Christchurch - The Garden City

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.

Market at the Arts Centre of Christchurch Photo Courtesy the Arts Centre

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.

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

	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.