English settlers established Christchurch in 1850, which shows in the older buildings, eg. the Anglican Cathedral in the Square. The River Avon flows through the central city and disrupts the regular rectangular layout of the city streets.

What City?
Known as the "Garden City", the Weeping Willows, Oak and Chestnut trees grow like a forest throughout the suburbs. There are many gardens on display and the city hosts the famous annual "Ellerslie Flower Show". Foreign-student education, is a growing sector of the Christchurch economy, as is electronics and software development. There is a high concentration of cyber-cafes, particularly in the Asian friendly areas around the Square.

Christchurch's Record Breaking

• 
  Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island of New Zealand.
• Christchurch was the first "royal charter" city in New Zealand in 1856.
• See the largest collection of Gothic architecture in the country, with Christchurch Cathedral, the Canterbury Museum, Christ's College, the former University of Canterbury & the Arts Centre.
• Settled by Maori tribes around 1250 AD this area has always had some sort of occupation since.
• New Zealand's first railroad was built in Christchurch.

Local Knowledge

• Ballantynes, corner of Colombo and Cashel, is the major upmarket department store and is like a scene from the 70's TV series, "Are you Being Served".
• At the Christchurch Casino, you get a free meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner) if it is your birthday. (booking essential).
• You'll find free wireless internet connection in the central library.

Getting Around

Christchurch is mostly flat, so many people get around on bicycles. Special-purpose bicycle lanes have been recently added to many streets to help promote cycling. Navigation by car or bicycle is generally simple due to the grid layout, but watch out for one-way streets. Renting a car or taking a tour is recommended for those who don't want to be confined to the centre of the city where a viable public transport network exists. There is a free diesel-electric yellow Shuttle that orbits the inner-city area every ten minutes, but often it can be quicker to walk such short distances. It passes two malls and three supermarkets. The restored Christchurch Tramway also runs around the inner city, 9AM-9PM summer, 9AM-6PM winter.

Regional Attractions Accessible From Christchurch

• Christchurch's close proximity to the Southern Alps to the west means that there is some great skiing close by. Two major ski fields, Mt Hutt and Porter Heights are a few hours away.
• Kaikoura is one of the few places in the world where whales can be seen all year round. Dolphins and seals are also present.
• Akaroa which was settled by the French, consequently the street names are a little hard to pronounce for a non French speaking person. From here take a dolphin cruise.

Best Views

Best Months

The warmer months (Nov to Mar) are best for enjoying the outdoors, though it might be advisable to avoid the time around Christmas when NZ kids are on school holiday.

June to August is the winter high season and the closest ski fields to Christchurch is Mt Hutt and Porter Heights.

Christchurch's climate is similar to England, with four pronounced seasons and vegetation including trees that were brought over from England and are therefore deciduous, loosing their leaves in the winter.

Clothing

Christchurch is typically a "smart casual" town so bring plenty of comfortable, casual clothes. Most bars and restaurants do have a dress code but, which usually includes closed in shoes & a collar. With so many outdoor activities available, swimming gear, hiking shoes, rainwear, and sunglasses are recommended, as is plenty of sunscreen. As there is a hole in the ozone layer above New Zealand, the sun is deceptively strong so sunscreen lotion is prudent, even if it's just for fifteen minutes.

Shopping

Because Christchurch embraces festivity, with a continuous stream of events and festivals throughout the year, including the Christchurch Arts Festival, New Zealand Cup and Show Week, the World Busker's Festival, the Lyttelton Festival of Lights, the Ellerslie International Flower Show and the Antarctic Festival - the fashions in Christchurch are part of Christchurch's unique character. The major shopping malls are The Palms, Northlands, Eastgate, Riccarton, Bush Inn & Hornby. Christchurch people are fearlessly supportive of the New Zealand, All Black Rugby team, so anything "All Black" & "Made in NZ" is a good souvenir.

Other Facts

Telephone Area Code: 03
Population: 350,000 (2006)
Summer Average Maximum Temperature: 21°
Winter Average Maximum Temperature: 13°
Local emergency contact number for all Police, Fire and St John Ambulances: 111

Activities

Day Tours in Christchurch

Christchurch has a mix of theatre, art, fashion and culture and its wonderful outdoor lifestyle ranks among the best in the world. It can offer the visitor some great holiday experiences as outlined below:

	International Antarctic Centre Home to the New Zealand, United States and Italian Antarctic Programmes the centre is aimed mainly at children. The Hagglund is an Antarctic Vehicle that is still in operation. Among other attractions, there is an Antarctic snow storm room, an audiovisual, & little blue penguins at the NZ Penguin Encounter. Book with us->
	Christchurch Arts Centre Gothic stonework of former University campus converted into complex of over 40 specialty art and craft businesses and performance venues. Includes the weekend craft & produce market 10AM-4PM with live bands noon-2PM, and the "improv" show on Friday nights at 10PM. Ernest Rutherford's den is also well worth a visit (gold coin donation). Book with us ->
	Canterbury Museum Includes colonial, Maori and natural history sections, Antarctic exploration display, and visiting exhibitions. Admission free to main exhibits (but donation appreciated). Book with us ->
	Dolphin cruises in Lyttelton and Akaroa The impressive Banks Peninsula has two beautiful harbours, which were formed millions of years ago by the craters of two volcanoes. Today they are home to one of the world's smallest and rarest dolphins - the Hector's (New Zealand) dolphin. Take a cruise to see them, or even swim with these beautiful creatures.

Things to do in Christchurch

This list will assist you in accessing all the natural and man-made visitor attractions and activities that Christchurch has to offer.

	Christchurch Cathedral & Square Completed in 1904, the Cathedral is Christchurch's most prominent landmark and brings colour and life to the heart of downtown. Keep an eye out for concerts, protesters, eccentric street preachers or "Wizard of New Zealand" (classified as a Living Work of Art) haranguing the lunchtime crowds. During the day food and craft stalls are available. You can climb the bell tower for a fee.
	Christchurch Art Gallery Spectacular new $47 million facility opened in 2003, the largest in the South Island, with over 5000 items and visiting exhibitions. Usually free. Worcester Boulevard and Montreal Street (one block east of Botanic Gardens). +64 3 941 7300
	Christchurch Botanic Gardens 30 hectares of exotic and indigenous plants and trees wrapped in a loop of the picturesque Avon River and linking to the 160-hectare Hagley Park. These put the "Garden" in the "Garden City". The city also hosts the Ellerslie Flower Show each year. Rolleston Avenue, +64 3 941 7590
	Christchurch Gondola Ride in the enclosed gondola car up to the summit of the Port Hills then view the Heritage Time Tunnel, take an outdoor nature walk, or dine at the restaurant at the top. Base station 10 Bridle Path Road +64 3 384 0700
	Punting on the Avon Glide down the river in Cambridge University style with a uniformed boats man! Punts depart from corner of Worcester Street & Oxford Terraces. Make bookings at the i-Site visitors' centre in Cathedral Square, +64 3 379 9629.
	Riccarton Bush The last remaining forest remnant on the Canterbury plains is in Christchurch city. The circular track passes under tall kahikatea trees, and there is a diversity of small trees, shrubs, climbers and ferns. Christchurch's oldest house, Dean's Cottage (built 1843) is adjacent. Five minutes drive from central city.

Activities Outside Christchurch

Further east is the town of Akaroa which was settled by the French, consequently the street names are a little hard to pronounce for a non French speaking person.

	Waimak Alpine Jet Climb aboard the world famous Hamilton Jet Boat. and set off on a thrilling 45 minute ride through high walled rock canyons and white water rapids. With the Torlesse range as a backdrop you will experience the beauty of the Waimakariri river, with it's borders of lush native beech and exotic plants. Book with us
	4WD at Arthur's Pass You will pass through sections of native bush & learn about the farm and the local community. It’s a great chance to experience a working sheep station & even get up close and personal with it’s woolly residents. You’ll have time to take photos & walk onto the farm & breathe in the clear mountain air in Arthur's Pass. Book with us
	TranzAlpine train from Arthur's Pass The TranzAlpine is world famous & takes a dramatic route through numerous tunnels and across towering viaducts towards Arthur's Pass. The scenery takes in small hidden lakes and valleys along with and majestic mountain peaks. Depending on the time of year, you can be surrounded by snow or bare cliffs bleached in the summer sun. Book with us
	Mt Cook Travel from Christchurch, through the rich pastoral farmland of the Canterbury Plains and then up the western side of Lake Pukaki to Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park, Australasia’s highest mountain at 3754 metres. Spend time exploring the Mount Cook Village. Book with us
	Lord of the Rings Country The film trilogy called Lord of the Rings was set in the beautiful Mt Potts high country station. See the unspoiled beauty of this breathtaking area with its sparkling clear lakes, glistening blue rivers and fresh, crisp mountain air. Book with us
	Hanmer Springs Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, just a 90 minute drive from Christchurch, offers the ultimate in relaxation. Nestled in the magnificent South Island high country, the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa has, for 125 years, attracted visitors seeking the benefits of its natural mineral waters and clean, clear alpine air.

Diary of Events

Coach Tours Which Include Christchurch

The following fully escorted coach tours are our top 3 which include Christchurch.

TranzAlpine Tour The South Island's splendid scenery might be the best part of this 9 day fully escorted coach tour, or perhaps it's the inclusions like the TranzAlpine Train journey, the Milford Sound Cruise, the dinner at Queenstown's Skyline Restaurant, the stay at the West Coast Glaciers, the traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony in historic Dunedin or the Jade Factory visit. Not to mention the visits to remote National Parks of Fiordland and Westland, this tour is a delight to the senses.

Scenic Explorer Tour Comments like 'What a comprehensive tour' are used to describe this 2 week Christchurch to Auckland, guided coach tour with train trips on the TranzAlpine & TranzCoastal trains. All the best activities are included- City tours of Christchurch, Dunedin, West Coast Glaciers & Auckland, food like the Rotorua Maori Hangi & concert, the Scottish Haggis, the Queenstown cruise/ historic homestead dinner and the Montana Winery visit. Cruise on Milford Sound, the Interislander and underground boat to see the glow-worms. There is a visit to Rotorua's Thermal Reserve, sheep shearing demo, Maori culture show, trip up Auckland's Sky Tower and a Jade Stone Factory. Regions include the West Coast Glaciers, Huka Falls and Mt Cook.

Highlights of New Zealand Tour In 16 days from Christchurch to Christchurch, via the Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Kaianua, Napier, Wellington, Blenheim and Kaikoura, accompanied by your guide, this coach tour covers the best of New Zealand. Enjoy special city tours all the major centres. Cruise out to natural phenomena of 'Hole in the Rock', spotting dolphin pods along the way. Cruise on the Interislander. Visit museums, a castle and Woodland Gardens. At Rotorua get down amongst the mud pools, see sky high geysers, Paradise Valley Springs, a sheep shearing demonstration and the Skyline Gondola & Luge. Enjoy the scenery including Huka Falls and the Mt Cook region.

Films Made in this Region

Peter Jackson's film 'Heavenly Creatures' was shot in the Port Hills near Christchurch. Other films in Christchurch include Eight Below 2006, Meet Me in Miami 2005, Daud: Fun on the Run 1997, The Frighteners 1996, Heavenly Creatures 1994 and Starlight Hotel in 1987. The Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed close by.

Eating & Sleeping

Cuisine

Christchurch has certain unique dining institutions not to be missed, the most notable being the Dining Tramcar, seen on all the tourist brochures. Bookings are essential. The tram circuits the city passing picturesque parks lit up along the way.

Another 'Cantabourian' institution is the Dux de Lux which is a restaurant, bar and boutique brewery with vegetarian options and live bands four nights a week.

Finally a quintessentially New Zealand experience is to dine at the "Sign of the Takahe" on top of the Port Hills which has formal dining in a big Gothic stone castle set on a hilltop. It hosted President Clinton's Christchurch visit for the APEC summit in 1999 and some scenes from Peter Jackson's film 'Heavenly Creatures' were shot here.

Regional Specialties

Close to Christchurch, are the vineyards of Malbourough, where white wine Sauvignon Blanc styles are world famous. Also in the Malbourough region is Picton, where "The Mussel Pot", serves only New Zealand Green Lip Mussels in its restaurant (ie Mussel Chowder), and has a roof covered in mussel replicas. Further south of Christchurch is Kaikoura which is famed for its crayfish and other seafood.

Accommodation

The following is a selection of the hotels Relaxing Journeys use in our escorted coach tours.

Hotel Ibis Superbly situated in the heart of this historic garden city, Hotel Ibis Christchurch is behind Cathedral Square, one of the most recognised and visited tourist attractions in picturesque Christchurch..

All Seasons Autolodge Just 5 minutes drive from the city centre, All Seasons Christchurch offers value-for-money accommodation in a picturesque garden setting reminiscent of a vintage English manor. This reflects the city’s strong European heritage, with its historic buildings such as the iconic Christchurch Cathedral, the beautiful Botanic Gardens and punting on the scenic Avon River.

Pavilions Hotel Providing exceptional value, the Pavilions Hotel has been designed with your total comfort in mind. From off street parking through to our swimming pool, spa pool and private sauna, we are committed to providing you with a pleasant and relaxing stay.

Premium

Novotel, Christchurch Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square will bring some fresh energy to the accommodation sector, and the hotel’s state-of-the-art meeting and conference facilities means it is also an excellent new offering for the corporate market. The location right on Cathedral Square means guests will be close to dining, shopping, entertainment and many attractions.