The oldest established city in New
Zealand, Christchurch
was named after Christ Church College at the University
of Oxford in Oxford,
England. With an Anglican
cathedral as the focal point of the city, manicured gardens throughout, and
even the opportunity for visitors to punt along the Avon River, Christchurch
remains one of the most English cities outside of England. The largest centre
on the South Island,
Christchurch also helps to make Canterbury the island’s
most populated region.
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Market
at the Arts Centre of Christchurch
Photo Courtesy the Arts Centre |
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ORIENTATION
Christchurch lies on the
east coast of New Zealand’s South Island at the base of Banks Peninsula. Overlooking
Pegasus Bay and the South Pacific Ocean, the city lies on the Canterbury Plains
that stretch inland towards the rocky crags of the Southern Alps and New Zealand’s
tallest mountain, Mount
Cook-Aoraki, 330 km (206 mi) away. A 336 km (209 mi) drive north on
Highway 1 is the port town of Picton, which
offers a ferry connection to Wellington and the North Island. In the opposite
direction on Highway 1 is Dunedin, 360 km (225 mi) south
of Christchurch in Otago.
HISTORY AND CULTURE
With the arrival of four
ships of settlers in mid-December 1850, Christchurch was founded. Of course,
the Maori had come much earlier (some say 1000 years earlier), but with the
signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, English settlement followed. If not for late
timing, the French would have settled the area first. However, by the time French
settlers arrived on the island, the English had already arrived. The French
decided to stay, settling in the town of Akaroa, 85 km (mi)
from Christchurch. Akaroa still shows its heritage with street names such as
Rue de Malmanche, Rue Jolie, and Rue Croix.
Christchurch slowly grew
and was proclaimed a city by Royal Charter on July 31, 1856. From 1857 until
1864, the city experienced a boom, complete with numerous firsts. The first
telegraph, the first proper theatre, the first Canterbury
Agricultural and Pastoral Association Show, the first street lights,
and the first water well – all came as part of Christchurch’s wealth and prosperity.
Many of the Gothic Revival
buildings that were developed during this time period remain today, from the
old University of Canterbury (now the Arts
Centre of Christchurch) to Christ
Church Cathedral.
Christchurch has grown slowly,
now with a population of over 300,000, making it the second largest city in
New Zealand behind Auckland.
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| Month |
Average
Temperature |
Average
Rainfall |
| Min |
Max |
| Jan |
12.2°C
(54°F) |
22.5°C
(73°F) |
46.4
mm |
| Feb |
12.0°C
(54°F) |
22.1°C
(72°F) |
41.7
mm |
| Mar |
10.5°C
(51°F) |
20.4°C
(69°F) |
57.5
mm |
| Apr |
7.7°C
(46°F) |
17.9°C
(64°F) |
53.3
mm |
| May |
4.5°C
(40°F) |
14.4°C
(58°F) |
57.6
mm |
| Jun |
2.0°C
(36°F) |
11.6°C
(53°F) |
50.5
mm |
| Jul |
1.7°C
(35°F) |
11.3°C
(52°F) |
68.3
mm |
| Aug |
2.9°C
(37°F) |
12.5°C
(55°F) |
59.5
mm |
| Sep |
5.2°C
(41°F) |
14.9°C
(59°F) |
41.0
mm |
| Oct |
7.1°C
(45°F) |
17.3°C
(63°F) |
44.4
mm |
| Nov |
9.0°C
(48°F) |
19.3°C
(67°F) |
49.9
mm |
| Dec |
11.0°C
(52°F) |
21.2°C
(70°F) |
45.1
mm |
|
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Climate
data for Christchurch, New Zealand |
CLIMATE
Christchurch is located
at approximately 43° south latitude, offering mild, maritime seasons. During
the summer months, January and February offer the warmest temperatures—with
maximums averaging 22°C (72°F). Christchurch shares the hottest recorded temperature
in New Zealand of 42°C (108°F) with Rangiora, also in Canterbury, and Awatere
Valley in Marlborough.
July brings the coldest months with average minimum temperatures of just less
than 2°C (36°F).
The Southern Alps affect
the weather in Christchurch, predominantly in the spring when the Nor’wester
blows through town. As moisture-laden air comes across Hokitika and Greymouth on the West Coast and
is forced over the Southern Alps, precipitation falls, leaving a dry, warm
wind (also known as a föhn wind) to flow across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
TRANSPORTATION
Getting to Christchurch
is possible by a range of transport. Christchurch
International Airport is serviced by regional and international airlines,
accepting flights from Australia, North America and Asia.
Shuttles,
trains
and motorcoaches
run from the ferry port in Picton, transferring to Christchurch passengers who
have just arrived from Wellington on the North Island. Train service
also runs along the famous TranzAlpine railway from Greymouth on the West Coast.
When in Christchurch, visitors
can get around the city a number of ways. Taxi
service and public
transit are available throughout the city.
A large range of rental
cars is available from numerous, small rental companies. While large,
international companies are still in New Zealand, the smaller companies offer
a comparable alternative.
The Christchurch
Tramway circles the downtown core of the city. A tram ticket provides
two consecutive days of travel along the route, giving access to most of the
city’s major destinations and attractions.
FEATURED ATTRACTIONS
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Floral
Carpet in Christ Church Cathedral
Photo courtesy Christchurch Garden City Festival |
Garden City Festival
of Flowers
An annual February event, the Garden
City Festival of Flowers shows why the Nations in Bloom International
competition anointed Christchurch with the title, the Garden City. The city
is painted with vibrant hues of a petalled palette as hundreds of thousands
of blooms are primped, arranged, and celebrated.
Many of the city’s attractions
become involved in the event. Christchurch
Botanic Gardens exhibits a begonia garden especially for the festival.
Other events include a Valentine’s
Day dance in Victoria Square, guided tours of award-winning gardens, a floral
walk through Cathedral Square, and, the festival’s premier event, the Floral
Carpet and Design at Christ Church Cathedral.
Christ Church Cathedral
and Cathedral Square
Christ Church Cathedral is the heart of Christchurch, with surrounding Cathedral
Square providing a central gathering place for businesses, visitors, and city
folk alike.
The foundation stone for
the Anglican cathedral was laid in 1864. But, with financial difficulties during
construction, the nave was not completed until 1881 and rest of the cathedral
was not finished until 1904. Originally, the main spire of the cathedral was
built of stone but, because of damage sustained after two earthquakes, was reconstructed
out of wood. Today, the Cathedral remains, continuing to hold regular secular
services. A visitor centre and cafe help to fund this aging venue.
Cathedral Square is a hub
of activity for visitors and locals alike. Buskers and other entertainers perform
throughout the area. As well, the square is a hub for transportation as it is
a stop for numerous buses and the Christchurch Tramway touring company.
The Arts Centre of Christchurch
Located across from the Botanic Gardens, the Arts Centre of Christchurch was
once the location of the University of Canterbury. But, once the enrolment grew
too large, the University was moved to Ilam, leaving the current Arts Centre
location vacant. Today, the Arts Centre showcases art of all types including
painting, carving, cinema, theatre and music. A number of restaurants and cafes
help round out the Arts Centre experience.
International Antarctic
Centre
Christchurch International Airport offers the closest take-off point for research
facilities in the Antarctic. With this distinction in mind, the International
Antarctic Centre has been developed at the airport to bring the Antarctic
experience to those who cannot make the journey to McMurdo Sound or the Ross
Sea.
The International Antarctic
Centre allows visitors to experience the four seasons and the chilled conditions
of Antarctica. Visitors can also see the equipment that researchers use in order
to live on the frozen southern continent. An added bonus is the opportunity
to ride in a versatile Hagglund Antarctic vehicle around an obstacle course.
Nga Hau E Wha National
Marae
The traditional meeting place of the Maori is called a Marae. Given great spiritual
importance, the Marae is where functions such as weddings, funerals, and celebrations
generally take place. The Nga
Hau E Wha National Marae (meaning, the Marae of the Four Winds) provides
visitors with an insight into the history and traditional customs of the Maori.
Visitors to the Marae experience
a traditional welcome, a guided tour of the meeting houses, Hangi food (earth
oven cooking), and traditional dancing and singing. Bookings to attend the Marae
are essential.
Christchurch Gondola
For a different view of Christchurch, Lyttelton Harbour, the Canterbury Plains
and the Southern Alps, the Christchurch
Gondola lifts guests high above the landscape. The 945-metre (3100-foot)
journey to a height of almost 500 metres (1640 feet), leads not only to one
of the most scenic views in Canterbury but to a restaurant, a cafe and two picturesque
walking tracks.
Orana Wildlife Park and
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
For a glimpse at the wildlife of New Zealand, visitors can go to the Orana
Wildlife Park or the Willowbank
Wildlife Reserve. Both wildlife areas showcase indigenous and exotic
species. A range of animals from domesticated sheep to llamas, monkeys, wallabies
and giraffes are part of the display. However, for a taste of New Zealand’s
unique fauna, stop by to see all the animals native to New Zealand including
owls, ducks, parrots, wood pigeons, geckos, and the Tuatara—one of the world’s
most primitive reptiles whose body structure has changed little over the last
220 million years. As well, no one will want to miss seeing the national bird
of New Zealand, the Kiwi.
