Local Information

Known internationally as “The Garden City”, Christchurch during the summer is a myriad of blooms and exotic leafy trees. Large expanses of parkland, such as the 161ha Hagley Park, dominate the city along with its very prominent English styling, a nod in the direction of the city’s English forebears.

Christchurch café
Historic trams

At the centre of the city is Cathedral Square with its neo-gothic Anglican Cathedral. There are four large avenues, namely Deans, Bealey, Fitzgerald and Moorhouse, which define the central business district limits.

Facilities include:

  • Arts Centre
  • Botanic gardens
  • City Art Gallery
  • Canterbury Museum
  • Airforce Museum
  • Antarctic Centre
  • Punting on the Avon
  • Cathedral Square
  • Hagley Park
  • Shopping in Cashel Street Mall
  • Dining al fresco with views over the Avon River
  • Historic trams
  • The historic Riccarton House and bush
  • Mona Vale Gardens
Avon River

There are also many cultural events on around Christchurch, from the renowned International Ellerslie Flower Show held in March at Hagley Park to open air concerts and street performers. Whatever it is you are looking for, Christchurch is a vibrant, attractive city with plenty to offer even the most discerning traveller.

The province of Canterbury itself is very much a dynamic place to visit with many exciting places and views to experience outside the city limits:

  • Lyttleton
  • Akaroa and Banks Peninsula
  • Drives and walks on the Port Hills
  • Many Canterbury vineyards
  • The magnificent Canterbury high country
  • Trans-Alpine express train
  • Kaikoura whale-watching
  • Hanmer Springs
  • “Lord of the Rings” sites
  • Skifields
  • Arthurs Pass National Park
Akaroa Harbour