Overview
Take a Trip to Christchurch on your New Zealand Vacation
Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island of New Zealand situated on the edge of the Canterbury Plains and the second largest in the country to be experienced on a New Zealand Vacation. It is known as the Gateway to the Antarctic. Scott’s expedition set out from here and there is a statue of this person in central Christchurch.
It is also known as the “Garden City” due to its well-planned expansive parks and public gardens such as Hagley Park and the Botanic Garden both with stunning displays of native and exotic trees, flowers and plants. It also has a distinct English flavour which can be experienced on a New Zealand Vacation by walking along the gently winding Avon River.
The city is fairly compact with Cathedral Square being the centrepiece together with the outstanding Christchurch Cathedral dating back to 1881.
Just outside Christchurch, you can take the Christchurch Gondola one kilometre up to the Crater Rim in the Port Hills which provides an exceptional backdrop to the city and where, on New Zealand Tours, you can experience wonderful views of the city and the coastline.
Being close to the sea, Christchurch has a number of good beaches offering swimming and surfing as well as being great places to walk or just relax.
Just outside Christchurch, you can take the Christchurch Gondola one kilometre up to the Crater Rim in the Port Hills which provides an exceptional backdrop to the city and where, on New Zealand Tours, you can experience wonderful views of the city and the coastline.
Being close to the sea, Christchurch has a number of good beaches offering swimming and surfing as well as being great places to walk or just relax.
At a Glance
Languages
English, MaoriCurrency
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)What do the experts say?
The food in New Zealand is incredible, and New Zealanders are rightly proud of their paddock to plate cuisine. Almost everything is sustainably grown and processed, from lamb and seafood to vegetables and fruit.
About 20 percent of New Zealand is made up of National Parks, Forests, and Nature Reserves. And they’re all free to enter!
The Māori cultural experiences and performances offered throughout the North and South Islands are well worth seeking out. If the opportunity presents itself, definitely take part in a hāngī
Looking for a great restaurant in New Zealand? Try The Bunker in Queenstown, Plato in Dunedin, Manu in Christchurch, and Oppies Fish & Chips in Rotorua
All Blacks rugby is huge in New Zealand. If you’re a sports fan, be sure to check out a home game. The All Blacks typically play their home test matches during the months of July, August, September and sometimes October
Punting on the Avon River - one activity that s...
Christchurch - from the ocean to the Alps.
Cycling in Hagley Park is a great activity to d...
The Ferrier Fountain in Victoria Square
The old provincial council building
Christchurch - the "Garden City"
Christchurch Canterbury provincial council
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Place
Conditions
Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall
ChristchurchOccasional Showers
19°C / 66°F
38mm / 1.5"
Weather data is based on monthly averages.Popularity rating
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