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Some parts of Christchurch’s central business district remain cordoned off from public access since the February 2011 earthquake, however this area will re-open in stages during 2012/13. Most of the damaged buildings have either been removed or made safe and the city has commenced a rebuild transformation. Updates in The Press
Introduction: The meandering Avon River, its banks lined with weeping willows and oaks towering over carefully tended lawns, is spanned by the gracefully arched bridges which cross its waters.
It wends its way through the city centre, past charming and gracious Elizabethan style residences, grey stone neo-gothic civic buildings, the bars and cafes along Oxford Terrace, the Botanic Gardens and the 2 square kilometre Hagley Park. The city centre is dominated by Christchurch Cathedral and Cathedral Square, where trams rumble past on heritage tours which visit the major beauty spots including the sinuously curved Art Gallery, the Gothic Revival Arts Centre, Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens, and the Spanish Mission Style enclave of boutique shops and cafes in New Regent St. Paddling or punting the Avon River offers the chance to view Christchurch’s charms from a different perspective, and not far from the city centre, long stretches of sandy shoreline are punctuated by seaside suburbs such as New Brighton, with its 300 metre pier, and the sedate but stylish Sumner. Christchurch is New Zealand’s Garden City, perfect for enjoying on foot, by boat or by tram, but it’s also the gateway to all those majestic sights which lay hidden near-by behind the peaks of the Southern Alps, and over the Port Hills on the Banks Peninsula.
The Arts Centre, remains closed following earthquake of February 2011. The restoration of the centre will take about 15 years to complete and cost more than $200 million. Repair of the Clock Tower and the Great Hall started in December 2011.
Housed in the old Canterbury University complex, is worth a visit for its many art galleries, cinemas and theatres, plus well-established cafes including Le Café and the vegetarian Dux de Lux. Its weekend markets boast a very lively cocktail of street entertainment, craft stalls and food caravans offering dishes from around the world.
Christchurch City Transport Information
Christchurch Airport (re-opened after earthquake):
Located 12 km north-west of the city, Christchurch International Airport is New Zealand’s second largest, boasting over 6 million passenger movements in the 12 months to June 2010. More..
Buses: travel to all suburbs, leaving from various points in the City.
For full timetable, fare and route information:
www.metroinfo.org.nz
www.redbus.co.nz
Trams: The Tramway is scheduled to re-open Mid 2013.
Offer a hop-on hop-off service on an 11 stop circuit which passes top tourist spots in the CBD. Tickets, valid for two days, are available on-board from the conductor.
www.tram.co.nz
Taxis: may be hired directly from taxi ranks throughout the city, or a pre-arranged pick-up from a specific address can be ordered by phone or online. At peak times or on public holidays, arrange your taxi well in advance. Your accommodation host will advise on travel times. Note: Taxis cannot be hailed in New Zealand.
www.greencabs.co.nz Hybrid fleet offering car seats for babies and toddlers in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch (surcharge apples).
www.corporatecabs.co.nz Late model fleet with the day’s newspaper to read en route.
www.regencycabs.co.nz
www.goldbandtaxis.co.nz
www.bluestartaxis.org.nz offer a woman alone service, where driver will escort you to the door and wait till you’re safely inside
Christchurch City and its environs are perfect for biking, and though there is no pick-up/drop-off system available, "bikes" may be hired for half or full days, with delivery to your door.
www.cyclehire-tours.co.nz
CHRISTCHURCH REGION
The expansive reaches of the Canterbury Plains, adorned by the changing tapestries of geometric crop fields laced with the silvery strands of its braided rivers, spread eastwards from the feet of the Southern Alps to the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Their rich alluvial soils bask in the southern sun, fanned by hot nor-wester’s or chilly blasts from the south. Across this landscape, the gangly limbs of vast irrigation frames march like giant insects across the fields, reminding us of the Frank Herbert tales of our youth. Numerous natural wonderlands lie in close proximity to Christchurch, encouraging visitors and locals alike to explore this vast playground. To the north, the Alpine Pacific Triangle touring route takes visitors to the thermal delights of Hanmer Springs and the marine marvels of Kaikoura, en route passing the vineyards and wineries of the Waipara Valley. To the west, the spectacular Great Alpine Highway traverses the Southern Alps via Arthur’s Pass and the stunning Otira Viaduct to Kumara Junction on the West Coast. To the east, the Port Hills offer a range of mountain-biking and walking tracks, plus the chance to ride the Christchurch Gondola, which climbs Mt Cavendish from the Heathcote Valley, offering extensive 360º views. Beyond, the settlements of Akaroa and Lyttleton on beautiful Banks Peninsula are worthy day or weekend destinations.
LYTTELTON
The port town of Lyttelton sits at the foot the Port Hills on the shores of Lyttelton Harbour, at the Banks Peninsula’s north-western corner. Though connected to Christchurch City by road and rail tunnels, the alternative routes over the Hills afford expansive views of the Peninsula, and are popular with cyclists and holiday-makers. Lyttelton’s quirky cafes preside over the changing parade of vessels which ply the shipping channels, and its streets echo with port-side sounds. Many of its buildings are a reminder of by-gone days, notably the Lyttelton Timeball Station, erected in 1876. (A donor has offered to foot much of the bill to rebuild the Timeball Station, damaged beyond repair in the earthquake of 22 February 2011) The Station was one of only five around the world still in working order. Overlooking the town, its Timeball was dropped at 1pm daily.
Lyttelton Harbour
Arts Centre
Chalice by Neil Dawson on Cathedral Square
Bikers on the road from Lyttelton to Sumner
No booking fees
- Pay hotel on arrival.
And in many cases rooms offer free cancellation.
Accommodation in Christchurch
Christchurch Airport Information & Accommodation
Sumner Beach, the Avon Heathcote Estuary and Southshore, Christchurch
The historic Timeball Station, Lyttelton