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Christchurch Holidays, Hotels & Travel Guide
Travel guide to hotels & holidays in Christchurch
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Christchurch Holidays Overview
A guide to holidays in Christchurch - The largest city on South Island, Christchurch
is the most English of New Zealand's cities, named after an Oxford
college. The atmosphere is reminiscent of an English university
town, with school boys in striped blazers and punting on the River
Avon, a grand Anglican cathedral dominating the central square,
little stone-walled bridges, elegant Victorian architecture and
numerous parks and exquisite gardens.
Dubbed the
'Garden City', it is the lively capital of the Canterbury region,
priding itself on its green areas, arts and history as well as its
sports. The surrounds offer beach suburbs, protected bays and
dolphin swimming, green valleys and snow-capped mountain ranges for
skiing, hiking, mountain biking and climbing. The city itself has a
relaxed and cosmopolitan centre with historic trams rattling along
the streets of the bustling downtown area, a lively pub and
restaurant scene, theatres, street buskers, museums and art
galleries. Christchurch is the gateway to the
South Island and offers the visitor an appealing mixture of
historic charm and vibrant city life, a pleasing balance between
urban pursuits and outdoor activities. With the least rainfall of
any of the other cities and plenty of sunshine it is a perfect base
for a Canterbury experience.
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Christchurch
holidays - Top Places To Go
1. Cathedral Square
www.christchurchcathedral.co.nz |
What is it? Cathedral Square is the hub of the city
centre and is dominated by the city's landmark, Christchurch
Cathedral, a grand Gothic structure with a tall spire, and a cool
and spacious interior with marvellous acoustics. It is possible to
climb the narrow staircase to the bell tower for a splendid
panoramic view of the city. In front of the cathedral, the city's
most quirky character, fondly known as 'The Wizard', performs his
daily eccentric routine for the crowd from atop a ladder, ranting
about all things from politics and politicians to religion, love
and bureaucracy. Nearby the giant chessboard painted on the square
attracts avid players and spectators, with enormous pieces to be
shifted during strategic moves, as challengers pit their skills
against one another.
Hours of Operation: Cathedral: Monday to Sunday 9am to 5pm (winter);
Monday to Friday 8.30am to 7pm, Saturdays 9am to 5pm, Sundays
7.30am to 7pm (summer). Guided tours are available
Phone:(0)3 366 0046 |
2. Christchurch Tramway
www.tram.co.nz |
What is it? Trams were part of the city's transport
system until 1954 and today these heritage trams have been
beautifully restored, offering visitors a unique experience that
takes one on a two-mile (3km) loop of many of the city's best
features and main attractions. The drivers, who offer insight on
the history, architecture, activities and points of interest,
supply informative and entertaining commentary. Visitors can hop on
and off at any of the stops to further explore the attractions at
leisure. The most interesting sights include Cathedral Square, the
Aquarium of Discovery, punting on the Avon River, the exquisite
Botanic Gardens on the banks of the river, New Regent Street with
its pretty Spanish mission-style architecture, the magnificent
Gothic buildings of the Arts Centre, and Canterbury Museum, with an
excellent Antarctic exhibition.
Hours of Operation: Daily from 9am to 9pm (November to March), 9am to 6pm
(April to October)
Phone:(0)3 366 7830 |
3. Christchurch Gondola
Gondola Base Station, Heathcote Valley
www.gondola.co.nz |
What is it? The spectacular ride takes visitors to the
top of the crater rim of Christchurch's extinct volcano on the
outskirts of the city, unfolding magnificent views of the city,
over the Canterbury Plains and towards the Southern Alps, and the
sweep of Pegasus Bay and Lyttelton Harbour, as it rises to 1,460ft
(445m) above sea level. At the summit the Gondola Complex features
the Time Tunnel Heritage Show with a walk-through exhibition and
video relaying the history and geological evolution of the
Canterbury region as well as Maori mythology. From the summit it is
possible to walk back down through the Port Hills to Sumner
Beach.
Hours of Operation: Daily 10am to 9pm
Phone:(0)3 384 0700 |
Christchurch
holidays - Top Events
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