Welcome To Christchurch
THE GARDEN City
When English settlers founded Christchurch in the mid 1800s, they designed it as a little England far from home. More than 150 years later, this identity is still a significant part of the city's character. Trams clang along tree-lined streets and paved boulevards and alongside the banks of a weaving river in the heart of the city linking the main attractions, contained neatly within a square formed by four avenues.
Nick-named ‘the garden city', lush, tranquil garden and park settings are around every corner, whether it's Hagley Park, the 395 acre park left untouched in the centre of the city, Dean's Bush, the native forest situated at the preserved homestead of Christchurch's founding family, or the huge oaks and copper beeches of the botanic gardens in the stunning central historic precinct. Visit the museum, which displays a breathtaking array of archaic Maori stone tools, and the Arts Centre, both located in the some of the most stunning stone buildings constructed by early settlers. Be there for the weekend market, when you can see an array of local arts and crafts for sale and sample a delicious range of ethnic-inspired and locally-made cuisines. Stroll down Worcester Boulevard to experience a contrasting side to the Christchurch arts scene-the modern glass architecture of the new art gallery is a reminder that the South Island's largest city is not living in the past.
You can jump on one of the city's iconic trams outside the Arts Centre and enjoy a meal while seeing the sights of the Garden City, and come to a stop right outside the most famous and stunning structure on Christchurch's skyline, the cathedral. Opened in 1881, the interior of the Cathedral is just as stunning as its imposing exterior, as is the view from the top of the spire, 63m from the ground. Take a relaxing boat ride down the Avon River or a hot air balloon ride over the patchwork fields of the Canterbury Plains at dawn.
Residents and winter visitors are also lucky enough to have access to over 13 skifields all within two hours drive of the city. Visit the famous Mt Hutt; the closest to Christchurch, Porter Heights; the stunning Mt Lyford or stay in Hanmer Springs if you want to be right on the doorstep of Hanmer Springs/Amuri skifield.
Before you leave, visit the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve and the International Antarctic Centre, both located close to the airport and the Kiwi Campers depot. Willowbank is a great near-natural environment to see the native wildlife you may not come across in the wild. Here you will find the largest and most accessible place to see our endangered national icon, the kiwi. Willowbank also offers a Maori cultural experience: Ko Tane. It focuses on culture, history and local Maori interaction with the native environment, and includes a traditional Maori welcome, a performance with haka and poi dancing, a wildlife tour and a hangi meal.
As one of the closest cities to the South Pole, Christchurch is the base for Antarctic explorers from all over the world. At the International Antarctic Centre, you can learn anything you ever wanted to know about the great icy continent. Be a part of the Snow and Ice Experience, take a ride on the snowmobile and see Little Blue Penguins.
Lyttelton
Drive through the tunnel to Lyttelton to experience the unique hospitality of Christchurch's charming port town, and from here take the day to explore the many bays set against the backdrop of the Port Hills. Formed by volcanic activity thousands of years ago, these small, picturesque harbours follow a long, winding road around the coastal part of the city.
Waipara wine region
On the way to or from Christchurch you will pass through the countryside of the Waipara region, Canterbury's main wine producing area, scattered with dozens of vineyards and gourmet wineries and restaurants.
Hanmer Springs
Also only an hour and a half from Christchurch is the mountain village of Hanmer Springs, situated to the north at the foot of the Southern Alps. Try bungy jumping, jet boating, rafting, horse trekking in the mountains or sit and relax in the famous thermal pools, rated as some of the New Zealand's best.
Akaroa
If you want to venture further, take a trip to Akaroa or its surrounding bays and villages. Founded by French settlers, this seaside town has a personality all of its own that will make you feel much further than 90 minutes away from a bustling city. Akaroa is a popular holiday destination for Christchurch residents, famous for fine food, wine, cheeses and fishing spots. Take a boat ride out around the bay to see the world's rarest dolphin, the Hectors Dolphin, come out to play.
The Christchurch Cathedral in Cathedral Square, Christchurch