Christchurch and Canterbury - Heart of the South Island

PHOTO: Kiwis galore at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

An ocean to Alps backdrop makes Christchurch one of the most beautiful boutique cities in the world. Discover a vibrant, picturesque city with easy access to the spectacular Canterbury region.

There is no where else in the world where, within two hours of an international airport, you can ski at a world class alpine resort, play golf, bungy jump, go rafting, mountain biking, wind surfing, whale watching or visit world-class wineries and gardens.

With the snow-capped mountains and rushing rivers of the Southern Alps to the west, and the picturesque harbours and hidden bays of nearby Banks Peninsula, Christchurch and Canterbury is host to all sorts of outdoor adventures.

New Zealand's most lovely city is also known for its architecture and gardens, and simply wandering around is a delight. Gracious historic stone buildings mingle with contemporary galleries in the central city, while the Avon River weaves romantically among them. It's a place where the best of old and new meet in a dramatically beautiful environment.

When you tire from the abundance of adrenaline activities found just outside the city, enjoy the seasons unfolding in Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens.

You will find a comprehensive travel planning and booking service for accommodation, activities and transport at the central Christchurch i-Site Visitor Centre, located in Cathedral Square, info@christchurchnz.com, phone: 03 379 9629. www.christchurchnz.com

Pubs, Clubs and Cafes
Bars and clubs with live bands and international DJs add to Christchurch's cosmopolitan feel. And there are a variety of events and festivals throughout the year to keep things interesting.

Oxford Terrace, affectionately known to locals as "The Strip", overlooks the Avon River. Dine al fresco at any number of tempting bars overlooking the tranquil Avon River by day, then watch the strip transform into a raging party zone in the evening. In the Arts Centre District, another option is the Dux de Lux on Hereford Street, where you can mingle with students, dance to live bands, relax in the courtyard or dine in the restaurant.

There are award-winning restaurants of every size, description and cuisine in Christchurch as well as a local wine industry that is rapidly earning an international reputation for quality. Restaurants offer an exciting choice of nosh, from Japanese to Mexican, Middle Eastern to European and everything in between. Boutique vineyards are a big feature on the outskirts of the city and definitely worth a visit for lunch, dinner or just an afternoon drink.

Maori Culture
Ko Tane and the Living Maori Village at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, where Maori culture and conservation meet, provides a unique glimpse into the way of life of the South Island Ngai Tahu Maori people before the arrival of Europeans.

Art and Cinema
The stunning Christchurch Art Gallery is located in the heart of the scenic Cultural Precinct, just a few minutes' walk from Cathedral Square. Enjoy a range of local and international exhibitions, and browse through one of New Zealand's largest art collections, including a superb selection of works by Canterbury artists. Free guided tours daily. The Canterbury Museum and Robert McDougall Art Gallery are also found right in the heart of the city. If you're after art house cinemas, check out The Rialto, The Regency on Worcester and The Academy.

Visitor Attractions
Believe it or not, in the Garden City, you can play in the snow year-round - at the Tourism Award-winning International Antarctic Centre. Or, for another experience with a difference, try the simulator at the Airforce Museum.

Christchurch is the gateway to the "heart of the South" - the Canterbury region. This region is known for its diversity and the warmth of its welcome. There's so much to see and do - vineyards, alpine spas, glacier lakes, surfing, whale watching and hidden bays - all within a few hours' drive. The region's 16 ski areas make it one of the best places to be in winter. In summer the skiing turns to water, and the hills come alive with mountain biking, hiking trails, native birdsong and stargazing tours.

You can take in the dramatic high country sights, including views of New Zealand's highest peak, Aoraki/Mt Cook, glacier-fed mountain lakes and dazzling sunsets over the Southern Alps. Take a trip to the top of the Port Hills on the Christchurch Gondola for awesome views over the Canterbury Plains, or get the adrenaline pumping by parapunting, mountain biking or windsurfing. Bring the pace back down by spending a leisurely hour punting on the Avon River.

Don't miss out on a day trip to the old French settlement of Akaroa, and discover the cafes in the Port of Lyttelton or seaside Sumner. Alternatively, get lost roaming the neo-Gothic Arts Centre of Christchurch where you can buy uniquely Kiwi souvenirs at the market or visit Ernest Rutherford's den.

The Arts Centre houses more than 36 craft studios plus galleries and shops, a weekend market, professional and amateur theatre companies, a school of dance, cinemas, restaurants, cafes and bars and community groups.

Adventure
Akaroa and Banks Peninsula - Marvel over regenerating bush, rocky cliffs, stunning waterfalls, emerald bays and rare wildlife while hiking the Banks Peninsula Track. The 35km track starts at Akaroa, a historic village originally settled by French colonists, and passes through privately owned land. By day ,view penguins, Hector's Dolphins and seals; by night stay in huts on isolated sheep farms. You can choose either a two or four day walk between October and May.

Mount Hutt - Christchurch is a winter paradise situated within two hours drive of Mount Hutt, one of New Zealand's premier ski areas. A number of shuttle companies operate between the city and Mount Hutt, collecting you directly from your accommodation early in the morning so you can get in as much skiing or snowboarding as possible. The ski season generally runs from June to October. Other slopes in Canterbury include Mount Cheeseman, Mount Lyford, Porter Heights, Amuri, Broken River, Craigieburn and Mount Olympus. There are also heli-skiing adventures available.

Other activities close to Christchurch that will get your heart racing overtime include jet boating, white water rafting, horse trekking, canyoning, bungy jumping, kayaking, flight-seeing and much more.

Wildlife
Getting back to nature has never been more exhilarating than with Akaroa Harbour Cruises. The company operates daily nature tours that regularly encounter rare and playful Hector dolphins, fur seals, Little Blue penguins and cormorants, as well as passing volcanic sea cliffs and caves. Between November and March you can also try swimming with the dolphins - an experience you'll never forget.

Getting Around
Most buses depart from the Square, with a limited timetable on weekends. Call into the bus kiosk in the Square for more information or ring the bus info line on (03) 366 8855.

A free yellow bus service operates between the Square, supermarkets, the Hoyts 8 cinema and various other visitor attractions in the central city daily. The award-winning vintage tram trip round the city centre also takes in historic sites and major visitor attractions.