Christchurch Akaroa Arthurs Pass New
Zealand
Christchurch
Christchurch’s Hagley Park and the Botanic gardens endorse its
reputation as the 'Garden City', providing an oasis of tranquillity
close to its heart. Combine relaxation and sightseeing by punting on
the river and later dine in the riverside cafes along Oxford
Terrace.
Restored trams travel an inner city circuit taking in the neo gothic
buildings of the former Canterbury University that is now the Arts
Centre where you will find studios and galleries showcasing local
and regional products. Nearby, the modern structure of the
Christchurch Art Gallery is a shining example of the city’s
contemporary architecture.
Nowhere
in New Zealand is very far from the sea and so it is for
Christchurch. The city centre is just 10 kms from the beaches of New
Brighton and Sumner. Set amongst the patchwork quilt of pastoral
land that defines the Canterbury Plains the city is built on mainly
flat land, apart from the hills to the east that separate the city
from the Port of Lyttelton and Banks Peninsula beyond. The plains
provide the terrain and conditions for magnificent early morning
hot air balloon rides that afford panoramic views from the
Canterbury coast to the Southern Alps.
On the
Port Hills you can take a ride on the Mount Cavendish Gondola, where
from the summit, there are views over the city to the Kaikoura Coast
to the north, also over the jagged rim and flooded crater of the
extinct volcano that formed Lyttelton Harbour . From Lyttelton you
can take a scenic harbour cruise to view historical sights
and wildlife.
Visit
Akaroa on Banks Peninsula, located 80 kilometres from
Christchurch. Here you will find the picturesque harbourside town of
Akaroa, whose early settlers were of French origin and where you
will still find references to this past in such things as street and
business names. From Akaroa you can cruise on the harbour and
swim with dolphins. To get the most from a day on Banks
Peninsula take a guided day trip. Or for a peaceful retreat
from the city, at the start, end or during your stay in New Zealand,
Akaroa is an ideal spot for a stopover.
Arthurs Pass:
Travelling west from Christchurch the Southern Alps rise up
dramatically from the plains and within an hour you are in a
different world. Soaring peaks, rocky braided rivers and alpine
lakes lead you to the Arthurs Pass National Park.
Visit
Arthurs Pass as a guided day tour from Christchurch for an informative and
diverse experience. Alternatively self drive or take the Tranz
Alpine Train, disembarking at the Arthurs Pass Village which allows
a couple of hours hiking before reboarding the train on its return
trip to the city. To really immerse yourself in this stunning alpine
environment stay in high country accommodation, as a side trip from
Christchurch or en route to the West Coast.
Other
day trips from the city include the Tranz Alpine Rail Trip to
Greymouth and return, Whale Watching in Kaikoura, and
Hanmer Springs Thermal/Alpine Resort.
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