Christchurch is New Zealand's second-largest city and the gateway to the South Island. Bordered by hills and the Pacific Ocean, it is situated on the edge of the Canterbury Plains that stretch to the Southern Alps.
Christchurch is New Zealand's second-largest city and the gateway to the South Island. Bordered by hills and the Pacific Ocean, it is situated on the edge of the Canterbury Plains that stretch to the Southern Alps.
Population: 414.000
Some people say Christchurch is the most "English" of New Zealand's cities. Known as "The Garden City" it has won international renown for it's expansive parks and beautiful public gardens.
Christchurch is also the gateway to the pristine South Island - there's excitement waiting within an hour or two in any direction, to the east the sheltered bays, sandy beaches, bush clad valleys and the rocky coastline of Banks Peninsula, along with wineries and the French settlers' village of Akaroa.
Christchurch has warm summers and cool to cold winters. Maximum temperatures in summer are typically in the 27°C to 33°C range. In winter the temperatures can range from 2°C to 12°C. Christchurch has a temperate climate with moderate rainfall.
There are two main forms of public transportation that can be used for getting around the Christchurch area: taxis and busses.
Taxis are readily available throughout the city of Christchurch, with a number of companies offering services.
The Christchurch Shuttle is a free bus service that makes laps around the central city area. It is not only free, but also environmentally friendly, using electric hybrid vehicles.
There are several bus companies that service the larger Christchurch area, including Red Bus Ltd. The two major services offered by Red Bus are the City Flyer Airport Bus, and the Metrostar cross suburban bus. The central bus station, called the Bus Exchange, is located in downtown Christchurch, and has information about all available lines.
A complete Timetable of all available routes can be found on the Metroinfo website. An electronic ticket called a Metrocard can be obtained from the Bus Exchange, which operates like a debit card - you load money onto the card (minimum $10), and your fare is deducted when you wave the card over a reader on entering the bus.
One way ticket: 2.80 NZ$
Monthly pass: 80.00 NZ$
The South Island is a beautiful place with a diverse range of places to visit and things to do and see.
TranzAlpine Railway Christchurch - Greymouth: Rated one of the top 10 Train Journeys in the world, the TranzAlpine will take you on a spectacular scenic journey from the east to the west coast of New Zealand.
Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise: The beautiful, sheltered Akaroa Harbour is the only place in the world where you can swim with the world's smallest and rarest Hector's Dolphin. just a 90 minute drive from Christchurch.
The Maori Cultural Experience: Experience the beauty and of the Maori culture in its natural surroundings. Be welcomed to Ko tane by a traditional powhiri (maori welcome), and enjoy an evening of interaction.
City, Beach and Harbour: Discover the award winning 'Garden City' with a comprehensive half day tour of Christchurch's central city landmarks, Pacific coastline, Port Hills and Lyttelton Harbour.
Whale Watch - Kaikoura: Discover the magnificent marine life of the Pacific Ocean and jump on a boat to visit the mighty Sperm Whale. Each tour is a unique experience and sightings can vary.
Lord of the Rings - Edoras Tour: Journey deep into Middle Earth and enjoy breath taking scenery in a remote and beautiful land which was transformed into Edoras, the capital city of the Rohan people in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Source: http://www.christchurchtop10.co.nz/book-tours.html
- English
