Christchurch

This city is known as the garden city and a very English city. It was built originally beside the Avon River as a source of water and the Avon and its banks have been made attractive with lawns and English trees. The Avon also runs through the Botanic Gardens adding extra charm to these beautifully laid out lawns and gardens.

Christchurch - City Center - Cathedral Square - Credit- Peter Hunt

Bordering on the Gardens is the Canterbury Museum which has a special section on the Antarctic explorations. Across the road is the Arts Centre, sited in the old University buildings and housing cultural activities, the Court Theatre (the city's professional theatre), a movie theatre, art and craft shops, and weekend stalls selling crafts and ethnic foods.

Christchurch - Looking down Worcester St [ from art centre ] to Cathedral - Credit- Peter Hunt

In the next block, walking towards Christchurch Cathedral is the eye-catching new Art Gallery. Admission is free except for special exhibitions.

Christchurch - Fountains at the Town Hall - Credit- Peter Hunt

All this and the Town Hall, numerous restaurants, bars, hotels, motels are within easy walking distance.

Further out of the city centre are the University of Canterury, the Antarctic Centre, the Gondola on Mt Cavendish, walks and drives on the Port Hills, the port of Lyttelton and the attractive settlements on Banks Peninsula, with Akaroa proving very popular.

Christchurch - Tram at Art Centre - Credit- Peter Hunt

These are just some of the city's attractions. A drive beside the Avon and a tour of some of the hill suburbs and winning gardens will give you an acquaintance with some of what the city can offer and then the choice is up to you.