endangered species while Orana Park is New Zealand's only open range zoo, set in 80 hectares and home to over 400 animals representing 70 species.

The Antarctic Centre has twice been judged New Zealand's best attraction and features a snow and ice experience, an all-terrain Haggland ride, and over 30 little blue penguins in a state of the art facility. Transport to the Centre is provided by the Penguin Express shuttle, which can be caught at the bus stop outside Randolph Apartments.

For the more adventurous there is the ballooning experience. Canterbury's geography and climate are ideal for ballooning. What better way to see Canterbury than early in the morning floating over farm land for an hour with the Southern Alps on one side and the sea on the other. Up Up and Away operate five of the largest and most advanced balloons in the country every day of the year weather permitting.