 Christchurch city is located midway down the East Coast
of the South Island, just north of Banks Peninsula.
Christchurch is the South Island's largest city. It’s a vibrant, cosmopolitan place with exciting festivals, theatre, modern art galleries, great shopping and award-winning
attractions.
In the centre of the city you can’t help but notice Christchurch Cathedral, an outstanding example of Gothic Revival architecture. You can climb up to the spire for
a bird's-eye view of the city and, while there, examine the cathedral bells at close hand. Other grey-stone nineteenth century buildings, tree-lined avenues and extensive leafy
parks give the city an elegant, rather English atmosphere.
Other central city attractions include the beautiful Neo-Gothic Arts Centre, the historic tram which loops the city centre, the Christchurch Gondola and the International
Antarctic Centre. Christchurch is also a great place to go shopping - look for Ballantynes, New Zealand’s oldest department store.
Expect a high standard of cuisine wherever you go - restaurants and cafes make the most of the region’s delicacies and local wines. Before or after lunch, take a leisurely
journey down the Avon River in a punt.
 Known internationally for its award winning gardens, Christchurch is also a place for events and festivals. Whatever the season, you'll find a non-stop programme of entertainment
with events like the Festival of Romance, the International Buskers Festival, Winter carnival, and Showtime Canterbury.
Christchurch Highlights!!
Elegance & Heritage Around the City
Christchurch is an elegant, rather English-feeling city with a refined sense of fun. You’ll find plenty to do.
- Saunter through Hagley Park, then admire Christchurch Botanic Gardens
- Mona Vale Homestead has five hectares of gardens and fabulous views of the Avon River
- Take an historical tram ride around the city centre. Trundle through the tree lined streets, past buzzing streetside cafes
- Go punting on the Avon River. Sit back and relax in a punt as a boatman guides you past the sights of the central city
- Embark on a guided walk of Christchurch city and the heritage buildings
- Explore Canterbury Museum, including the Hall of Antarctic Discovery
- Inspect the collection at Christchurch Art Gallery, the largest art institution in the South Island, the Gallery is home to one of New Zealand’s most important public
art collections.
- Find the Arts Centre of Christchurch, one of New Zealand's most significant cultural attractions and a dynamic venue for arts, shopping
and entertainment
- Don’t miss the Anglican and Catholic cathedrals
- Tram at the Arts Centre, Christchurch
Expect the Unexpected
Gather some amazing memories while you enjoy the unique attractions of Christchurch.
- Travel up the Christchurch Gondola for massive views of Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains, Banks Peninsula and Lyttelton Harbour
- Up, Up and Away! Take a dawn balloon flight over Christchurch city or the patchwork fields of the Canterbury plains - www.ballooning.co.nz or www.nzballooning.com
- Visit the International Antarctic Centre, which features a real snow and ice experience and a 45-minute behind the scenes tour of the Antarctic Campus on the Hägglund
Ride
- If you’re feeling lucky, head for Christchurch Casino
- The Christchurch Wizard is a highly entertaining local identity - look for him in Cathedral Square
- Air Force World brings you face to face with 28 classic aircraft, thousands of artefacts, artworks and stories of famous aviators
Getting Close to Nature
Beautifully presented wildlife parks are a Christchurch speciality.
- Southern Encounter Aquarium is an interactive aquarium in the city centre
- Willowbank Wildlife Reserve has a kiwi breeding programme and native New Zealand bird life - info@willowbank.co.nz
- At Orana Wildlife Park you can experience the diverse splendour of the animal kingdom in tranquil, spacious surroundings
- The Antarctic Attraction enables to you experience what life is like in the Antarctic in a fun, all weather environment. Feel "genuine" Antarctic
wind chill in the Snow & Ice Experience
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Book your 
The Heritage Suites are one of New Zealands most carefully preserved and restored historical buildings. 
The George brings boutique hotel hospitality to Christchurch providing this city of parks and gardens with an elegant hotel to suit the most discerning guest. 
Ideally situated central to Victoria Square and beside The Avon River, Crowne Plaza Christchurch has the city at its doorstep. 
The Copthorne Commodore Christchurch airport hotel is set in award-winning native New Zealand gardens, on 7 acres of land. 
