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| Canterbury, South Island, New Zealand |
The friendly and welcoming university-city of Christchurch is often referred to as New Zealand’s ‘Garden City’, and is located just north of the midpoint on the east coast of the South Island. For air travellers Christchurch is the gateway to the South Island and is situated in an ideal location as the city offers easy access to all other regions of the South Island. The city is surrounded by the beautiful Canterbury Plains that are backed by the magnificent snow-capped Southern Alps, and lies close to the volcanic Port Hills which separates the city from the Banks Peninsula and the Pacific Ocean. It is the largest city on the South Island with a population of approximately 380,000, and the home to Environment Canterbury, the local government body which regulates the Canterbury Region, the largest region on the South Island.
Originally settled in the early 1840’s, the stylish and contemporary city of Christchurch exudes an English atmosphere which is a reflection of its conservative past. Originally planned by the Canterbury Pilgrims in 1848, the city revolves around the beautiful Christchurch Cathedral and the Cathedral Square, and is located on the banks of the meandering Avon River. Built on a generally flat area of land, Christchurch is easy to explore on foot although the heritage ‘Christchurch Tram’ still operates around a loop of the city for tourists. Home to many historic buildings, the wonderful Botanical Gardens and the open spaces of Hagley Park, the very interesting Canterbury Museum and Christchurch Art Gallery, Christchurch makes a great location to spend a few days exploring before heading off to some of the other enticing places in the surrounding countryside.
If sightseeing is your thing, Christchurch has some appealing historic buildings and places of interest, such as Christchurch Cathedral which stands as the centre of the city. Construction began on the Cathedral in 1864 using locally quarried stone, but it was not completed until 1873. The Cathedral contains a large stained-glass rose window and a 63 metre spire from which good views over the city can be enjoyed. There is also the impressive old ‘University of Christchurch’ complex that is comprised of 23 historic neo-Gothic styled buildings which are is a delight to explore, complete with sculptures, internal courtyards and colonnaded walkways. Today these buildings house the Arts Centre of Christchurch, which is the hub for arts, crafts and entertainment and at weekends comes alive with an arts and crafts market, food fair and entertainment that is fun for everyone. Standing close to the centre of town and adjacent to the Avon River are the Canterbury Provincial Council Buildings which were built 1858 to 1865 and includes the earlier wooden buildings that were once used as the original Council Chamber, and last but not least is the beautiful stone building which today contains the Canterbury Museum. This museum was built in 1867 and has grown to include displays of early Maori stories, European settlement and Antarctic exploration and is a delight to spend some time just walking around and absorbing the atmosphere. The museum is located at the entrance to the large and enjoyable Botanic Gardens which attracts walkers into its garden oasis that is comprised of 21 hectares of beautiful horticultural displays, several conservatories, memorials, garden art and walking tracks. After your walk, and if you need some refreshments, visit the museum which provides a well serviced cafe.
Christchurch has many places of interest, and things to do, some of which include – a ride on a heritage tram - a walk along the gently flowing Avon River along which the ‘pa’, or fortified village, of the Maori leader Tautahi once stood – a visit to the Ferrymead Heritage Park which features an early 1900’s Edwardian township where you can experience the sights and sounds of a bygone era – journey to the Antarctic via a visit to the International Antarctic Centre which has twice been voted New Zealand’s best attraction, and is located adjacent to the Christchurch International Airport – or take a fascinating look at the Air Force Museum which is just out of town at Wigram. However one thing not to be missed is the Christchurch Art Gallery which contains a range of local and international artists and is well worth a visit. The gallery itself is housed in a stunning modern architectural building of glass and steel construction which is also well worth seeing.
The city lies just 12 kilometres from the International Airport and offers an abundance of accommodation from all standards, a plethora of cafes and restaurants, a casino, several cinemas and excellent shopping facilities. Being located so centrally, Christchurch stands within an hour or two driving of a variety of great destinations which range from the hot thermal waters of Hanmer Springs, the picturesque bays of the Banks Peninsula and the French settlers seaside village of Akaroa, the natural beauty and rich tapestry of the Canterbury Plains, to the snow-capped Southern Alps, home to Methven and the Mt. Hutt ski fields. Just two and a half hours drive north of the city the coastal town of Kaikoura offers one of the world’s renowned whale watching opportunities, or for ease you could catch the TranzAlpine Express which travels over the Southern Alps from Christchurch via Arthurs Pass to Greymouth on the West Coast and enjoy the outstanding scenery which makes this trip one of the ‘Great Train Journeys of the World’.
Akaroa is unique in New Zealand as it has developed with a French flair which adds an unusual twist to this picturesque and appealing small village that lies on the banks of the beautiful Akaroa Harbour and overlooks French Bay.
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| Accommodation | Activities | Tours |  |
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The George Christchurch
Christchurch
 |  The George is a beautiful boutique hotel in Christchurch. It has won awards both for its two restaurants and the hotel itself. Situated in the heart of Christchurch and overlooking Hagley Park and the river Avon, it is an ideal location from which to explore this lovely city. The George offers ex... |
Crowne Plaza Hotel Christchurch
Christchurch
 |  Ideally situated central to Victoria Square and beside the Avon River, Crown Plaza has the city at its doorstep. It is physically linked to the Christchurch Convention Centre and adjacent to the Christchurch Casino, and is just minutes from the central business district and all leading city attrac... |
Holiday Inn City Centre Christchurch
Christchurch
 |  Holiday Inn City Centre offers hotel accommodation in the heart of hte CBD. Located just a short stroll to all key attractions. Having been recently refurbished, the rooms are triple glazed for a peaceful nights sleep in the central city. all rooms are spaciousk, modern with a number offering pan... |
Hotel Ibis Christchurch
Christchurch
|  The hotel is situated in the heart of this historic garden city, right behind Cathedral Square. Most major attractions, museums and the art gallery are within walking distance, but for those who would prefer, the Christchurch Tram is a wonderful way to travel around the city and become familiar wit... |
Millenium Hotel Christchurch
Christchurch
|  Millenium Hotel is a lovely hotel situated in the iconic and picturesque Cathedral Square in Christchurch. The service is friendly and efficient, and the decor, modern and tastefully decorated. The Hotel is close to all the major attractions, and Christchurch is an enchanting city to wander around,... |
Copthorne Hotel Christchurch Central
Christchurch
|  Located in the heart of the city overlooking beautiful Victoria Square and the Avon River, the Copthorne Hotel is suitable for both business and leisure travellers. There is free parking, comfortable accommodation and a warm welcome at this hotel. Guests can enjoy the benefit of free access to t... |
Hotel Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square
Christchurch
|  The Novotel Hotel is situated right on Cathedral Square and offers guests a very central location. The tram stops right outside the hotel and most attractions are within easy walking distance as well. The hotel has a modern tower built alongside an historic heritage-listed building and sits on the... |
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Waipara Wine Trail Tour from Christchurch
Wine Tour
Christchurch |  This tour is great for those who want to enjoy the wineries and not worry about the driving. The wine trail tour takes 3 and 1/2 hours and you will explore four of North Canterbury's boutique vineyards including Mud House, Torlesse, Pegasus Bay and Waipara Springs, all producing a fine selection of... |
Premier Plains Flight
Hot Air Ballooning
Christchurch |  Hot air ballooning is an amazing adventure, from the beginning with an awe-inspiring inflation to a tranquil and majestic flight over the beautiful Canterbury Plains, what a way to go. The Canterbury Plains are particularly well-suited for hot air ballooning as the prevailing breeze from the Southe... |
Willowbank Dinner and Maori Concert from Christchu
Tour
Christchurch | The tour commences at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. Here you will be treated to a truly memorable Maori welcome followed by a cultural performance with a Maori Concert consisting of action songs, poi dances and haka. Following the performance, enjoy a wonderful buffet dinner at Willowbank. After dinn... |
Waimak Gorge Jet Boating from Christchurch
Boating
Christchurch |  This is a fun filled adventure for the whole family. You will travel from Christchurch by road through the rural pastoral scenes of the Canterbury Plains to the foothills of the Southern Alps. This tour is for those short of time as it only takes 1 1/2 hours. It is a thrilling jet boat ride in t... |
Lord of the Rings Scenic Tour
Tour
Christchurch |  Journey to the remote and beautiful Mt Potts high country station, home of Mt Sunday and see how this peaceful mountain was transformed into Edoras, the capital city of the Rohan people in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Enjoy the natural, unspoilt beauty of this breathtaking area with its sparkling... |
4WD Jetboat Adventure Tour
Tour
Christchurch |  This tour is the half day version of the Alpine Safari Tour and includes a scenic tour over the Canterbury Plains, jetboating, 4-wheel-driving and lunch but does not include the drive to Arthurs Pass or the TransAlpine train. Your day begins with a scenic tour over the Canterbury Plains to the Wa... |
Christchurch Tram
Tram
Christchurch |  Ride through the city centre in the delightful restored vintage trams while your driver gives an informative commentary. You can leave the tram at any one of the 11 stops, rejoining it later. Tickets last for two consecutive days so you will have plenty of time to explore the sites of the city. F... |
Adrenalin Forest
Aerial
Christchurch |  Adrenalin Forest is best described as a multi-level aerial obstacle course. Participants negotiate a series of 80 rope bridges, Tarzan swings and flying foxes from platforms constructed in the tree canopy. The platforms range from 2 to 17 metres in the air, on 5 pathways of progressive difficulty.... |
Waimak Gorge Jet Boating Safari from Christchurch
Boating
Christchurch | You will travel from Christchurch by road through the rural pastoral scenes of the Canterbury Plains to the foothills of the Southern Alps. The Waimak Gorge Jet Boating Safari takes approximately 4 1/2 hours. You travel to the upper Waimakariri Gorge, to areas which are otherwise inaccessible. F... |
Jet Thrills - Braided Blast - 30 mins
Boating
Christchurch |  Jet Boating is a truly unique way of seeing the Waimakariri River's lower braided river system. Constantly changing and ever challenging. the Jet Thrills drivers speed and spin in places sometimes only centimetres deep. The three Hamilton Jet boats make short work of the swift flowing river as it... |
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Contrasts of New Zealand
9 days |  This is a great trip for those that are short of time and want a quick tour of some of the major attractions in New Zealand. Firstly by flying into Auckland and out of Christchurch it saves time and allows you to see more. Auckland is a lovely city and there is plenty to see and do there, great re... |
Southern Explorer
10 days | This ten day trip of the South Island of New Zealand is a great way to see all the major attractions and stunning scenery in this beautiful part of the world. On arrival in Christchurch you will be delighted to find your hotel right on Cathedral Square, close to all major attractions. Next morning ... |
Southern Sensation
9 days |  This tour is perfect for those who want to see the major attractions of the South Island in the comfort of a luxury coach, with a small group of like-minded travellers. Some of the accommodation is more exclusive and you will feel special on this trip. After arriving in Christchurch there is time ... |
Northern Explorer
12 days |  The Northern Explorer tour introduces travellers to the major attractions and scenery in the North Island, and with 12 days and two and three night stops there is plenty of time to enjoy this trip at a relaxing pace. After arriving in Auckland and your first night, you travel to Omapere to see the ... |
Southern Spectacular
10 days |  This tour is a really good introduction to the South Island of New Zealand and and guests will enjoy the spectacular scenery, friendly people and great food. On arrival in Christchurch you will be transferred to your hotel and meet your Tour Director for a welcome briefing. The next day this wonde... |
Royal New Zealand - 20 Day
20 days | This is a great tour for those who would like to see the major attractions in New Zealand. After arriving in Auckland and exploring this lovely city you will travel to the beautiful Hokianga and Bay of Island regions before returning and travelling to Rotorua and experiencing the hot pools and the... |
New Zealand Highlights
15 days |  This fifteen day tour of New Zealand will introduce you to some of the best sights in New Zealand. From the beautiful and majestic Milford Sound, in the Fiordland National Park to the geothermal area of Rotorua this trip will surprise and delight you. You will see the stunning Huka Falls and Taupo... |
Southern Tourer
9 days | This tour is a great way to get a taste of all that the South Island of New Zealand has to offer. After arriving in Christchurch, you will have the opportunity to wander around this charming city, before heading out the next morning. Board the TranzAlpine train and take in stunning scenery as you ... |
Scenic Highlighter - 15 Days
15 days |  The Scenic Highlighter is a great introduction to the major attractions that New Zealand has to offer. After arriving in Auckland and spending one night you will travel to Rotorua and the geo-thermal reserves for two nights. You will have lunch at a working farm, and visit Whakarewarewa Village fo... |
New Zealand Highlighter
14 days | Beginning in the North Island, this tour winds its way south, taking in New Zealand's premier attractions along the way. After arriving in Auckland and meeting fellow travellers and your Tour Director, you travel to Rotorua to see the amazing geothermal reserves and also take in some Maori culture ... |
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