Christchurch is a city in the Canterbury region of New Zealand. It is the largest city in the South Island and the second largest city and third largest urban area in the country. It is situated along the coast, north of Banks Peninsula, half way down the South Island's eastern coast. The city is named after its cathedral which is itself named after Christ Church, a college at the University of Oxford. With a population of over 350000, Christchurch is the international gateway to the South Island.
The fascinating combination of glorious heritage, brilliant coastline, rippling rivers and lovely natural harbors makes your visit very special. The city of Christchurch is alive with color, atmosphere and world-class attractions. Afresh experience awaits you each day making every moment a memorable one. Christchurch is your perfect choice for a short trip, a long vacation or even for just a few hours.
Christchurch wears the crown of being the most attractive city in New Zealand. With its beautiful inner city public and private gardens and parks, the quiet Avon river meandering though the city centre and a pedestrian oriented downtown centered on Cathedral Square, Christchurch exudes a laid-back old-world charm.
Christchurch Tourism promotes all its worth-visiting places nationally and internationally and often, in partnership with other districts. It works closely with the tourism industry through the Christchurch Tourism A
History of Christchurch
Christchurch, the second largest city in New Zealand, unfolds to you a tale of immigration, colonialism and a European nostalgia still retained. History of Christchurch thus can tempt you through the well-preserved resources of the Garden City to the past and following evolution into a modern city.
Christchurch History says it got its name from the Christ Church cathedral, which in turn derived its name from a college of the University of Oxford with the same name. Located between Banks Peninsula and the Canterbury plains, Christ Church in New Zealand can be spotted at the southern end of Pegasus Bay. History of Christchurch adds that human settlement was first made in this area in 1250 by moa-hunting tribes about 1250. Soon the Waitaha tribe fllowed them from the East coast of the North Island in the 16th centurytill they were overthrown by the Ngati Mamoe tribe. This inter-tribal warfare continued till the landing of European settlers in the 1840s. .
According to History of Christchurch, some ships were engaged by the Canterbury Association, which brought hundreds of Canterbury Pilgrims to Lyttelton Harbour to design a city around a cathedral and college following the on the model of Christ Church college in the University of Oxford. Once the land was surveyed in detail by Captain Thomas of the Canterbury Association, the construction of road was initiated from Port Cooper to Christchurch. After much struggle and persistence to build the transport, the Ferrymead railway, first public railway line in the country, began operating between Ferrymead and Christchurch in 1863. While the curve of growth continued further, History of Christchurch reached a milestone when the city was recognized by Royal Charter on 31 July 1856.
As you visit this place, you will observe numerous structures built in Gothic style by the famous architect Benjamin Mountfort. History of Christchurch deserves a special mention because on one hand, the evolution of the city continued as it became the center of provincial administration for Canterbury province, on the other hand, Christchurch continue to retain its typical colonial English ambience in its museums, heritage structures and in the architectural splendors.
Museums & Art Galleries in Christchurch
Christchurch is a city in the Canterbury region of New Zealand. The largest city in the South Island, Christchurch is the abode of a great selection of art galleries displaying fine art and artifacts by both local and international artists and a host of museums to trace the colorful history of New Zealand. Museums in Christchurch reflect the tradition and heritage of the nation in a vivid manner and thus the museums have transcended as the most frequently visited tourist destination in Christchurch.
Museums in Christchurch can be broadly classified into the following.
- History Museums
- Transport Museums
- Sports Museums
- Themed Museum
- Military Museums
The history museums in Christchurch offer a vivid portrayal of the culture and heritage of the country and trace back the origin of the nation whereas the sports museums provide a view of the traditional and popular sports New Zealand. The sports museums at Manawatu, Taranaki and Wellington are very popular among the sports lovers and the visitors. The transport museums in Christchurch is the ideal place to peep into the history of traditional transports in the country as well as form a clear idea about the prevalent contemporary transport. To get engrossed with real life stories of the soldiers and explore the military history of New Zealand, there is no other option than to try out the military museums. The military museums in Christchurch give a sight on the fact that how through various conflicts and military campaigns of the army shaped the nation. Military museums in Christchurch also boast of a great collection of iconic military vehicles and a comprehensive collection of weapons.
Christichurch also takes pride in its selection of themed museums which suits the varied interest of most of the visitors.
New Zealand art, sculpture and jewellery are receiving increasing recognition. Many galleries around the country hold exhibitions that feature the works of nationally acclaimed artists, as well as fresh, new talent. Christchurch is the residence of various renowned art galleries reflects the aesthetic appeal of the nation.
Festivals & Events in Christchurch
Christchurch is New Zealand's foremost festival city. Throughout the year a dozen festivals and events in Christchurch provide a wealth of cultural and entertainment diversity. Christchurch City has a very active calendar of events throughout the year. Festivals and events in Christchurch with themes of music, the arts, adventure, books, heritage, buskers, balloons, floral displays and local produce provide a focus for the city's celebrations, whether planned or spontaneous.
There are special festivals and events for every season. Spring brings New Zealand Cup and Show Week featuring national racing events, NZ Fashion Week and the region's traditional agricultural and pastoral show. The Summer Times festival, with a host of free outdoor events, including the hugely popular Classical Sparks is celebrated during the summer. Late summer and early autumn are the time to celebrate romance, food and drink. One of the most popular festivals and events in Christchurch is the Festival of Flowers and Romance. In winter do not miss Kids Fest and the Winter Carnival.
Some Popular Festivals and Events In Christchurch
Among the various festivals and events in Christchurch, Summer Times has been entertaining Christchurch since 1983. This festival goes on for three full months. During these days the city bubbles with events such as campouts, fireworks, theatre exhibitions and the ever-popular Teddy Bears Picnic Residents. The World Buskers Festival is another famous festival and event in Christchurch. It is held annually in January at venues throughout downtown Christchurch. Buskers from around the world congregate to stun, amaze, and entertain. The Christchurch Festival of Flowers brings the vibrant beauty of the new season's blooms to bustling inner city. Here, admission is free for most events.
There are special festivals and events in Christchurch that are dedicated to kids. TV2 Kids Fest New Zealand aims towards children up to 12 years old. It features over 150 events throughout two weeks of July. The events include arts, crafts, plays, concerts, sports, and games. Cool stuff- the dog leads the fun as the festival's faithful mascot.
How to Get in
Getting to Christchurch is easy as the city is well connected to all major destinations of the world. Christchurch is the chief international gateway to the South Island, with flights to Australia and a number of other countries. Located at 12km distance from the city centre, both the international and domestic terminals have excellent facilities, including a bureaus, ATMs, car rentals and left luggage. Flights run to Auckland, Blenheim, Dunedin, Hamilton, Hokitika, Invercargill, Nelson, Queenstown, Wanaka and Wellington, with connections to other centres. Trains run to Picton via Blenheim with links to the Interislander ferry to Wellington. The train station is 2km southwest of the city centre. Regular coach services will get you south to Queenstown, Picton, Mt Cook and Dunedin and west to Greymouth and Hokitika via Arthur's Pass.
Hotels in Christcurch
