Christchurch
was established as a city nearly 150 years ago and has a
population of over 320,000. Renowned the ‘Garden City of
the World’, the South Island’s largest city, located on
the East Coast, is an ideal educational base and a thriving
business centre, providing a gateway for trade. An abundance
of scenic attractions, exciting adventures and upbeat nightlife
venues represent a city that is fun loving, creative and
extremely cosmopolitan.
The city’s nightlife provides a spectrum of entertainment
including amateur and professional theatre, pubs, bars,
nightclubs, fine restaurants and the thrills of casino and
horse race punting. By day, be awe-inspired by a wide array
of convenient shopping malls, irresistible artworks and
handcrafts, boutiques and specialty shops.
Enjoy a tram excursion or stroll around the inner city,
before entering a bus or taxi to experience attractions
further afield. Combining fun, entertainment, culture and
history, Christchurch 's attractions
are a ‘must see’ for everyone.
Orana
Park
Orana
Park is New Zealand’s largest animal reserve and is internationally
recognised for its breeding of rare and endangered
New
Zealand and African animals. Experience the feeding of
the magnificent Rothschild giraffe, observe cheetah in
full chase, feed ravenous lions, delight in the antics
of monkeys, lemurs, porcupines and servals and be astonished
at the African Plains exhibit, featuring the white rhino
and zebra parks. Orana Park is also home to the rare New
Zealand Kiwi, among other native birds and our unique
reptile, the tuatara. Animal views encircle the adjacent
restaurant, which caters to all taste sensations. Private
functions are available by arrangement.
Willowbank
Wildlife Reserve
New
Zealand's premiere wildlife park displays one of the most
complete selections of native and introduced wildlife in
their natural environment, including a wonderful farmyard
and exotic display. Willowbank places special emphasis on
spacious surroundings and animal contact. Experience Wildlife
by Night and marvel at many of New Zealand's
rare nocturnal animals and birds, including kiwis in their
natural environment. Likewise, enjoy the rare experience
of
New
Zealand's largest and most unique daytime Kiwi viewing
area. Afterwards, delight in spectacular forestry settings
while dining at the Colonial Kiwi Restaurant.
International
Antarctic Centre Winner of the New Zealand Tourism
Awards ‘best visitor attraction’, the International Antarctic
Centre, was originally designed to offer you a 'firsthand'
experience of Antarctica.
The chilling centre features a magnificent large multi
screen audiovisual, 'experimental' exhibits, live displays
and Antarctic play areas, enabling you to envisage the
‘Great White Continent’. Visit the ‘Snow and Ice Experience’,
a 200 sq m room surrounding 40 tonnes of real snow and
ice, where you can indulge in the building of snowmen,
or slide downhill in freezing sub-zero conditions and
explore astounding snow caves.
Alternatively,
participate in a comprehensive educational programme which
utilizes the latest technology. This remarkable learning
programme provides a unique experience for speakers of
all languages with multi-lingual systems and aids in the
enjoyment of hands-on activities, making them suitable
for people of all ages.
After your chilling Antarctic encounter, venture through
to the adjacent gift shop to browse the fascinating souvenirs,
or enjoy refreshments at the South Café and Bar.
Air
Force World
Educate
yourself on the history of flight in New Zealand at the
Air Force World, located on the old RNZAF Base Wigram.
Prepare to be dazzled by one of the earliest airbases
in the country. Enjoy a 27 minute movie, marvel at a beautifully
restored and theatrically displayed 28 classic aircraft,
or visit the restoration hangar for a thrilling joyride
in a Tiger Moth and Boeing Stearman. A special World War
II feature includes a Battle of Britian display.
Adventure
Activities
Christchurch
portrays a thrill seeking adventure centre, while providing
an abundance of entertaining activities. Feel the adrenaline
rush of rocketing skywards at over 160 kilometres while
securely restrained in a Bungy Rocket cage, attempt a tandem
skydive over Hagley Park’s towering trees, or paraglide
off the face of a mountain. Other activities include
horse trekking, balloon safaris, scenic flights, punting
on the Avon River, jet boating, kayaking, harbour cruises
on the tranquil waters of the Lyttelton Harbour, among others.
Visitors to Christchurch are sure to
be delighted by the remarkable environment in which we live.
Christchurch , the vibrant city Cantabrians
call home, provides a wealth of activities and scenic attractions,
encased in a shell of endless plains and rolling green hills,
awaiting exploration.
Christchurch
CasinoThe Christchurch Casino portrays a classy
image with the presence of stunning marble staircases
and crystal chandeliers. The complex offers exciting gaming
entertainment including 392 gaming machines and 37 gaming
tables, while lingering aromas beckon you to the adjoining
restaurant, providing elegant buffet dining. Entry into
the casino is free, patrons must be over 20 years of age
and the dress code excludes blue or black jeans.
Science
AliveThe New Zealand Science Centre provides
a unique interactive science adventure. Discover live
tarantulas, enjoy the thrill of
New
Zealand’s largest vertical slide, exchange secrets in six
foot whisper dishes and push natural forces to the limit
on the Pirouette. Explore current issues from a
New
Zealand perspective in our ‘Issues’ Gallery and pursue
the challenge of puzzles and games available for purchase
at the adjoining gift shop.
Botanic
Gardens
Christchurch’s
reputation as the ‘Garden City’ is truly reflected in the
Botanic Gardens. The gardens are decorated with spectacular
displays year round and undoubtedly hold the finest collection
of exotic and indigenous plants unsurpassed in New
Zealand. Large majestic and sweeping trees provide a wonderful
backdrop to feature gardens including rock, water, rose
and herb gardens. Woodland areas, herbaceous boarders and
a conservatory complex are additional attractions. |
