Christchurch Hotels

The once-grand Christchurch Anglican Cathedralnow serves a sadder historical purpose, although its pre-earthquake history remains fascinating. The nearby Avon Riverwith its quaint punts floating by is a nod to the city’s strong British roots, while Lichfield Street with its boutiques and cafés is a gaze forward to a funkier, trendier Christchurch that is shedding its conservative roots.

Just outside the city, the rubble gives way to lush greenery and breathtaking natural beauty, and it’s possible to forget – for at least a while – that tragedy occurred here.

Christchurch’s Top 10

Christchurch History

• Tamaki Heritage Village – Twenty acres of land that takes you back to the 1800s with a re-enactment of Maori history.
• Library Chambers – Built in 1875, this former library shows off Venetian-gothic architecture.
• Yaldurst Museum of Transport and Science – With over 100 pieces, this museum exhibits transportation and technology pieces from the 1800s.
• Tug Lyttelton – This steamboat was built in Scotland in 1907 and currently offers cruises to various points of interest.
• Victoria Square – Once the commercial centre of Christchurch, with statues of Queen Victoria and Explorer James Cook.

Christchurch Art & Culture

• Brooke Gifford Gallery – The leading gallery in Christchurch for contemporary art.
• Canterbury Museum – Seven buildings dating back to 1870, this museum offers numerous exhibits and has a café overlooking the botanical gardens.
• Rutherford’s Den – A small museum dedicated to the life and works of Ernest Rutherford, a pioneer in subatomic physics.
• The Bone Dude’s Bone Carving Studio – Learn one of New Zealand’s traditional art forms.
• Arts Centre – Gothic-style buildings used as a community arts centre with shops, galleries, studios, theatres, restaurants, bars and an arts and crafts market.

Christchurch Shopping

• Riccarton Market – New Zealand’s largest outdoor market with vendors selling fresh fruit, vegetables and many other items.
• Lyttelton Farmers’ Market – Eat your way through this outdoor food market full of great food, fresh fruit, vegetables, organic meat, cheeses and chocolate.
• Cathedral Square Market – Discover great bargains in Christchurch in wool, bone carvings, jewellery, clothes, sunglasses and souvenirs.
• Untouched World – Shop for merino mink, silk and natural wool garments.
• Gems of the Pacific – Carries the largest assortment of Blue Empress abalone pearls, Tahitian pearls, New Zealand jade and Australian opal.

Gay & Lesbian Christchurch

• Closet – A new Christchurch club for cruising.
• All Stars 10 Pin Bowling League – LGBT bowling league welcoming all members of the community.
• Christchurch Gay Social Group – A group that organizes rides, coffee evenings, bike rides and rock climbing catered to gay men.
• Dykes Dining Out – Monthly social and dinner outing for lesbians.
• Plus 25 CHCH – A gay and bisexual social group for men over the age of 25.

Christchurch Events

Get your gold coins ready for the World Busker’s Festival each January.

While a lot has happened in the past few years to change the face of Christchurch, the Biennial Christchurch Arts Festival from August to October has more reasons than ever to celebrate the strength of the city.

Rugby is pretty much a religion in New Zealand. Catch a game while you’re in town – you’ll have plenty to choose from!

When To Go

• Christchurch enjoys relatively mild winters and pleasant summers.
• In winter (June-August), temperatures hover around 10ºC (50ºF) during the day, falling to freezing overnight.
• Summer temperatures average around 22ºC (72ºF).

Getting Around

• Much of the inner city is still strictly limited due to quake damage, so check your accommodation in relation to the damaged areas
• The Christchurch Shuttle operates around parts of the city. It’s free and sustainable (a hybrid vehicle). Hooray!
• For trips outside the city, renting a car is your best option. NZ is best viewed through a windscreen as you pass some of the most breathtaking attractions simply getting from A to B.

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