Visit Christchurch, New Zealand

The most English of New Zealand’s cities, Christchurch is the provincial capital and also serves as the international gateway to the many scenic wonders of South Island.

The Canterbury Plains, Christchurch

The Canterbury Plains, ChristchurchRiver Avon, ChristchurchChristchurch, New ZealandChristchurch tramTram crossing Worcester Boulevard Bridge, ChristchurchChristchurch, New ZealandHagley Park, ChristchurchThe Canterbury Plains, ChristchurchHagley Park, Christchurch

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The most English of New Zealand’s cities, Christchurch is the provincial capital and also serves as the international gateway to the many scenic wonders of South Island.

Punts glide down the picturesque Avon River, an Anglican church lies at the heart of Cathedral Square, vintage trams rattle down streets which have traditionally English names and plenty of parks and gardens adorn the city.

Exploring the city

The centre is small enough to be negotiated on foot, with the wonderful advantage of being perfectly flat. The Botanical gardens are charming, with geraniums, chrysanthemums and carefully edged lawns perfectly manicured with not a blade of grass out of place.

Also worth a visit is the International Antarctic Centre, the home base for the United States, Italian and New Zealand Antarctic programmes. Christchurch is home to the New Zealand Cup and Show Week, an international racing event which creates a festival atmosphere each year as racing, fashion and local lifestyle are celebrated throughout the city.

At the heart of the city, part of the original University of Canterbury has now been developed into a vibrant and exciting Arts Centre, housing over 40 speciality shops, fine art galleries, cinemas, bars, restaurants and cafes. During the weekend you can wander through the art, craft and produce market, and throughout the year the site features an array of festivals and events.

Around Christchurch

The extensive Canterbury Plains which surround Christchurch are one of the driest and flattest regions in the entire country, fertile farmland framed by the snow-capped peaks of the ever-present Southern Alps.

Just outside Christchurch is Lyttelton Harbour, home to one of the world’s rarest dolphin species, the Hector’s dolphin, most often seen - along with other marine species - from wildlife cruises that operate from the harbour.

A further option for exploring the region is to take the TranzAlpine train on one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys out of Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass and on to the West Coast.