Christchurch Travel Guide

Outwardly a genteel English town of meandering rivers and tasteful gardens, Christchurch's appearance belies its adventure-seeking heart. Conveniently nestled at the base of an outdoor adventure playground, you can travel from the beach to the ski fields in less than two hours! This city is a tourist's dream sojourn; cosmopolitan living, with easy access to spectacular harbours, rivers, hot springs, walkways and over a dozen ski fields in New Zealand's largest ski region.

Despite the surrounding hive of activity, the South Island's largest city exudes tranquillity in the very best of English traditions, and is aptly referred to as the Garden City. From the expansive Hagley Park, with its tree-lined cycle paths and walkways, to the meticulous private gardens and endless flower borders, Christchurch is proud to be green.

Accommodation ranges from top-quality international hotels to bed and breakfasts (there are some real gems in Canterbury). Most places are located in the Central City, west of the CBD, or around 90 minutes drive from the city.

Central City

The Cathedral Square, dominated by the neo-Gothic Cathedral, is the heart of Christchurch, and a gathering place for locals and visitors. Two major hotel complexes, Millennium and the Heritage Christchurch, offer superior accommodation on the edge of Cathedral Square, and close to shopping malls and Hagley Park. The Square also houses the Canterbury Visitor Centre which provides information about entertainment venues in the city. Heading along Worcester Street from the Square you will find 'Our City O-Tautahi', an exhibition and discussion space about Christchurch run by the City Council, on the corner of Oxford Terrace on the banks of the Avon River (The). Overlooking this historic river is Rydges Hotel. Here you can soak up the atmosphere of the string of trendy outdoor cafes and bars running the length of Oxford Terrace. Recent years have seen a myriad of new bars cafes and restaurants appear alongside the river, giving new life and sophistication to the city by day and night.

Over the bridge on Worcester Boulevard is the Arts Centre of Christchurch (The). These grand gothic buildings, once an institution of learning, now form the largest arts center in the country. Within its walls are numerous art galleries, craft studios, and unique shops, four cafes, restaurants and bars. Live entertainment ranges from performances by the Southern Ballet Dance Theatre to buskers on the street.

Near this cultural hotspot are the Canterbury Museum and the George, a superb location overlooking the park. For "Georgian-style" at a more moderate price, the Weston House is also located on Park Terrace. The Holiday Inn City Centre is close to the City Mall and the Spanish-colonial boutique shopping in New Regent Street.

Located right on Victoria Square, the Crowne Plaza Christchurch is close to Christchurch Casino and the Town Hall complex. The Christchurch Convention Centre forms part of the Christchurch Town Hall, which was designed by award-winning, local architects Warren & Mahoney. Heading south down Manchester Street is the Brooke Gifford Gallery and character hostel accommodation like the New Excelsior Backpackers.

West of the Cathedral Square

If you want to stay close to the airport, there is plenty of entertainment, including a flight of a different kind, in a hot air balloon cruising over the vast Canterbury Plains. The Antarctic Centre is opposite the Sudima Hotel Grand Chancellor; and one of New Zealand's premier golf courses, the Russley Golf Club, is near the Commodore Hotel.

Riccarton Avenue runs from the city center to the nearby suburb of Riccarton and divides the 200 hectare park into South Hagley (Sports Grounds) and North Hagley (Golf Course and Botanic Gardens (The). Riccarton is just a few minutes from the city centre, yet it takes you away from the inevitable noise and traffic. One of the best hotels is the peaceful Chateau on the Park. Riccarton is also only 10 minutes from the airport and is home to Christchurch's largest indoor shopping complex—Riccarton Mall.

North of Cathedral Square

Merivale is a stylish suburb with loads of trendy shopping and eateries. It offers a range of accommodation, within walking distance to the well-known Merivale Mall on Papanui Road. The Pavilions Hotel and Camelot Motor Lodge are just a few minute's walk from the Christchurch Casino on Victoria Street.

Outside the City

If you wish to escape the city and enjoy clear mountain air, head to Methven, only 90 minutes from Christchurch. Lying at the foot of Mt Hutt, it boasts a long snow season and offers some of the best skiing/snowboarding in the Southern Hemisphere. Lodges, B&Bs and holiday homes abound in this once-quiet rural town.

Also 90 minutes out from the city on the Pacific coastline is the town of Akaroa, settled by French in 1840 and still a true village Francais. The spectacular harbour views are worth the arduous trip along winding roads over the hills of the Banks Peninsula. Visit French Farm Winery & Restaurant or stay at a bed and breakfast nearby. For waterfront accommodation there is the Akaroa Criterion Motel or the Akaroa Village Inn & Conference Centre.

The Waipara Wine Region, 48 kilometres north of Christchurch hosts several wineries. A sample of accommodation in the area include the intimate, yet spacious, Winery Cottage, Bredon Downs old-style farmhouse, and the Waipara House Superior Homestay directly opposite Waipara Springs Winery. Another option is Hanmer Springs, nestled in a valley surrounded by mountain ranges, with natural hot thermal pools.

Kia ora. Enjoy all that Canterbury has to offer!2008-08-02T07:29:22.000 153