3 minute read
11 reasons to love Christchurch
1. ANTARCTIC CENTRE
Experience a heart-pumping Antarctic storm and then ride the Hägglund (an authentic Antarctic vehicle). This is a journey to the South Pole for the slightly less intrepid.
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2. CHRISTCHURCH GONDOLA
A ride to the top of the Port Hills is essential for 360-degree views of the city and surrounds. At the summit, set off on a walking track, learn the area's history on the Time Tunnel ride or grab a bite at Red Rock Café.
3. CHRISTCHURCH ADVENTURE PARK
A base for epic adventures or a brilliant place to take in the sights, this adventure park on the Port Hills caters to all. Wind your way through the downhill mountain biking tracks, fly overhead on a zipline or take a 1.8km-long scenic chairlift to the top of the hill (the longest in the country).
4. THE TANNERY
Where new wardrobes are built. This stylish shopping mecca is packed with boutique stores. All shopped out? Hit the precinct's sophisticated dining establishments.
5. MARKETS
The Farmers' Market occurs every Saturday 9am-1pm at Riccarton House. For unique gifts, the Boulevard Arts Market pops up on Worcester Boulevard and the Friday Street Food Market in Cathedral Square combines music and quick bites up until 9pm.
6. PUNTING
A great way to take in Avon River/Ōtakaro, which winds its way through the Botanic Gardens, is via the English-style punt. Better yet, your skilled punter will be dressed in traditional Edwardian attire. To enhance this relaxing experience, take a picnic for the ride. The departure point is by the Worcester St bridge or from the Antigua Boat Sheds, next to the Botanic Gardens. While here, you can also hire single canoes, double canoes, paddle boats and row boats.
7. CARDBOARD CATHEDRAL
After the original Christchurch Cathedral was badly damaged in the 2011 earthquake, the Christchurch Transitional Cathedral found a temporary home in Latimer Square. It is the world’s only cathedral made substantially of cardboard. With a 700-seat capacity, it is open daily from 9am to 5pm. The much-loved original cathedral is all set to be restored but it will take some time.
8. CITY TRAMS
It's easy to have a bit of a soft spot for trams, and in Christchurch, they’re particularly dashing. Decked out both internally and externally in resplendent vintage décor, they clatter delightfully down the city’s narrow streets. A hop on, hop off all-day ticket allows passengers to enjoy both tram rides and Christchurch’s best sights.
9. ADRENALIN FOREST
Tree climbing, rope bridges and flying foxes all await here. Conquer seven forest-shroud trails in the tree tops and climb to dizzying heights.
10. CANTERBURY MUSEUM
Housed in a neo-Gothic building and situated in the city’s Cultural Precinct, the museum is world renowned for its natural and human history collections.
11. SUMNER BEACH
Do as the locals do and take a 20-minute drive out of the city to the seaside. Walk the prom and explore Cave Rock.
DON’T MISS!
NEW REGENT ST - Its pastelshaded buildings will delight and the shops will entice you inside. A throwback to the 1930s, with Spanish Mission architecture and an air of glamour, this street is all style.
New Regent St, Christchurch © christchurchnz.org.nz
QUAKE CITY
This is a fascinating exhibition based at Durham St North that looks at the experiences of the Christchurch earthquakes from every perspective. See an active liquefaction volcano, learn about the science of earthquakes and hear the stories of the people of Christchurch from the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 and their aftermath. You can also view iconic Christchurch objects such as the Cathedral Spire.
