New Zealand’s second-largest city is also one of its most beautiful, known for its parks and gardens, and placid rivers bordered by green lawns. Many of its famous Gothic revival stone buildings were damaged in the Christchurch earthquake of 22 February 2011, but the city remains a worthwhile visitor destination and a great base for experiencing the diversity of the Canterbury region and the South Island.
Highlights
Gardens and heritage Christchurch’s beautiful Botanic Gardens are the heart of the city. See the city’s heritage at Canterbury Museum and experience history in the making as the city rebuilds. Akaroa The quaint village of Akaroa – New Zealand’s one and only French settlement – sits on the edge of Akaroa Harbour in a beautiful landscape of rugged hills and sparkling water. Methven This small town buzzes in winter and is also known as Mount Hutt Village for its proximity to one of New Zealand’s most popular ski areas. It’s the perfect base for experiencing a myriad of adventure activities. TranzAlpine rail journey Departing from Christchurch, the TranzAlpine is a spectacular rail journey across the Canterbury Plains, through the Southern Alps, to the rainforest-clad valleys of the West Coast. Café culture Christchurch and Canterbury still offer numerous excellent cafés, restaurants and bars, perfect for relaxing after exploring the shops.
Destinations
Christchurch The ‘Garden City’ is New Zealand’s second-largest centre. Akaroa Pretty French settlement on Banks Peninsula. Arthur’s Pass Mountain village on the doorstep of Arthur’s Pass National Park. Ashburton Relaxed rural service centre. Methven Outdoor adventures abound at this wintertime ski resort. Timaru Historic main centre of South Canterbury. Geraldine Country town famous for crafts and delicious gourmet foods. Waimate Charming, tiny outpost famous for its wallabies and strawberries. Oxford Village Charming country village in the foothills.
Getting There and Around
Air Christchurch International Airport offers flights to numerous domestic destinations, as well as Australia, the Pacific Islands and Asia. Road Christchurch is a 4-hour, 55-minute drive from Picton and a 5-hour drive from Dunedin. There are regular coach and shuttle services, and there is a comprehensive metropolitan bus service. Picton to Christchurch [337 km; 4 hrs, 55 min] Dunedin to Christchurch [362 km; 5 hrs] Queenstown to Christchurch [486 km; 6 hrs, 55 min] Christchurch to Akaroa [84 km; 1 hr, 10 min] Christchurch to Methven [123 km; 1 hr, 45 min] Christchurch to Timaru [163 km; 2 hrs, 20 min] Rail KiwiRail operates the TranzAlpine service to Greymouth and the Coastal Pacific train to Picton.
