The city of Christchurch
is located just north of Banks Peninsula,
on the east coast of New Zealand's South
Island. It is New Zealand's only predominantly
flat major city, and the South Island's
largest city.
Christchurch is known as the Garden City
and has extensive parks and gardens, including
the well known Botanic Gardens and Hagley
Park. Winding its way through the City is
the River Avon, you can jump on an English
punt and sit back and enjoy the sights from
a different view.
Some of the major attractions
that are a must to see and experience whilst
visiting Christchurch are:
Enjoy the thriving cultural
precinct with its local crafts and ethnic
food stalls, combined with galleries, studios
and specialist shops.
Experience the awesome
and challenging Antarctic environment, providing
you with interactive fun.
The 945 metre Gondola ride
gently lifts visitors, in the comfort of
4 person passenger cabins, almost 500 metres
(1500 feet) above sea level. Unique 360
degree views of Christchurch, the Canterbury
Plains and Lyttelton Harbour unfold as you
rise to the summit complex, on the crater
rim of Christchurch's famous extinct volcano.
Nearby Banks Peninsula provides a wide range
of attractions. The French settlement of
Akaroa offers colonial architecture, craft
stores, cafes and wineries. Relax in the
sun at French Bay or head out onto the harbour,
where scenic, fishing and wildlife encounter
cruises are available.
Christchurch is also within
a short driving distance of several South
Island ski fields. The skiing season runs
from June to October .
Nearer to the city, there
is excellent windsurfing on Lyttelton Harbour
and in the Avon-Heathcote Estuary.
Relax in the thermal pools
at Hanmer springs or world-class whale watching
facilities are available at Kaikoura, both
to the north of Christchurch. |
