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WIDE open spaces, floral and architectural beauty coupled with a range of activities to suit all tastes make a visit to Christchurch a special experience. It might be New Zealand's oldest city and the South Island's capital, but Christchurch is unique for its open spaces. Its 650 parks account for 11 percent of the city's land - a refreshing change from the increasingly cluttered nature of many major centres. Commonly known as the Garden City or a slice of England in the Antipodes, a punt ride down the Avon River is the perfect way to see where these labels came from and why Christchurch has a character all of its own. As the punt meanders through the city under Weeping Willow trees and beside some of Christchurch's most picturesque floral masterpieces, it's hard to believe the river is in the middle of a modern city. Add to that the view from the punt of the many charming old buildings that offer a reminder of the city's English pioneers, and it becomes even more remarkable. This English influence is further highlighted with a visit to the Arts Centre, a few minutes walk from the river's edge. The old Canterbury University campus, it is the hub of Christchurch's arts and crafts, featuring galleries, studios, theatres, cinemas, restaurants and bars. It is also the site of New Zealand's oldest lecture theatre. This historic theme is continued over the road at the Canterbury Museum, renowned for having some of the finest cultural and natural collections in New Zealand. Although these attractions and others are all within walking distance, another way to get around the inner city is onboard a beautifully restored heritage tram. Reintroduced in 1995 after a 40 year absence, the trams stops outside the Arts Centre and many other interesting sites. While a visit to these attractions leaves no doubt as to why Christchurch is likened to an English city, without the crowds or lack of space, a visit to the Museum's neighbour, the Botanic Gardens, reinforces the Garden City label. The Gardens are home to New Zealand's finest collection of exotic and indigenous plants, and are one of the reasons Christchurch was voted the top Garden City in the world at the Nations in Bloom competition of 1997. As well as these central city attractions, Christchurch offers a wide variety of others that are located minutes from the CBD. Out by the International Airport is the International Antarctic Centre - a must to visit. Twice voted New Zealand's best visitor attraction, the centre is home to the United States, Italian and New Zealand Antarctic programmes and offers an unforgettable interactive experience for all age-groups. While these attractions and many others are unique to the South Island Capital and come together to form its special character, a ride up the 955 metre Christchurch Gondola offers another perspective on the city and how it blends into the wider region. As the Gondola makes its way to the summit complex, it offers 360 degree views of Christchurch, Lyttelton Harbour and the wider Canterbury Plains. Walking tracks from the summit complex, mimicking those used by the early pioneers on route from Lyttelton Harbour to Christchurch, are popular with visitors. It seems that even modern attractions provide a reminder of the city's English past. |
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