Sightseeing OverviewWith
tree-lined avenues, beautifully maintained
gardens (Christchurch is know as the ‘garden city’), old fashioned
trams, restored
heritage buildings and a little
river meandering along
manicured greens, Christchurch makes a
picture-perfect city. Indeed, you would be forgiven for believing that you have stumbled upon a very
quaint English town: they even sing Christmas carols in Victoria Square in December here.
There is plenty to keep visitors of all ages entertained, and plenty to do
indoors and out, as Christchurch
boasts many exciting attractions, including the
Christchurch Gondola, the famous
Botanical Gardens (which boast the finest collection of exotic and indigenous plants in New Zealand), the
Antarctic Center (the only one of its kind in the world) and the striking
Christchurch Gallery, to mention but a few.
Tourist InformationChristchurch and Canterbury Visitor Center Old Chief Post Office Building
Cathedral Square
Tel: (03) 379 9629.
Website:
www.christchurchnz.net Opening hours: Daily 0830-1900 (except Christmas day).
The award-winning visitor center offers a wealth of information on Christchurch and the region, and a free booking service.
PassesThere are currently no tourist passes in Christchurch.
Key Attractions:Botanic Gardens The grounds of the
Botanic Gardens, which were established in 1863, encompass an area of 30 hectares (74 acres), the majority of this being within the loop of the Avon River. Contained within this area is undoubtedly the finest collection of exotic and indigenous plants to be found anywhere in New Zealand.
Rolleston Avenue
Tel: (03) 941 7590.
Website:
www.ccc.govt.nz/parks Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu Opened in May 2003, this stunning modern building houses the largest art institution in the South Island. Two floors of exhibition space showcase contemporary and historic displays in a collection totaling more than 5,500 paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, and crafts.
Corner of Worcester Boulevard and Montreal Street
Tel: (03) 941 7300.
Website:
www.christchurchartgallery.org.nz Christchurch Cathedral and Cathedral Square The spire of
Christchurch Cathedral, the heart of the city, once dominated its skyline, and the Cathedral, which opened to the public in 1881, is still the best-known and most visited church building in New Zealand (it receives a whopping 500,000 visitors per year). The arrival of the first settlers who landed in Lyttelton Harbour in 1850 is recorded in mosaics on the tiled floor of the cathedral. There is a market on the iconic square everyday, and the main tourist center is located right by the cathedral.
Cathedral Square
Tel: (03) 366 0046.
Website:
www.christchurchcathedral.co.nz Canterbury Museum Housed in an exquisite historic building, this museum features stunning displays covering themes as varied as Maori culture, Antarctic exploration, Asian decorative arts, New Zealand birds and transport. There is also an interactive natural history Discovery Center, and The Christchurch Street, a recreation of the city during the Victorian era, a local favorite.
Rolleston Avenue
Tel: (03) 366 5000.
Website:
www.canterburymuseum.com International Antarctic Center Located right by the airport, the
International Antarctic Center (twice voted ‘Best Attraction in New Zealand’) features an indoor Snow & Ice Experience, an exciting Hagglund all-terrain vehicle ride and an award-winning indoor exhibit of Antarctic themes. Audio-guides for multi-lingual commentary are available.
38 Orchard Road
Tel: (03) 353 7798
or 0508 736 4846/PENGUIN.
Website:
www.iceberg.co.nz Willowbank Wildlife reserve featuring exotic animals such as wallabies, otters, ostriches, lemurs, gibbons; native animals, and a variety of domestic animals (check out the weird looking Kune Kune pig). There is an extensive selection of native wildlife, including the rare tuatara (threatened with extinction), and a large nocturnal kiwi house. Good onsite restaurant.
60 Hussey Road
Tel: (03) 359 6226.
Website:
www.willowbank.co.nz Further Distractions:Christchurch Gondola The
Christchurch Gondola lifts visitors 500m (1,500ft) above sea level to the summit of the complex, nestled on the crater rim of a sunken volcano, from where they can enjoy panoramic views of Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains and Lyttelton Harbour. Restaurant, café and shop on site.
10 Bridle Path Road
Tel: (03) 384 0700.
Website:
www.gondola.co.nz Arts Center of Christchurch Situated in the historic buildings of the original Canterbury University College, the
Arts Center is home to over 40 retail outlets selling arts and crafts made in New Zealand. Open seven days a week.
Worcester Boulevard
Tel: (03) 366 0989.
Website:
www.artscenter.org.nz
Air Force Museum
Located 15 minutes from the center of Christchurch, this popular museum features 28 aircraft and captivating displays. There is plenty to see and do for young and old alike, including the opportunity to sit behind the control panel in a real cockpit.
Main South Road Wigram Air Base, Sockburn
Tel: (03) 343 9544/08.
Website:
www.airforcemuseum.co.nz
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Related Christchurch Content
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
Related New Zealand Content
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
New Zealand Airport Guides:
|
New Zealand City Guides:
|
| New Zealand Attraction Guides: |
|
|
Available Tours to New Zealand:
|
