Christchurch

Christchurch and the outer areas are open for business and ready to show you their part of New Zealand. To find out what is operating in the region head to Christchurch & Canterbury NZ Website for more information.

Assist with rebuilding Christchurch...Why not donate to the Red Cross

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Christchurch is a cosmopolitan centre of theatre, arts, music and festivals. The tree lined streets, charming gardens and leafy parks, 19th century greystone buildings and punting on the Avon River has the feel of England.

To orientate yourself in the city, hop on the historic tram - originally in service in 1905. The route takes in the city sights and landmarks, shopping precincts, hotels and eateries. The quadrangle of the Arts Centre, formerly a university, is now home to a smorgasbord of dining options, with bars, restaurants and outdoor cafes, craft studios, the Court Theatre, Southern Ballet and lively, open air markets each weekend. See the Anglican Cathedral, a Gothic revival church, Christchurch Casino, Hagley Park, Botanic Gardens, Robert McDougall Art Gallery, and Canterbury Museum, which includes an interesting commentary on Antarctic discovery. The International Antarctic Centre also displays New Zealand's contribution to the frozen continent's exploration, with a real snow and ice experience. The Southern Encounter Aquarium provides an interactive experience too. Air Force World exhibits 28 restored, classic aircraft along with thousands of artefacts and stories.

Take a balloon flight over the city and the rich hinterlands of the Canterbury plains. The spectacular vantage enables you to watch over land and sea, plains and snow capped mountains - ski fields are only two hours away. An impressive view over the plains, Banks Peninsula and Lyttelton Harbour is also to be found on the Christchurch Gondola to the summit of Mt Cavendish. Stroll through the five hectares of gardens at Mona Vale Homestead, overlooking the Avon River, or thrill seekers will relish the bungy rocket at the Christchurch Pier.

Only six kilometres from Christchurch, make sure to stop at Nga Hau e Wha, New Zealand's largest Marae. It is an educational and entertaining Maori cultural experience with weaving and painting, tours and evening concerts. Two of New Zealand's great rail journeys depart from Christchurch, the Tranz Alpine and Tranz Coastal. The Tranz Alpine's journey across Canterbury, over viaducts and gorges, travels through the heart of the Southern Alps, before arriving on the West Coast of the country at Greymouth, whereas, the Tranz Coastal takes a scenic trip along the rugged, Pacific coastline to Picton.

Special Events
January
World Buskers Festival
International Akaroa Summer Festival
February
Christchurch Festival of Flowers
Food and Wine Festival
"Works of the Weld" Sculpture Exhibition
March
Ellerslie International Flower Show
October
Rugby World Cup
Pet Expo