Christchurch
Travel Guide > Oceania > New Zealand > South Island > Christchurch
Introduction
Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island and second largest city by urban area in New Zealand. Originally settled by Maori tribes around 1250 AD this area of the South Island has always had some sort of occupation since then. The Weller brothers, whalers, purchased the area and set up a base in what is now Christchurch in the early 1840s. The Weller brothers later abandoned the area.
In December of 1850 the historic First Four Ships, which were chartered by the Canterbury Association, arrived. The city quickly grew and was the first city in New Zealand by royal charter on the 31st of July 1856. Because of this the city is home to many Gothic buildings and the site of many historic events in New Zealand, such as New Zealands first railroad. Christchurch has also been the gateway to the Arctic for early explorers and modern day scientists. Today this city has become a major metropolitan centre and the heart of the South Island. There are countless sights to visit and places to see in Christchurch.
Neighbourhoods
Sights and Activities
Museums
- Canterbury Museum is a beautiful gothic museum with a great collection and exhibits ranging from Maori relics, Antarctic exhibitions to even dinosaurs. The museum is open everyday, except Christmas Day, 9 am to 5:30 pm (October to March) and 9 am to 5 pm (April to September). Admission is free.
- Ferrymead Heritage Park was founded in the 1960s as a tribute to industrial history. Learn more about industry in the 19th century and see how people lived back in those times. The park is at the site of the first railroad in New Zealand and you can ride a real steam locomotive on certain days. The park is open 10 am to 4:30 pm every day except Christmas Day. The park is located at 50 Ferrymead Park Drive, Heathcote about a 15 minute drive from Christchurch city centre or take bus number 35 from the city. Monday to Friday Adult $6, Children $3, Children under 5 Free, Weekends, Public Holidays and School Holidays, when trams or trains are operating, Adults $15, Children $5.
- Air Force Museum is dedicated to New Zealand's aviation history. The museum is located about 15 minutes from the city centre with free parking. It is also possible to take the #5 or #81 bus to the museum. The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, except Christmas Day. Adults $15, Children $5, Students and Senior Citizens $9.
- Christchurch Art Gallery is the new art museum opened in 2003 with a good collection. The museum is located at the intersection of Worcester Blvd and Montreal Street. Open everyday 10 am to 5 pm, and on Wednesday 10 am to 9 pm, closed Christmas Day.
- Christchurch Arts Centre has a collection of over 40 specialty shops, fine art galleries, world class theatre groups, art house cinemas, bars, restaurants and cafes. There are also many special events going on at different times. Every weekend there is a market featuring local entertainers and artists selling their goods..
Wildlife and Animals
- Orana Wildlife Park: Spend the day seeing wild animals in a more natural habitat then a zoo at this wildlife park outside the city.
- Willowbank Wildlife Reserve: Experience the natural side of South island at this wonderful reserve. Adults $25, Children $10, Seniors and Students with ID $20.
- Southern Encounters Aquarium & Kiwi House is a great aquarium in Christchurch. Open every day of the year, except Christmas Day, 9 am to 4:30 pm. Adults $15, Children $5, Student with ID and Seniors $13.
- Antarctic Centre is located near the airport and allows visitors to experience a simulated Antarctica.
Other Sights and Activities
- Christchurch Cathedral: Visit this stunning church and climb the spire to see great views of Christchurch. The church is located in Cathedral Square.
- Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament was opened in 1905 and is now one of the finest Renaissance style Catholic Churches in all of New Zealand and Oceania.
- Heathcote Gondola: Ride this gondola to get great views of places like Pegasus Bay.
- Summit Road: Drive this road in order to see some amazing views.
- Mountain Biking: Cycle some amazing trails in and around Christchurch. Especially in the Port Hills or Bottle Lake Forset.
- Victoria Park: Go for a nice hike in this wonderful green space.
- Punting on the Avon: Go on nice boat ride down the Avon River. Adults $20, Children $10.
- Christchurch Casino: Place some bets and try to make it big at this casino located at 30 Victoria Street.
Events and Festivals
Weather
Getting There
By Plane
Christchurch International Airport (CHC) is 12 km northwest of the city centre and was originally opened in 1953. The airport has connections to all cities in New Zealand, most major cities in the Oceania area and a few other international destinations. Air New Zealand and Air Chathams operate most of the domestic flights. While international flights, even some as far away as Bangkok, Dubai or Seoul, are operated by Air Pacific, Emirates, Jetstar, Korean Air, Pacific Blue, Qantas and Singapore Airlines.
By Train
By Car
By Bus
By Boat
Getting Around
By Car
By Public Transport
Bus is the main form of public transport in Christchurch. There are three different companies and they are jointly called the Metro. Tourists can use the buses to get anywhere in the city.
Christchurch Tramway is a limited service one way above ground tram mainly for tourists travelling in the city centre.
Diamond Harbour Ferry connection the suburb of Lyttelton to Diamond Harbour.
By Foot
By Bike
Eat
Drink
Work
Learn
This is version 5. Last edited at 5:14 on Aug 21, 08 by Lavafalls (+100). 6 articles link to this page.
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