 |
 |
|
|
The city of
Christchurch is located just north
of Banks Peninsula, on the east
coast of New Zealand's South Island.
It is New Zealand's only predominantly
flat major city, and with a population
of 300,000, it is the South Island's
largest city. Because Christchurch
is flat, getting around is easy,
whether walking or cycling.
|
 |
Christchurch
has extensive parks and gardens
in the inner city, including the
Christchurch Botanic Gardens and
Hagley Park, and is also known
as the Garden City. Christchurch
has also been called the most
English city outside England,
which is reflected in local styles
and architecture. A neo-gothic
Anglican cathedral lies at the
centre of the city, Cathedral
Square, where crowds gather to
listen to buskers and speakers,
including the Wizard of Christchurch. |
|
The thriving
Arts Market with its local crafts
and ethnic food stalls, combined
with galleries, studios and specialists
shops make the Arts Centre one
of Christchurch's most popular
spots. The Arts Centre is also
home to the Court Theatre, Southern
Ballet Theatre and the Canterbury
Film Society. Nearby attractions
include the Robert McDougall Art
Gallery , the Canterbury Museum
and the new Christchurch Casino. |
|
Nearby Banks
Peninsula provides a wide range
of attractions, including the
Mount Cavendish Gondola with its
spectacular 360 degree views of
Christchurch, and the French settlement
of Akaroa. Christchurch is also
within a short driving distance
of several South Island skifields.
The skiing season runs from June
to November. Nearer to the city,
there is excellent windsurfing
on Lyttelton Harbour and in the
Avon-Heathcote Estuary. World-class
whale watching facilities are
available at Kaikoura to the north
of Christchurch.
|
|
|
|
|
Motel Accommodation Christchurch
New Zealand - Hagley Park Motel
 |
| |
Akaroa has a unique place in New
Zealand's history as the only French
settlement in the country. Akaroa
is 85 kilometres south east of Christchurch
on the Banks Peninsula. The lovely
bayside town has many streets with
French names and is the oldest town
in the Canterbury district. In the
centre of the village is the wharf
from which boat charters can take
you to view the rare Hectors dolphins
and picturesque features of Akaroa
Harbour.
Or an alternative is to book a berth
on a majestically restored sailing
sloop that runs a day charter service.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
