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Christchurch is bordered by hills and the Pacific Ocean, and is situated on the
edge of the Canterbury plains stretching to the Southern Alps. It is centred in
an area of tremendous geographical contrast.
Much of the city´s area has been set aside for parks, natural reserves and
recreation grounds. It is these, together with Christchurch´s splendid private
gardens, which give the city much of its essential character.
The city centre is comfortingly compact and the most delightful central feature
is the gently winding Avon river. On its grassy banks lined with poplars and weeping
willows, office workers and visitors join the street entertainers, seagulls and
ducks for lunch in the sun.
Christchurch´s special character is most obvious in its glorious parks and
gardens, which led it to win an International Garden City Award. A huge range
of recreation attractions offers a variety of things to do and see, and visitors
can enjoy active or more leisurely pursuits the whole year round.
Suitability
Nowhere else in the world can you experience such a variety of heart-stopping
thrills in one region. Throw yourself off high bridges with an elastic band
tied to your ankles in an exhilarating bungy jump, or mountain bike down “real”
mountains. Take a hot air balloon ride, take a small aircraft ride and land
on an ice-age glacier, go sky-diving, parapenting or paragliding. The Canterbury
region is the capital of ski in New Zealand and has over 10 ski
areas all within 2 1/2 hours drive from Christchurch International Airport.
There are commercial fields and club fields, or why not try heli-skiing.
Canterbury is rapidly developing a world class reputation as a wine growing
region. Either go on your own, or join a planned wine trail and mix your wine
with some of the best food and accommodation the region has to offer.
With over fifty golf courses, from inner city to mountain peaks, and a couple
of exclusive international golfing resorts, Canterbury is a golfer´s heaven.
Accommodation
Christchurch city offers a full range of accommodation from international-standard
hotels to boutique hotels, motels, bed and breakfast and backpacker hostels. Put
your feet up. Put your head down. Stay awhile. We´ve got the accommodation
in Christchurch and Canterbury to suit. Hotels, motels, luxury lodges, bed and
breakfast, holiday parks, camping grounds, backpackers. There´s one that´s just
right for you.
Water
Ride the rapids on a whitewater raft on the Rangitata River; travel down the
Waimakariri River in a speeding jet boat; cruise the inlets and bays of beautiful
Banks Peninsula; kayak your way round clear mountain lakes or along rugged coastal
waters.
Combine a fishing trip with a back country hiking experience, or take a charter
boat along the Kaikoura coastline. Lake, stream, offshore or deep sea fishing
- it is all available in Canterbury. Fish for brown trout, rainbow trout or
salmon in one of the braided rivers winding through the Ashburton or Timaru
districts.
Relax in the therapeutic waters of Hanmer Springs just 90 minutes from Christchurch.
Shopping
New Zealand is famous for its quality wool, leather, deerskin, excellent outdoor
gear and unique blue pearl. Dedicated followers of fashion won´t be disappointed
as well known world brands and home grown fashion products are available in
the numerous malls and shopping areas. Kathmandu, Snowy Peak and Untouched World
are all Christchurch based international clothing brands.
If you´re looking for a unique shopping experience, entertainment, variety
or just a quiet coffee in a European style cafe you will find it and more in
the central city. You will also find over 300 shops; top international designer
labels, world-class New Zealand products, speciality stores and a huge range
of duty-free shops.
There is also a first-class array of suburban shopping malls and the South Island´s
only factory outlet shopping centre. For unique items and a special shopping
experience it´s hard to look past The Arts Centre and the Spanish colonial
splendour of New Regent Street.
Entertainment
There is never a dull moment in this very special city. From art galleries to
theatres, weekend markets to museums, there is a tempting taste of Christchurch´s
unique culture at every turn.
The Arts Centre, Christchurch Art Gallery, and the Town Hall all provide a focus
for the lively arts and entertainment scene, whilst a leisurely tram ride through
the city´s historic heart, a hot air balloon flight, or a trip on the
Gondola will reveal Christchurch in a whole new light. And because having fun
is such a priority, there is a host of varied and exciting attractions: Air
Force Museum, Science Alive, Ferrymead Heritage Park, Southern Encounter Aquarium
and Kiwi House, and the International Antarctic Centre are the ultimate in fun
learning experiences, whilst for animal lovers, Orana Park and Willowbank are
a must. For a change of pace, try a relaxing game of golf, then visit one of
the excellent cafe bars and restaurants or experience exclusive shopping in
the city centre. Finish off with an evening at the popular Christchurch Casino
and you will have captured the essence of Christchurch.
Eating
There´s a reason why Canterbury lamb has a worldwide reputation...It´s
a reason shared by crayfish (lobster) from Kaikoura...And also by succulent fresh
vegetables and herbs from Canterbury gardens... And what about the wines ... aaaaah
- the wines! The reason is simple - Taste! Pure, fresh, incomparable, unbeatable
taste.
Christchurch and Canterbury - where gourmands and gourmets, gastronomes and
gluttons gather!
Public Transport
Christchurch has one tram route and an extensive bus network, but most people
find the city compact enough to walk around.
Although Christchurch is a pretty easy city to walk around, you may need to take
a bus or two if you want to get across town or go to the train station, airport
or the good hitchhiking spots. Christchurch´s public transport system is
surprisingly efficient and most services run every 10 to 15 minutes.
Excursions
Experience unique and spectacular scenery on a South Island train ride. The Tranz
Alpine train, rated one of the top six journeys in the world, travels daily from
Christchurch to Greymouth (on the West Coast) through the magnificent Southern
Alps. The Tranz Coastal travels daily between Christchurch to the port of Picton,
where it connects with the Inter-Islander. The journey travels along the rugged
Pacific Ocean on one side and the steep mountains on the other. Both trains have
huge panoramic windows and an open air viewing platform. Enjoy spectacular Canterbury
scenery by one of dozens of different tours, by road, rail, or four wheel drive.
Location
Located on the east coast of the South Island, Christchurch - just like the
rest of New Zealand - is a city of contrasts.
Position
East Coast, South Island, New Zealand
Area: Christchurch City: 45,240 Hectares
Contact Information
Website: www.christchurch.org.nz
Serving Airports
Airport: Christchurch International Airport
Airport Code:
Flight Time from the UK: 26 hours
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