Christchurch City Guide

You are able to truly delve into New Zealand’s South Island whilst visiting Christchurch. This small city takes great inspiration from English style; this is apparent as you stroll through its parks and gardens and observe the architecture which runs through the city. Alongside the plush greenery you can also sit and enjoy the beautiful beaches which circle Christchurch. There are also many cultural attractions within the central areas which contain an abundance of buildings and museums to delve into.

Cultural Spots

Cathedral Square exists at the heart of the city centre. The Christchurch Cathedral dominates this area and attracts many visitors as a result of its Gothic exterior and tall spire. The interior of this cathedral is also breathtaking due to its bell tower which provides panoramic views across the entire city. There is also a giant chessboard painted on the ground of the Cathedral Square. Many choose to observe the avid players who come to the spot each day and have honed their great skills and abilities.  Another unusual sight within the Square is ‘The Wizard’; this man is a quirky character who stands on top of a ladder and gives speeches on a variety of different topics.

The Christchurch Tramway has been a part of the city for many decades and currently attracts many tourists each year. The heritage trams have been restored to mint condition and now take trips around the city’s attractions. You will get a mini tour as the drivers give their customers information about the history, architecture and sites they are driving around. Such spots you can see on your trip are the Cathedral Square, the Aquarium of Discovery, the Avon River and the Botanic Rivers.

 Events

The Ellerslie Flower Show is a large event which is New Zealand’s equivalent to the Chelsea Flower Show. The show takes place between the 9^th and 13^th of March in Hagley Park. Thousands of people attend this event so that they can observe the artistic capabilities of the gardeners. Many of the displays are exquisitely designed with a diverse range of colours, species and scents.

Sporting fanatics may want to visit the Rugby World Cup 2011 which will take place between September and October. This will be situated in the AMI Stadium; the building has been upgraded for the event and is the perfect place to view the seven rugby games which lead up to the final.

Natural Spots

There are over 4 miles of sandy beaches running around the edge of Christchurch. You can relax upon these sands as well as enjoy the numerous water activities on offer. Some of the beaches you can visit are Christchurch beach, Highcliffe, Avon Beach and Mudeford Sandbank. Between Easter and October there are ferry trips where you can observe the underwater life and the little islands surrounding Christchurch. Friars Cliff Beach is also worth visiting as the area won the Quality Coast Award in 2011 for it high standards of tidiness, water quality and safety.

There are also many scenic spots to enjoy inland; there are a wide variety of natural reserves which include heath land, wet meadows and cliff-top woods. You can enjoy walks and hikes in such places as the Avon Valley Path and the Stour Valley Way which have pathways leading to breathtaking scenic spots.

5 Day Weather Forecast for Christchurch

Today	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday
Chance of Rain 13°/0°	Fog 13°/2°	Partly Cloudy 12°/2°	Fog 15°/3°	Fog 15°/5°