Home > Our Publications > New Zealand Outlook > 2001 > September

IT'S EASY to see the real beauty of Christchurch and experience the relaxed atmosphere - simply hop on the vintage tram, hire a horse and carriage, a vintage car, a bicycle, a punt on the river or simply stroll about on foot.
One thing is clear, you should take in the compact city centre at a leisurely pace.
Start your meanderings from Victoria Square where you can admire the superb Christchurch Parkroyal Hotel to the north west. Alongside, with expansive terraces overlooking the river, is the Christchurch Town Hall.
With its Convention Centre facilities, this complex is ideally sited for visitors to enjoy the inner city ambience conveniently close to all function amenities.
Before leaving Victoria Square, picnic on the grass and finish with a gourmet vanilla ice from the ice cream vendor.
Catch the punt and go with the flow or make the riverbank your route to Worcester Boulevard, where you can turn right and head towards the Botanic Gardens, Museum and Art Gallery. Stop en route at the Arts Centre Market to purchase irresistible handcrafts and artworks - everything from goat's milk soap and hand carved jewellery to stained glass window ornaments.
Stay for a revitalising espresso, lager or snack at one of the cafes and bars or choose from the food stalls selling everything from kebabs to tacos. Linger long enough and you'll be in time to catch a performance of the Court Theatre - or an art movie.
Next, head towards Cashel Mall, crossing over the Avon River under the memorial arch of the. Bridge of Remembrance. Ahead of you up the Mall, and to your left fronting the river, cafe and bar nightlife beckons.
Snatches of music and enticing aromas escape from every second doorway. Position yourself during the lunch hour or for the evening at one of the outside cafe tables for a fine vantage point of summer festival or busker performances.
More formal dining, representative of many styles of cuisine from a variety of international standard restaurants and hotel dining facilities, is only a few minutes walk in any direction from here.
Make your way northwards now towards Cathedral Square, where you can share an enchanted lunch hour with the city's Wizard as he expounds his theories in front of Christchurch's Anglican Cathedral. Sit on the steps awhile; listen and watch the world go by.
Travelling north-east from the Square, pass through the Cathedral Junction tram stop and retail complex on your way to New Regent Street, a traffic-free pedestrian haven of cafes, restaurants, boutiques and quirky architecture.
Turning left into Armagh Street from the end of New Regent Street, you'll see Victoria Square a short distance away and your circuit is complete.