Christchurch
Christchurch
Traditional English conservatism has evolved into a lively and youthful city with an explosion of leisure venues and entertainment
Traditional English conservatism has evolved into a lively and youthful city with an explosion of leisure venues and entertainment
Christchurch, located on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island, is a vibrant and eclectic city that has a lot to offer visitors. Often referred to as the "Garden City," Christchurch is known for its lush parks, gardens, and tree-lined streets, making it the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The city is home to a rich history and cultural heritage, with numerous landmarks and historical sites to explore. One of the most prominent is the Christchurch Cathedral, which has been a staple of the city's skyline since its construction in the late 19th century. Despite the damage it sustained in the 2011 earthquake, the cathedral remains an iconic symbol of Christchurch's resilience and determination to rebuild. In addition to its rich history, Christchurch also boasts a thriving arts and cultural scene. From world-class museums and galleries to vibrant street art and murals, there is plenty to explore for art lovers. One of the most popular cultural destinations in the city is the Canterbury Museum, which offers a fascinating insight into the region's Maori culture, natural history, and early European settlement. For those who love the great outdoors, Christchurch is a paradise. With its close proximity to the Southern Alps, there are endless opportunities for adventure and exploration. Hiking, skiing, and snowboarding are popular activities in the area, and the stunning scenery makes for a breathtaking backdrop. The city is also located on the coast, making it an ideal spot for water-based activities such as surfing, kayaking, and fishing. Foodies will love Christchurch, with its thriving cafe and restaurant scene offering a range of cuisine from all over the world. Whether you're in the mood for a traditional Kiwi meal or a more exotic dish, you'll find something to suit your taste buds in Christchurch. The city's bustling nightlife and entertainment scene is also not to be missed, with plenty of bars, clubs, and live music venues to keep you entertained long into the night. For those interested in shopping, Christchurch offers a range of shopping experiences, from large shopping malls to unique local boutiques. The Re:START Container Mall is a must-visit for those looking for something a little different. Made up of shipping containers, the mall offers a unique shopping experience with a range of shops, cafes, and restaurants. In conclusion, Christchurch is a city that offers something for everyone. From its rich history and cultural heritage to its stunning natural beauty and thriving arts scene, it's a destination that promises to leave a lasting impression. Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, or simply looking for a fun-filled city break, Christchurch is the perfect destination for your next travel adventure.
With a population of 350,000, Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island. Fondly known as the Garden City, Christchurch is perhaps the most English of all the cities in the country.
The city was named after an Oxford college, and those on holiday in Christchurch will understand why when they see the neo-Gothic architecture and the punting on the gently winding river.
The Englishness is however largely skin deep and in recent years the traditional English conservatism has evolved into a lively and youthful city with an explosion of bars, restaurants, night-life, theatre music and street entertainment. Christchurch holidays promise an eclectic mix of historic elegance and contemporary culture. Being the gateway to the South Island, holidays in Christchurch are an easy add on to any New Zealand Itinerary.
Those on a Christchurch holiday will discover that there is both plenty to do in the city itself and in the surrounding areas. Holidays to Christchurch usually begin at Cathedral Square which dominates the Metropolitan centre. The square is a large, square cobblestone area with a cathedral adjacent to it. Driving, walking or cycling in the Port Hills is also popular for those on holiday to Christchurch as it offers fantastic views of Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains, Banks Peninsula and Lyttelton Harbour.
Holidays to Christchurch usually begin at Cathedral Square which dominates the Metropolitan centre.
Christchurch has warmer and drier summers (Dec–Mar) than much of the rest of the South Island, but temperatures don't rise much higher than 22°C (72°F).
Winters (June–Aug) can be colder, and despite being at sea level, the city sometimes sees snow. However, temperatures tend to hover in the single figures rather than dipping below freezing.
Christchurch is the festival capital of New Zealand -- no matter when you visit, it's bound to coincide with a festival of some sort. The World Buskers Festival, from mid- to late January, is the largest street performance festival in the Southern Hemisphere. You'll be treated to jazz and comedy shows, as well as acts of juggling, contortionism, and more. In February, the city bursts into bloom with the Festival of Flowers and the Ellerslie International Flower Show. The Christchurch Arts Festival is staged every 2 years in July and showcases international talent. The next one will be held in 2011. Showtime Canterbury, featuring the Canterbury A & P Show, is an absolute tradition in this part of the world. Staged the second week of November, it features thoroughbred and standard-bred racing.
