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 A little piece of England by the river |
2 Cambridge Terrace Central City Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 366 5885 http://www.boatsheds.co.nz |
The quaint, English-style, wooden boat sheds on the banks of the Avon River (Otakaro) are a reminder of yesteryear. Built in 1882 by two boatbuilders, the distinctive green-and-white striped, rustic boat sheds continue to launch vessels onto the water, although the clientele today are more likely to be novice canoeists. You can hire a punt or boat to head upstream to the Botanic Gardens, or watch the flotilla from the popular cafe, which serves breakfast and brunch from 7a daily. Caters for cocktail parties and children's birthdays. Check website for further details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: John Salomon |
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Cultural heart of the city |
Worcester Boulevard Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 366 0989 http://www.artscentre.org.nz |
The quintessential cultural venue of the city is housed within grand Gothic Revival buildings and linked by a maze of courtyards. Originally the Canterbury University College, the buildings were gifted to the people of Christchurch in 1974 for use as a community arts centre. It is now a gathering place for artists, craftspeople and performers, with more than 40 shops, galleries, artists and artisans' studios, cafes, theatres, cinemas, restaurants and bars. During the weekends, it hosts a bustling arts and crafts market. The Centre is also the site for festivals and live events. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: April Guenther |
 Photo: April Guenther |
 Photo: Rick Gould |
 Photo: Matt Greenham |
 Photo: Matt Greenham |
 Photo: Mike Riversdale |
 Photo: Ana Paula Lima |
 Photo: Tonya Stumphauzer |
 Photo: Amy Warrick |
 Photo: Mark Duttweiler |
 Photo: Tim Riggott |
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Christchurch's English heart |
Christchurch, Canterbury 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 379 6929 (Tourist Information) |
This is the natural feature perhaps most responsible for Christchurch's Englishness--a vision completed by the presence of the punting boats. Rising in Avonhead suburb, from springs which once bubbled up in a swampy plain, the river weaves through the city like the theme of a symphony, constantly appearing and disappearing as it twines through parks, (notably Hagley Park), and slips under graceful arched bridges. Numerous points of historic interest lie along the river, which grows wide and sleek from countless springs and tributary streams. Lower down its course the river runs into the Estuary, where it loses itself in a reedy delta. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Paula Michelle del Rosario |
 Photo: Stephen Turvey |
 Photo: Charles Augello |
 Photo: Seth Daire |
 Photo: Grant Jun Otsuki |
 Photo: cgt  |
 Photo: Peter Kelly |
 Photo: Allan Lee |
 Photo: Anthony |
 Photo: Oded Ilan |
 Photo: MountainLaurel |
 Photo: David Frink |
 Photo: Walter Logeman |
 Photo: Karen S |
 Photo: Moray Nairn |
 Photo: nick chesterton |
 Photo: Mark Matakitoga |
 Photo: Jen Duane |
 Photo: Nino Sani |
 Photo: Henk Bokhoven |
 Photo: heeter |
 Photo: RedJackSquid |
 Photo: Malcolm Skinner |
 Photo: Maria Rocha-Martin |
 Photo: TCFL Study Trip 2008 |
 Photo: Stuart Oreo |
 Photo: M. Baivier |
 Photo: Dominic Wong |
 Photo: Aaron K.K.Koo |
 Photo: lytteltonwitch |
 Photo: whc7294 |
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River and sea meet |
Christchurch, Canterbury 8008 New Zealand +64 (0)3 379 2257 http://www.estuary.org.nz/ |
The Avon and Heathcote rivers converge on this 800-hectare estuary, dominated by the Te Huingi Manu Wildlife Refuge. This is one of New Zealand's most important wetlands, comprising mudflats, salt marshes, reed beds and sand dunes. It is estimated to be relatively "young" at 450 years old. A twitchers (birdwatchers) paradise, the estuary is home to over 100 species of bird including 8,000 waders and 15,000 ducks. The best place to observe the bird life is around the oxidation ponds off Dyers Road. The windsurfing reserve at Humphreys Drive is a hot gathering place for windsurfers, who can attain high speeds in a stiff easterly wind. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kate Bodger |
 Photo: Jon Sullivan |
 Explore rugged Banks Peninsula |
PO Box 54 Akaroa Christchurch 8161 New Zealand +63 (0)3 304 7612 http://www.bankstrack.co.nz/ |
Explore the varied beauty of Banks Peninsula on this award-winning walk. Your journey will take you along spectacular headlands, past sheltered bays and nature reserves, through native forest and farmlands. Cosy huts and cottages provide accommodation along the way, with the chance to "bathe under the stars" at Stony Bay. Both two-day and four-day walks are available, but due to the rugged terrain, a reasonable level of fitness is required. As a private walk, bookings are essential. The season is open from 1 October to 30 April. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dan Clem |
 Photo: Rick Verhoef |
 Photo: sunbabe09 |
 Photo: Dafydd Williams |
 Photo: Jonathan Keelty |
 Photo: solarthermienator |
 Photo: sage of shui |
 Photo: Jan Raimers |
 Photo: bigtrippers |
 Photo: Clementine's Shoes |
 Photo: Peter Skov |
 Photo: Sam Rapson |
 Spectacular year-round displays |
Rolleston Avenue Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 366 1701 http://www.ccc.govt.nz/Parks/G... |
Bordered by the graceful Avon River, the Botanic Gardens truly reflects Christchurch's reputation as the garden city. It boasts the finest single collection of exotic and indigenous plants in New Zealand, with spectacular year-round displays and more than 30 hectares of walking tracks, majestic trees, sweeping lawns, feature gardens, conservatories and woodland areas. Specimens are well labelled and sure to delight even the most reluctant gardener. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Chris Deatrick |
 Photo: Allan Rae |
 Photo: Nabeel Sultan |
 Photo: Jessica Cox |
 Photo: Robyn Dawn Grant |
 Photo: Nicola Hibberd |
 Photo: flyingmuffyn |
 Photo: Yi-cheng Kuo |
 Photo: Chris Coffey |
 Photo: Jill Clark |
 Photo: Liamm Kind |
 Photo: Ben Auchter |
 Photo: Charlie Rapple |
 Photo: Sarah Stacey |
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 Photo: Paul Prior |
 Photo: Tino Schweighoefer |
 Photo: alicialim |
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 Photo: Simon Davies |
 Photo: Donald Cameron |
 Photo: Nabeelah Ali |
 Photo: Gordon Murray-Smith |
 Photo: Arthur McGregor |
 Photo: Trish Loughman |
 Photo: Chris Hines |
 Photo: Ann McKelvie |
 Photo: Iryna Malakhivska |
 Photo: Wilfredo Falcón |
 Photo: Sarah Muschamp |
 Photo: sound&fury |
 Photo: traveliest |
 Photo: Amy Lu |
 Photo: Alex |
 Photo: Alison MacCarthy |
 Photo: maximus_w_83 |
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Settlers' route over Port Hills |
Lyttelton Christchurch 8012 New Zealand +64 (0)3 328 9093 (Lyttelton Information Centre) |
This historic track was hastily built in January 1851 to provide settlers with a route over the Port Hills. A road to Sumner was supposed to have been completed before the arrival of the "First Four Ships", but lack of funds stalled its completion until 1857. From Bridle Path Road, Lyttelton, the track climbs steeply up the scrubby face passing several benches where you can rest your legs, and imagine the early settlers lugging their belongings over the hill to the swampland below. At the Summit Road there is a shelter then the track descends gradually into the Heathcote Valley through scattered eucalyptus and pine groves. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: parrcath |
 Photo: criemil |
 Photo: Adam Smith |
 A wealth of local heritage on display |
Rolleston Avenue Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 366 5000 http://www.canterburymuseum.com |
The museum dates back to 1870, and features seven buildings containing numerous displays, including the Antarctic, archaeological and Victorian collections. There are also changing special exhibits and "hands-on" displays. The seven bukldings do create a bewildering "rabbit warren" of spaces, so allow plenty of time for your visit. It is worth visiting the café, which overlooks the Botanical Gardens. Located close to the city and adjacent to the Arts Centre and the Avon river, you can either walk or catch a city tram. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jen Tidman |
 Photo: Karl Monaghan |
 Photo: ronancrowley |
 Photo: Tim Chadwick |
 Photo: David Glover |
 Photo: cedartree_13 |
 Photo: Dave Spitzer |
 Historic walk in the city |
Cathedral Square Central City Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 379 9629 (Christchurch Information Centre) |
Christchurch prides itself on its preservation of historic buildings and structures. A short walk through the city will give you a taste of its heritage. Begin with the Square, taking in the Cathedral, Bailey's Building and the old Post Office, before moving on to Worcester Boulevard. As it crosses Oxford Terrace you will find the Visitor Centre (the Old Municipal Chambers). Turn south and follow the Avon to the Bridge of Remembrance and St Michael's Church and School, before continuing towards Montreal Street and the Arts Centre. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Christchurch's premier park |
Riccarton Avenue Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 941 8999 (Tourist Information) http://www.ccc.govt.nz/parks/H... |
Magnificent Hagley Park, where Christchurch folk walk, jog and play, covers 161 hectares of the inner city. Almost every sporting activity imaginable is played here, from petanque to New Zealand's national game, rugby. In summer, outdoor concerts are held in this English-style park, with its many large, beautiful trees. Declared a public reserve in 1856 by European settlers, city laws state that the park must remain intact. Features include a fitness track, an outstanding springtime woodland area, a perimeter track for walkers and joggers, Lakes Victoria and Albert, a golf course, a quaint band rotunda, tennis and netball courts and a cricket pavilion which is believed to be the oldest in the southern hemisphere. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: kebabette |
 Photo: Christian Morley |
 Photo: Sandy Fish |
 Photo: Maureen Pierre |
 Photo: Angela Lee |
 Photo: kebabette |
 Photo: Wayne Roddom |
 Photo: Alasdair Milne |
 Photo: Bryan Hoyt |
 Photo: Alasdair Milne |
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 Photo: Sonya Barbour |
 Photo: Mike Campbell |
 Photo: Morgan Tyree |
 Photo: Jason Andrews |
 Photo: Liv Ellingsen |
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 Photo: Bonita Tao |
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 Photo: TheBlueRose |
 Photo: Chieko Kawashima |
 Photo: Michal Schindler |
 Photo: Brendon Gloistein |
 Photo: Kevin Nugent |
 Photo: Celine Hansen |
 Photo: nicholesalbum |
 Photo: putz-in-boots |
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Historic Port Hills track |
Days Road Lyttelton Christchurch 8012 New Zealand +64 (0)3 328 9093 (Lyttelton Information Centre) |
This steep track (two hours return) is named after Major Thomas Hornbrook, a nineteenth century businessman credited with the dubious honour of opening Canterbury's first grog shop. Legendary sheep stealer, James Mackenzie, was recaptured on this track after escaping from the Lyttelton gaol in 1855. From the top of Day's Road, Lyttelton, the track zigzags steeply up the flanks of the Port Hills, through patches of native bush and open tussock faces. From the open ground there are superb views of Lyttelton Harbour and the hills of Banks Peninsula. The track ends at Hornbrooks Pass where there are remnants of military installations. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Magnificent Edwardian fountain |
Christchurch Botanic Gardens Rolleston Avenue Christchurch, Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 366 1701 (Botanic Gardens Information Centre) |
This fantastic, ornate Edwardian cast iron fountain brings grace and baroque elegance to the lawns outside the Canterbury Museum. Restored to the Botanic Gardens in 1996, before then, the fountain had languished in storage in a shed at the Ferrymead Historical Park, after being dismantled in 1932 to make way for the new art gallery. The fountain is a particularly fine example of its kind, cast in the Coalbrookdale foundry. It is three-tiered, adorned with dolphins, herons and lilies, and brilliantly painted in green and gold. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Robert Coleman |
 Photo: Will Ellis |
 Photo: Jadon Smith |
 Photo: Susan Kelley |
 Photo: adawo1223 |
 Photo: Dave Bell |
 Photo: jaw03005 |
 Photo: sonny&kathy |
 Photo: Helen Boothby |
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A genteel way to see the botanical gardens |
Antigua Boatsheds 2 Cambridge Terrace Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 3 366 0337 http://www.punting.co.nz/ |
What a spiffing way to explore the Avon River! While you relax in your authentic Cambridge punt, a boatman dressed in flannels and a straw boater poles your craft gently through the idyllic Botanic Gardens. Take a hamper and a bottle of wine, (this is the only punting company licensed to serve alcoholic drinks) and whisper sweet nothings to your loved one as you drift lazily down the river. How English can you get? Admission: Half-hour guided punt tours: Adults NZD12.50; children NZD5; children under five are free. Canoe, rowing and paddle boats are also available for hire. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Paul & Kelly |
 Photo: sireesa76 |
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Peninsula perimeter walk |
Little River Christchurch 8162 New Zealand +64 (0)3 329 0007 |
This superb two or four-day walk takes you around the rugged outer edge of Banks Peninsula; a landscape of dramatic cliffs, valleys, vast swathes of tussocky hills, and beaches populated with seals and shag colonies. The walk is entirely on private land and well-maintained farm huts provide rustic accommodation with cooking facilities, hot showers and even flush toilets. A good level of fitness and gear to cope with bad weather are required--the track rises from sea level to 800 metres. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Stunning peninsula walk |
Taylor's Mistake Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 379 9758 (Department of Conservation) |
Beginning at Taylor's Mistake, the walkway winds around the steep edge of the headland over a number of bays and coves, offering spectacular views of the ocean and the high, open hill landscape of this volcanic peninsula. Of particular interest are the cave dwellings and rugged holiday cottages dotted along the coastline and at Boulder Bay. From Boulder Bay, the track rises to the Godley Head Reserve car park, from where you can explore some historic military bunkers. The round trip is about three hours. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Explore the city, the peninsula or the plains |
11 Whitmore Street, Richmond Christchurch New Zealand +64 3 942 6072 http://www.walkaway.co.nz/ |
These walking tours can take from two hours to a full day and require an average level of fitness. Shorter tours allow you to explore the central city or Port Hills of Christchurch, while longer tours take you into the Southern Alps or onto Banks Peninsula to explore ancient volcanic craters. If you enjoy the outdoors and the flora and fauna of native bush, you will not be disappointed by the options available to you. There is a door-to-door pick-up service and lunch and refreshments are provided. Review © 2007, Wcities |