Christchurch Regional Information

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'The Garden City' as it is known all around New Zealand and the world. This is the largest of all the South Island cities having a population in excess of 400,000. Situated at the confluence of the Heathcote and Avon rivers with a back-drop of the Port Hills, Christchurch is the hub of the South Island. The visitor will immediately notice the very English style layout of the city with its central square and parallel streets running east to west and north to south. You will find buskers and street stalls and enjoy the architecture of Christchurch's central Cathedral. Winding its way through the city is the Avon River, gently flowing as it makes its way to the sea near Sumner beach. The river was named by the Dean brothers, after their home in Scotland. The Avon River is a focal point for relaxation where you can enjoy an afternoon watching various wildlife, the occasional canoeist or the very English Punts as they pass you by. Walking around the city you can find all sorts of interesting architecture. From neo gothic style to the most modern, the city prides itself in the diversity of the buildings and many an important building has been preserved to enjoy. The city also boasts a fully restored Victorian electric tram. The loop that you take passes many of the sights and is well worth the time to travel back in time to the pace of yesteryear.

With a great number of parks and the mature trees that surround you at every turn, the name the Garden City is very apt. Visitors can take a tour around the city and see some of the historic buildings that abound or relax at the Art Centre and enjoy the variety of stall and galleries. To the west the city is flanked by Hagley Park, the most famous of all the many parks in the greater metropolitan area. With the Botanic gardens and all that it has to offer as the Avon river gently loops upstream to its source, this would be a must see for any visitor. To help the visitor during their stay the city offers a variety of first class restaurants, serving a variety of dishes that will impress. There are a great number of cafe bars that will provide sustenance to the thirstiest of travellers and some of the local wines are beginning to find favour worldwide. With first class service, excellent menus and the relaxed atmosphere that each establishment offers, the dining and cafe bars are popular attractions in the city. There are two main beaches in Christchurch - Sumner, located in the East, and Brighton located in the North East. Both offer excellent areas to swim. Sumner is reached via the Esplanade, and was until the 1960's considered a satellite of Christchurch, having developed its own unique culture, cafe's and bars. The drive there is very rewarding and the views from the surrounding hills is breath taking. Brighton with its own mall complex and pier is also unique in its own right. With high sand dunes miles of sandy beach this is the place to spend the long hot summer evenings.

Surrounding the city there are a multitude of activities for all walks of life. Including golf courses and driving ranges, tennis courts, wild life parks, walking tracks, cycle tracks, wind surfing, boating and much more. During the winter there are great ski fields within 1-2 hours drive, and the sea and river fishing is abundant, but check to see what license you require and season regulations. The warmest months are from November to April and use of a sunscreen is advisable. The international airport only twenty minutes from the central city is serviced by both taxi and buses. As per all of New Zealand there is no requirement to tip and all goods and services have a government G.S.T. (goods and services tax) of 12.5%. Duty Free shopping is available in both the city and at the airport. For those who intend to see the South Island, Rental Cars, Camper Vans, Buses, Tour Operators and Flights can easily be arranged.