Christchurch Intl Arpt

A Christchurch holiday package provides everything you could want from a short city break in the sun. From lively entertainment to fascinating culture and awe-inspiring landscapes, Christchurch simply does not disappoint. Christchurch tours and day trips can be organised all year round and offer a convenient, fun and trouble-free way of exploring this energetic city. With so much to see and do in Christchurch it is easy to see why it is widely considered to be New Zealand’s home of international tourism. New Zealand itself consists of two main islands and a few smaller, more sparsely populated isles. While most travellers usually only have time to see one island, it is definitely advised to stay long enough to spend a few days in both. New Zealand continues to attract tourists from around the world who are keen to experience this magical island tucked away in the corner of the South Pacific Ocean, just south-east of their Australian neighbours. According to the New Zealand tourist board, the country attracts 2.4 million visitors on average every year, comfortably making tourism its leading national export. Named the world’s top travel destination by travel guide The Lonely Planet for two years in a row in 2003-04, New Zealand remains immensely popular. It is certainly easy to see why. Marketed as a ‘clean and green’ adventure playground, New Zealand is an unspoilt paradise of unimaginable natural beauty. Often referred to as ‘The Paradise of the Pacific’ and ‘God’s very own Country’, this remote island has the ability to inspire and enchant in equal measures.

Located on the edge of the revered Canterbury plains, a vast open magnificent agricultural landscape, Christchurch is a small city easily accessible by the encouraged use of bicycles. Established by English settlers in 1850, the area’s English heritage is still clearly visible in the city’s Anglican architecture today, most notably in and around the town square. While not as frantic or chaotic as New Zealand’s other main cities, Auckland and Wellington, Christchurch is slowly shedding its conservatism and beginning to embrace modernity. The restored laneways are a prime example of this, as are the stylish local cafés and the city’s dynamic local arts centre. The beautiful River Avon runs seamlessly through the historic city and is a romantic hotspot for couples who can participate in a spot of traditional English punting. Known as the Garden City, flowers and trees magnificently adorn many of the streets in the city and provide a stunning backdrop to the bustling streets below. The restored tram link running on a loop around the city makes it easy to navigate your way around. One of the main attractions in Christchurch is the Botanic Gardens, which boasts over 30 hectares of exotic and indigenous plants running alongside the Avon River. This spectacular garden leads onto another green paradise, Hagley Park, named the second largest inner city park in the world. If it’s spectacular views you are looking for then look no further than Summit Road, which can be accessed by foot, bike or car. The road looks over the whole of Christchurch including must see sights the Southern Alps, Pegasus Bay and Lyttelton Harbour. For entertainment, Christchurch has a plethora of fine restaurants, bars and clubs. Head to the Oxford Terrace along the river for some lively nightlife and entertainment. Christchurch also has a 24-hour casino for anyone feeling lucky during their visit to New Zealand. Adventure rides, bike tours and hikes can also be organised once you have arrived and are extremely popular with thrill-seeking globetrotters looking for some action. For shopping try the High Street or Manchester Street, where you should be able to find most things you are looking for. The country welcomes most of its visitors throughout its summer months, which stretches from September all the way to April. Temperatures reach up to 30 degrees C across the height of summer which occurs throughout December, January and February. New Zealand is magnificent all year round, though. SummerTimes Festival runs throughout the summer consisting of music, arts and culture, attracting over 100,000 people every year. While the World Buskers Festival, running in January, is also another hugely popular arts event. Christchurch is simply a definite must for all travellers planning on making a visit to New Zealand.