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Information on Christchurch

Christchurch is the main city of New Zealands South Island and offers a modern and lively atmosphere, despite having a reputation as the most English and the most conservative of the country’s major cities. Touted as New Zealand’s ‘Garden City’, Christchurch has one-eighth of its area devoted to public parks, reserves, and recreation grounds – with the 186-hectare Hagley Park in its centre

Getting There

Christchurch International Airport is the largest in the South Island and is located 12kms northwest of the city. Shuttle buses depart from directly in front of the terminal to the city and take about 25 minutes. By rail, the Coastal Pacific is a daily train linking Picton and Christchurch and is timed to coincide with the Interislander ferry from Wellington. Alternatively, InterCity has two coaches daily from Wellington, timed to coincide with coaches from Auckland and taking 10 hours to reach Christchurch.

By car from the north, enter on state highway 1 through the northwest suburbs of Papanui and Merivale. Its four to five hours from Picton and 2 hours, 30 minutes from Kaikoura. From the southwest, via Lake Tekapo and Geraldine, travel on highway 79 to highway 77 and then highway 73; this route goes to Mount Hutt and over the Rakaia River. From the west coast, go over he stunning Arthurs Pass and enter Christchurch at Upper Riccarton; this route takes four hours

Key Attractions

One of the premier attractions is the Canterbury Museum, offering an excellent Antarctic display. Afterwards, visit the International Antarctic Centre, where you can experience the icy wind chills of Antarctica and see some amazing wildlife. Also worth seeing is the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu, boasting one of the largest permanent collections in New Zealand. The Christchurch Gondola provides magnificent views westward over the city and the Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps, as well as panoramas of Pegasus Bay and the Pacific Ocean all the way up to the Kaikoura Ranges. Orana encompasses 80 hectares and is New Zealands largest wildlife reserve. Simply wandering the pedestrianised centre, passed Cathedral square, along the Avon river and into the serene botanic gardens is rewarding.There is also a tourist tram – authentic old original which travels a loop through the city.

Out and About

The Christchurch area is home to some lovely attractions. Lyttelton Harbour, 15 minutes from the city centre, is where you might see one of the worlds rarest and smallest dolphins, the Hector dolphin. A drive around the Banks Peninsula to the east of Christchurch is an absolute must, ending up in the picturesque former French colony of Akaroa. The area offers quaint fishing villages and breathtaking views. Inland from Christchurch and only an hour from the city are the Southern Alps. Here, the village of Arthurs Pass makes an ideal base for activities ranging from skiing to helicopter tours.

Leisure Options

For an escape, the amazing Botanic Gardens offer a lush 23 hectares of world-renowned foliage, including exotic trees. New Zealand is famous for its adventure and outdoor activities and during the day options are endless. At night, Oxford Terrace, or ‘The Strip’, is the hub of the lively café and bar scene.

Safety

Christchurch has so much to offer in the way of sightseeing and activities that visitors may forget to think about safety. Participating in outdoor activities and driving can put you at risk of an accident. Taking out travel insurance is recommended.

Weather in Christchurch

New Zealand weather is changeable throughout the year. The South Island has lower temperatures and snow falls are common on all the mountains in winter. The west coast receives the most rain and the summer months are from November to April.

Christchurch Travel Partners & Resources

Christchurch Accommodation
WhatsOn Christchurch a comprehensive guide to Christchurch hotels, accommodation, restaurants, entertainment, nightlife, shops, travel & transport, medical & health, events and jobs.

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