Christchurch is the garden city of New Zealand.
Its founding fathers designed it around four avenues planted with mighty oaks and chestnut trees. And for a month in late summer the Festival of Flowers bursts onto the events calendar in a riot of colour, fragrance and live music.
Christchurch is the jewel of Canterbury and is a veritable garden of sights, sounds, events and entertainment.
The majestic Cathedral's foundation stone was laid in 1864 when Christchurch was little more than a swamp between the Southern Alps and Lyttleton Harbour. It opened in 1881 and is open every day with Anglican services on Sundays.
Cathedral Square is at the heart of the city and all roads lead from it! Or at least it seems that way with historic trams running around its perimeter and shopping, restaurants and cafes spread out in all directions. On a beautiful day there's no better place to be than browsing the markets, tapping your feet to the music of street entertainers and enjoying the outdoors.
Hagley Park is 160-hectares of vibrant space next to the Botanic Gardens and punting along the Avon River in a classic Edwardian punt is a great way to see it. New Zealand's most classical city features 19th century stone buildings standing beside contemporary galleries and open-air markets. Sit in the sun with a wine and enjoy fine dining or casual cuisine at one of the riverside restaurants.
Cantabrians are also passionate about rugby. If you visit during the rugby season make sure you support the local teams! The Crusaders and Canterbury teams play at AMI Stadium. And post match, another popular spot is Christchurch casino. This was the first casino to open in New Zealand. It is R20 and open 24/7 with two restaurants, two bars and award-winning cocktails.
Accommodation in Christchurch ranges from backpackers to 5-star hotels, motels to camp grounds. Each year the city hosts major events like the hilarious Buskers Festival in the summer, sporting events and the newest addition, the South Island's own Ellerslie Flower Show.
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