Christchurch, the South Island's largest
city, is a destination for a fabulous vacation as it is a great collection
of scenic mountains, lovely ocean beaches, vivacious rivers, tranquil lakes
and wide-open spaces in the vicinity of the city centre.
The city is marked by a beautiful culture which attracts the people from
all across the globe. It is set in the finest New Zealand setting of rural
sheep-strewn fields stretching towards rugged alpine mountains. Today under
its serene, antique exterior, Christchurch is a vivacious, thriving, modern
city.
Fact File
Country : New Zealand
Population : 331,400
Area : 45,240 sq km
Languages
: English, Maori
Climate : Temperate and pleasant with Summer January average
temperature is 22'c (72°F). Winters are cooler with a July average
temperature of 12'c (54'F). the annual rainfall is 999mm (39 inches).
Official Currency : New Zealand Dollar (NZD); 1 NZD = 30.772 INR =
0.7074 US Dollar = 0.5822 Euro (subject to change).
Location : The city is located on the east coast of the South Island
of New Zealand.
Getting There
By Air : Christchurch International Airport is situated
approximately 5kms from the University of Canterbury and 10 kms from the
city centre. Christchurch is well served by domestic air connections and
regular flights to the east coast of Australia. Several major international
airlines give good access to Christchurch.
Getting Around
By Road : Buses are the most convenient way to get around in
Christchurch where most buses are operated by Canride and run from Cathedral
Square. The Shuttle is a free service, with about 20 pick up points in the
central city area, it runs every 10 minutes during the week, between 8am and
7pm (and until 9.30pm Friday and Saturday, until 6pm Sunday).
City Circuit bus run two circuits through the city, leaving from the
visitors center and visit most of the main tourist spots, costs are approx
$25 for eight hours travel on either circuit, and approx $15 for travel on
only one of the circuits. Taxis are also available to provide a comfortable
way to get around the city.
Accommodation
The city of has very good hotels to ensure a comfortable stay for the
tourists. Mentioned below is a list of some of the hotels in the city:
5
star hotels in the city:
Hotel Millennium Christchurch
Best Western Argyle on the park
Aotea motel
4 star hotels in the city:
Holiday Lodge motel
Hotel Ricarton Village Inn
Hotel Scenic cicle Russley
3 star hotels in the city:
Hotel Crowne Plaza Christchurch
Flag Chateau Blanc Suites
Major Tourist attractions
Arts Centre : The original site of the University of Canterbury has
been transformed into Christchurch's Arts Centre, opposite the Botanic
Gardens. The Gothic Revival buildings now contain galleries, craft studios
and shops, theatres and cinemas. There is also a selection of cafes,
restaurants and bars, a weekend market and ethnic food stalls. The centre
also contains an annex of the Robert McDougall Art, housing its contemporary
New Zealand collection.
Banks of the Avon : The Avon is a fun to simply stroll along and
other attractions are the historic Antigua Boatsheds, boating etc. The ride
through the river will also take one right through the splendid Botanic
Gardens, which features an intriguing collection of exotic and indigenous
plants. Hagley Park lies on the other side and is a draw for the
sports-loving locals on weekends. More gorgeous gardens can be found on the
other side of North Hagley Park, at Mona Vale, a Tudor-style homestead with
extensive gardens, fountains and ponds.
Cathedral Square : Cathedral Square is in the center of the city and
is an ideal place to start the exploration of the city.
Here one can see the Wizard, a famous eccentric who takes up a soapbox most
fine afternoons somewhere in the square. An enduring Christchurch landmark
where he's been coming here for over 25 years. The Cathedral, built in
Gothic Revival style and symbolising the Church of England bedrock of this
city, dominates Cathedral square in Christchurch's heart.
Nga Hau e Wha : Marae, a traditional complex of Maori buildings
provides one of the best ways to understand the Maori culture. Experienced
guides, employed from local tribal groups, explain the culture, customs,
history and traditions represented by the marae, which features two of New
Zealand's most spectacularly carved whare (meeting houses).
