Christchurch - A City of Contrasts

Christchurch, known as "The Garden City" is thedriving radius of Christchurch there are many
second largest city in New Zealand. It is thewineries you can visit on a day trip, where you
gateway to the rest of the South Island and all itwill be able to sample acclaimed varieties of wine
has to offer. Perfectly positioned to takethat are now famous on the world stage.
advantage of the region's spectacular naturalAdrenaline Anyone?
beauty, the city itself is a vibrant and buzzing hub.Christchurch is also the place to come if you want
In New Zealand, walking is virtually a nationalto experience the wilder side of New Zealand.
pastime and, for the visitor too, it is the perfectWalking through lovely city gardens and tripping
way to explore both the city and its surroundingoff wine-tasting is just not enough for some
areas.adrenaline-junkies and they may want to try
A Stroll in the Parksomething a little more energetic. If this is you,
Christchurch is well-appointed to earn its name asthe choice in Christchurch is easy: skydiving, hot
the Garden City and has some beautifullyair ballooning and paragliding are all activities that
manicured gardens which are easily accessedcan show you a very different view of the city.
from the city centre. Hagley Park is a massiveA Cultural Attraction
165 hectare space which contains sports pitches,If jumping out of a plane is not exactly your idea
cycle and running tracks, a wetland park and lotsof fun, then for a quieter pursuit in Christchurch
of mature wooded areas. Hagley Park is the truehead to one of the city's art galleries or
heart of Christchurch and one of the best keptmuseums. The Christchurch Art Gallery houses
municipal gardens in New Zealand. Walking alongthe largest collection in the South Island and the
the many tracks which criss-cross the park wouldCanterbury Museum is home to the fascinating
make for a wonderful lazy afternoon; and ifHall of Antarctic Discovery.
you're lucky enough to visit Christchurch duringBack to Nature
one of the two floral festivals each year, you willBut of course, this is New Zealand and so, quite
be able to view the park in all its blaze of colourfulapart from the cultural and historical attractions,
glory.Christchurch is also renowned for its dedication to
World-class Wineconserving and maintaining its unique animal
A city of many guises, Christchurch is also thepopulations. Head to the Willowbank Wildlife
wine capital of New Zealand. Walking amongstReserve to view its kiwi breeding program as well
some of the wineries of the region you could beas seeing a host of other native bird life of New
forgiven for thinking you have stumbled intoZealand. Walking around the park is a delightful
France. In fact Christchurch is ranked alongsideway to spend a day, surrounded by the melodic
Bordeaux and the Napa Valley as one of thecalls of the feathered population.
world's top wine producing regions. Within a short