This is the largest of all the South Island cities having a population in excess of 300,000. Situated at the confluence of the Heathcote and Avon rivers with a back-drop of the Port Hills, Christchurch is the hub of the South Island.
Visitors will immediately notice the very English style layout of the city, with its central Cathedral Square and parallel streets running east, west, north and south. With a great number of parks and the mature trees that are everywhere, the name, the Garden City, is very apt.
Winding its way through the city is the Avon River, it gently flows as it makes its way to the sea near Sumner beach. The Avon River is a focal point for relaxation where you can enjoy an afternoon watching wildlife and the occasional canoeist or take a trip on the very English punts, enjoying champagne & strawberries and a picnic hamper.
In Cathedral Square, you will find buskers and street stalls overlooked by the city’s Cathedral. A fully restored Victorian electric tram loops around the city, taking in many of the sights and is a good way to get your bearings as well as taking a step back in time to the pace of yesteryear. The tram passes the historic stone buildings of the Arts Centre with its variety of stalls, galleries and cafes as well as the City’s Museum and art galleries which make up the Cultural Precinct.
Surrounding Christchurch there are a multitude of activities for all walks of life, including golf courses and driving ranges, tennis courts, wild life parks, walking tracks, cycle tracks, wind surfing, boating, beaches and much more.
The Mt Cavendish Gondola will take you up to the summit of the Port Hills which surround the city to the south, with spectacular views from the Southern Alps to the sea and Lyttelton Harbour, the remains of a massive volcano which erupted some 11 million years ago.
During the winter there are great ski fields within 1-2 hours drive of the city. Porter Heights is just 90 kilometres from Christchurch airport, making it the closest ski area to Christchurch. Only slightly further away is Mount Hutt, which enjoys one of the longest ski seasons in the Southern Hemisphere.
Day Trips
A drive or bus tour to nearby Banks Peninsula provides a wide range of attractions. The French settlement of Akaroa offers colonial architecture, craft stores, cafes and wineries. Relax in the sun at French Farm or head out onto the harbour, where scenic, fishing and wildlife encounter cruises are available.
To the north of Christchurch is the Waipara wine region, where you can enjoy wine tasting and gourmet meals at one of several vineyard restaurants.
Further inland you will find the alpine thermal resort of Hanmer Springs, where you can relax in hot pools, enjoy spa facilities or more active pursuits such as mountain-biking and forest walks.
Further north still is the town of Kaikoura and its world-class whale watching facilities.
