With 380,000 inhabitants, Christchurch has all the services you could demand, coupled with its own unique charms as a little piece of England! At the centre of Christchurch you will find Hagley Park ? a walk here is a great way to get your bearings as you enjoy 160 hectares of tree lined walking tracks, sports fields, lakes and the Botanic Gardens.

Flowing through the park is the Avon River which you can follow into the city where a good next stop is the historic Arts Centre. Housed in the original University of Canterbury buildings and dating back to the 1870s, the Arts Centre offers a huge range of arts, crafts, entertainment, food and shopping options for the whole family. Special events are also nearly always on offer, such as the Ghost Walk and offerings from the Court Theatre.

Next stop would be Cathedral Square, just across the river. The square offers a great mixture of entertainment and food and is dominated by Christchurch Cathedral. Over 700,000 people visit the cathedral which dates back to 1864. For a small charge you can also tackle the cathedral tower at more than 60 metres, for an amazing view of the city and surrounding hills.

If you have a head for even greater heights, you might then press on to the Christchurch Gondola for an incredible ride in which you rise 500m in the course of the 945m trip. At the summit, located on the rim of one of the extinct volcanoes that surround Christchurch, you will enjoy majestic views from the ocean to the Southern Alps. Nearby options after the Gondola include Godley Head, a quite breathtaking and relatively undiscovered headland with extensive views over sheer cliffs out to the ocean. You can also explore the WWII defensive positions that were constructed here for the best views of any approaching threats.

Another option would be the short trip to the village of Lyttelton with its own unique history as a working port and the site of the original establishment of the Canterbury settlement, of which Christchurch is now the capital.

Exhausted from your exertions, you may now be thinking of finding somewhere to spend the night. Whilst Christchurch offers a full range of accommodation options, for something really special you might consider Otahuna Lodge. Located near Tai Tapu, a 20 minute drive from Christchurch, the lodge was built in 1895 as part of a grand country estate that now offers a range of super-luxury suites together with the beautiful surrounds of the gardens and woods. Prices are very high but you will enjoy exquisite food and accommodation.

Well rested, numerous options remain to be explored. The Wigram Air Force Museum and Ferrymead Heritage Park are great options, particularly for children, as is the Willowbank Nature Reserve where you will have the opportunity to see New Zealands rare native bird, the flightless kiwi.

Christchurch offers something for everyone in a relaxed, comfortable environment.

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Article Submitted By: BrianRyan
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