CHRISTCHURCH TOURISM AND TRAVEL OVERVIEW:
New Zealand's second largest city, Christchurch is blessed with a sunny climate.
It is the largest city in the South Island and is the most attractive city in
New Zealand. It's a vibrant, cosmopolitan place with exciting festivals, modern
art galleries, theatre, great shopping and award-winning attractions. Known as
the 'Garden City', Christchurch has many beautiful parks and gardens throughout
the city and are a famous symbol of Christchurch tourism. It is a charming and graceful city that values its heritage,
culture, arts and environment and for this very reason it is an absolute delight
to visit Christchurch at any time of the year. With its parks and gardens,
neo-Gothic architecture and streets named after British towns and Poets, it
gives a very English feel.It has several popular tourist attractions.
LOCATION:
Christchurch is situated midway down the South Island's eastern coast.
POPULAR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS, CHRISTCHURCH TOURISM AND SIGHTSEEING:
Botanic Gardens:
The Botanic Gardens of Christchurch has undoubtedly the finest collection of
exotic and indigenous plants to be found anywhere in New Zealand. The Rose
Garden which is the at the center contains over 250 varieties of roses is a
popular Christchurch tourism hotspot.
Southern Encounter Aquarium & Kiwi House:
This place has fish and rare Kiwi birds in the heart of Christchurch. The
giant Aquarium has an enormous variety of fish species. In some displays you can
even touch the critters. You will even get a chance get a glimpse of the rare
Kiwi bird. This shy nocturnal national symbol is now hard to find in the wild.
Air Force Museum:
This is one of New Zealand's premier visitor attractions, you will get a
chance to see 28 amazing aircrafts. There are free guided tours to explore
behind the scenes of the fascinating restoration projects. The Air Force Museum
has something for all, along with refreshments from the Runway Cafe.
Christchurch Art Gallery:
The Christchurch Art Gallery is the largest Gallery in the South Island and
is located in the heart of the city's unique Cultural Precinct. The Gallery
houses one of the largest art collections in New Zealand, including a superb
selection of Canterbury works. Its regularly changing programs offers a dynamic
choice of collection-based, national and international touring exhibitions.
Additionally, a range of daytime and evening events make the Gallery an
enjoyable and impressive place to visit. The permanent collection spans art from
the mid 17th century to the present day, with a particularly rich selection of
regional art.
Christchurch Gondola:
The Gondola is the best vantage point from which to overlook Christchurch,
the Canterbury Plains and Lyttleton Harbor. At the top you can wander through
the Time Tunnel, which gives a brief history of the region.
Arts Centre:
The Art Centre houses more than 40 specialty shops and studios, as well as
galleries, theaters, and art house cinemas. It is also a excellent place to stop
for food, coffee or a glass of wine. At Arts Centre Information you'll find
"Rutherford's Den," the modest stone chamber where the eminent physicist
conducted experiments on radioactivity. Rutherford was the first one to succeed
in splitting the atom, a crucial step in harnessing of atomic power. Arts center
is among the popular tourist attractions.
International Antarctic Centre:
Dedicated to the past, present and the future of Antarctic exploration, this
complex includes interesting interactive displays. You will get a chance to
experience the first-hand Antarctic conditions including photographs, clothing
and hardware that modern-day scientists use to carry out their work at the
Antarctic bases. The audiovisual show is amazing, you can also ride in a
Hagglund, the actual vehicle used for Antarctic programs.
Other Popular Tourist Attractions:
Bridge of Remembrance, Captain Robert Falcon Scott Statue, Canterbury
Museum, Christchurch Cathedral, St. Michael and All Saints Anglican Church, Mona
Vale, Antigua Boat shed and Christchurch Casino.
Activities - Christchurch tourism:
Here in Christchurch, there is huge variety of activities for the tourists,
some of them are - tramping, hiking, walking, golfing, fishing, sightseeing,
flight seeing, whale-watching, swimming with dolphins, cruising, diving,
horse-trekking, motorcycling, kayaking, canoeing, bungee jumping, skiing,
snowboarding, jet boating, white water rafting, skydiving, star-gazing, hot-air
ballooning, wildlife cruising, wining, dining, eco-touring.
DINING/FOOD:
Being a popular travel and tourism destination Christchurch has plenty of
good restaurants with a variety of cuisines. Some of the good restaurants in
Christchurch are - Cook'n with Gas, Pescatore, Sign of the Tahake, barringtons
Big Steak Pub, 50 on park, The Cocoa club and Main Street Cafe and Bar.
HOTELS:
Some of the good hotels in Christchurch are - Copthorne Hotel Commodore, The
Classic Villa, Tuscana Motor Lodge, The Charlotte Jane, Quest Christchurch
Apartment Hotel, Chateau Blanc Suites A Clarion Collection Hotel, Tangley on
Clyde.
SHOPPING:
Christchurch tourism offers a top selection of tourist and souvenir
shopping catering to all your gift requirements. Some of the good markets and
shopping areas are -
The Arts Centre - Inside the Art Centre Buildings, the Gallery consists
of more than two dozen shops and studios for artisans and craft workers, from
potters to weavers to some very good jewelry makers.
Kathmandu - sells a complete and colorful range of outdoor gear and maps.
Riccarton Mall - it is South Island's largest shopping mall. It has more
than 90 stores.
Untouched World - this is an offbeat store that brings together all
that's hip and natural in New Zealand. Along with stylish clothing, you will
find New Zealand's artwork, handcrafted jewelry, organic produce, aromatherapy
and great gift ideas. The attached restaurant serves organic food, wine and
beer.
