6 Dec 2023
Hong Kong by day and night
We’re excited to let travellers know that this December, Cathay Pacific is resuming their direct Ōtautahi Christchurch – Hong Kong summer service. With three flights per week from 16 December 2023 through to 29 February 2024, it’s a fantastic way to see more of the world.
In anticipation of the route re-opening, we’ve rounded up some of Hong Kong’s most popular attractions. Think stunning natural vistas, dazzling streetscapes, vibrant markets and local culture... With so much to discover by day or by night, you’ll need to save your sleeping for the plane!
Day:
See breath-taking views from The Peak
For a brilliant perspective of Hong Kong, head up to Victoria Peak. This iconic destination offers mind-blowing views of skyscrapers, the harbour, Kowloon peninsula and the mountains beyond. Hop on the tram for a dizzying ride up the mountainside, or put your sneakers on and hike up the Morning Trail. At sunset, watch the sky turn pink and the city transform into a constellation of stars, which brings us to…
Night:
Feast on the city’s finest
Travellers need to eat, and Hong Kong’s vibrant medley of bars and restaurants won’t disappoint. Start your evening with dim sum and noodles from one of the myriad of street vendors, or treat yourself to some of the world’s best fine dining. Hunger satisfied, it’s time to taste the libations on offer. Sample agave spirits at the COA (#1 on Asia’s Best Bars list for three consecutive years), enjoy conceptual cocktails at Argo, or experience sultry jazz and drinks at DarkSide. There’s no need to go to bed too soon!
Day:
Climb the steps up to the Big Buddha
Work off your previous evening’s indulgence with a pilgrimage up the 268 steps to the Big Buddha. This majestic 34-metre-tall bronze statue sits in solemn contemplation atop the peak of Mount Muk Yue. While there, explore nearby Po Lin Monastery and Ngong Ping Village. Accessed by a 25-minute cable car ride, you can let your mind wander as you look across Lantau Island’s green hills to the glittering South China Sea beyond.
Night:
Enjoy a Hong Kong night bus tour
Sit back and be whisked around the city on an open-top bus. Explore famous landmarks and iconic attractions on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon as you take in the city’s enchanting night scenery. With three routes to choose from and a cost of just HK$20 to hop aboard, it’s a great way to see the city at night. You might just be tempted to do all three!
Day:
Explore local neighbourhoods by foot
Spend a day wandering amongst the city’s unique neighbourhoods, where traditional craftsmanship, historic buildings and authentic shopping experiences contrast with the fast-emerging international arts and culture scene. From West Kowloon to Central’s backstreets, the Graham Street wet market to Sham Shui Po’s traditionally working-class neighbourhood, each district has its own special charm.
Night:
Ooh and ahh at A Symphony of Lights
For a spectacular audio-visual experience, don’t miss Hong Kong’s nightly ‘A Symphony of Lights’, which kicks off every evening at 8pm. Watch it from the water’s edge along Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, from the deck of a harbour cruise or perched above the city in a sky-high restaurant. The choreographed spectacle lasts about 10 minutes and features 40 buildings, countless lights, lasers and LED screens.
Day:
Feel the whoosh at theme parks
Take the littlies to Hong Kong’s homegrown Ocean Park. This family-friendly theme park has been entertaining kids and adults alike for over 40 years and boasts an array of animal encounters, carnival games and scream-inducing rollercoaster rides. Alternatively, head to Disneyland where you can meet iconic characters, enjoy the rides at Space Mountain and Toy Story Land, and explore the newly open Frozen.
Night:
Take in a Cantonese Opera
A spectacle for all ages, these theatrical performances of stories and legends are enshrined in Hong Kong’s popular culture. For the ultimate experience, see one at the Xiqu Centre. With singing, acrobatic fighting, vivid backdrops and elaborate costumes all part of the show, you’re in for a multi-sensory theatrical feast!
Day:
Shop ‘til you drop
From street markets to glitzy malls to haute couture, Hong Kong is a shopper’s paradise. If you’ve got a few dollars to spend, why not practice your haggling at an open-air street market? (Ladies, you won’t want to miss the Ladies Market) If malls are more your thing, you’re in the right place. Head to Harbour City, K11 Musea and Langham Palace, the Argyle Centre for street fashion or In’s Point for vintage collectibles. There’s something for absolutely everyone.
Night:
Cheer on your favourite horse at Happy Valley
Horse racing at Happy Valley is a piece of living history that has been around for nearly as long as Hong Kong itself. Head along to a lively Wednesday night race (on from September to July) and you’ve laid a sure bet for an entertaining evening. With cheap entry, plentiful snacks and drinks, and the roar of the crowd urging jockeys and horses on, it’s a truly electrifying experience.
Cathay Pacific is pleased to announce the return of their seasonal Christchurch-Hong Kong service with three flights per week from 15 December to 29 February 2024. Hong Kong’s home airline, Cathay Pacific has over 76 years of history and are a founding member of the Oneworld global alliance. They fly to over 200 destinations in 52 countries and Christchurch is the first seasonal flight they have reinstated since the pandemic. Cathay Pacific has one of the most modern long-haul fleets in the sky. On their Christchurch-Hong Kong route, they will be flying their state-of-the-art A350 which uses 25% less fuel than other aircraft models.