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Christchurch Maps & Attractions Guide
Christchurch maps & Attractions - Things to do
in Christchurch
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Christchurch
Attractions - Things to do
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 |
4. Mt Cook National Park
www.mtcook.org.nz |
What is it? Mt Cook National Park is known for its
exquisite alpine beauty and is home to the highest mountain in New
Zealand, Mt Cook. Its Maori name, 'Aoraki' means 'cloud piercer'
and at 12,016ft (3,755m) it towers above the surrounding
snow-covered peaks in the park. A third of the park is covered in
permanent ice and snow and the mighty Tasman Glacier is the longest
glacier outside of the polar regions. Glacial melt gives the lakes
their beautiful milky, turquoise colour and there are many walks in
the area to take in the dramatic beauty. Mt Cook has always been
the focus of climbing and mountaineering, most notably the
expeditions of Sir Edmund Hillary, who went on to be the first man
to reach the summit of the world's highest mountain, Mt
Everest.
Hours of Operation:
Phone:Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre: (0)3 435
1186 |
5. Akaroa
www.akaroa.com |
What is it? The hilly Banks Peninsula is the result of
two massive and violent volcanic eruptions, creating a sea-filled
crater surrounded by green hills and a number of little bays that
radiate out from the circular shape of land. The Maori name
'akaroa' means 'long harbour' and the little French influenced town
of the same name is situated on the picturesque shores of the
harbour, a long finger of water extending into the interior of the
land. It is Canterbury's oldest village and its French character,
due to the first European settlers, is evident in the street names,
quaint historical architecture and French inspired cuisine. The
pretty town is surrounded by attractive scenery; a volcanic
landscape of fertile green hills scattered with woolly sheep and
vineyards, and crisscrossed by walking trails and winding narrow
roads. The calm waters of the harbour are perfect for water sports
and boat cruises, with an opportunity to swim with
dolphins.
Hours of Operation:
Phone:(0)3 304 8600 |
Christchurch Holidays guide
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Transport -Christchurch has an efficient public
transport system and is an easy city to negotiate.
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