Christchurch Travel Guide
Travel guide to Christchurch, New Zealand with comprehensive information about events, shopping, and major Christchurch sporting events to help you enjoy your visit more.
Christchurch Overview
The city of Christchurch, New Zealand lies on the southeast coast of South Island, and is the main city in the county of Canterbury. The city straddles the River Avon, and is known in Maori as Otautahi.
Christchurch is often known as New Zealand's garden city on account of the number of public parks, and the tree lined streets, while the provincial architecture has seen it described as a little piece of England in the southern hemisphere.
With its low-rise buildings, and generally flat topography, Christchurch is a particularly light place, and is easy to explore on foot. Close to the city itself, there are some great beaches - although the sea can be fairly cold during the winter months.
From the centre of the city at Cathedral Square, all the main urban attractions of Christchurch are within striking distance, and include a number of galleries and museums to the region's geographic, and popular history.
Nightlife in Christchurch is an exciting affair with many pubs and clubs to choose from, and a young, vibrant feel.
Top Christchurch Attractions
The most impressive attraction for any visitor to the city is the famous Christchurch Gondola. This cable car takes you on a spectacular 1KM ride to the top of the extinct volcano overlooking Christchurch so you can enjoy the amazing views over the city and harbour. There is a restaurant at the top that is one of the top venues for dining in Christchurch, and a popular spot for romantic types to propose.
One of the most popular ways of getting around Christchurch is on one of the vintage trams that have been operated for almost a century. Guided tours are offered, which include a running commentary that points out all the sights of interest, and stops at places such as the Canterbury Museum, and the cathedral.
Shopping in Christchurch
The main shopping area in Christchurch is close to the Cathedral Square city centre, where you can find a number of department stores featuring all the New Zealand high street names.
Off the beaten track, there are some great markets to explore, and a close to the university college area, you can find a few small designer clothes stores offering New Zealand chic.
Christchurch is a great place to stock up on sportswear and skiing equipment if you plan on heading up to one of the mountain resorts such as Queenstown, as the prices are typically much lower.
Christchurch Sporting Events
As one of the major cities of New Zealand, Christchurch regularly hosts international matches for both cricket and rugby. The city's location close to the southern Alps makes it an ideal gateway to New Zealand's premier winter sports regions, where in resorts such as Queenstown, you can enjoy skiing, and snow boarding during the winter months.
In summer, warmer weather in the mountains means that other activities such as rock climbing, mountain biking and white water rafting are popular, as well as more peculiar "sports" such as bungee jumping, bridge swinging and zorbing.
