Christchurch
Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island, with a population of around 300 000. It is also, arguably, the most attractive city in New Zealand, with extensive inner city public and private gardens and parks, the shallow Avon river meandering though the city centre, and a pedestrian oriented downtown centred on Cathedral Square.
It contains one of the two main international airports for the country, and is connected via a tunnel to a seaport at Lyttelton on Bank's Peninsula. Christchurch was a planned settlement founded by the English upper class, and this history is still apparent, both in the city's style and architecture, and in features like punts on the Avon, and the very English Christ's College school.Cathedral Square
Christchurch is centred around an impressive neo-gothic Anglican Cathedral located at the
heart of the city in Cathedral square. One can tour the Cathedral and, after climbing the
133 steps to the spire's belfry, 33 metres above the city, one gains a glorious view over
the city and beyond. More importantly, perhaps, the square provides a central hub for
tourism, shopping and public transport. The main tourism information centre is here, and
most of Christchurch's attractions can be reached by foot from the square, or, failing
that, by bicycle or bus. Another mode of transport is by tram, which is both transport and
an attraction in itself. A tram route follows a small circuit around the centre of
Christchurch.
One of the older attractions hosted by Cathedral Square is the Wizard of
Christchurch. This eccentric character, who is actually an Australian, and a former sociology
lecturer, appeared at 1pm every weekday, resplendent in robes, to harangue the assembled
crowd in favour of his various causes, one of which is the inversion of the world map to
place New Zealand in its rightful place: at the top. Unfortunately this well loved symbol
of Christchurch recently retired. In the picture to the left, he is seen wearing his
summer outfit and perched on a small ladder to better address the crowd. For his long
service in adding to the local colour, the Wizard was
proclaimed Wizard of New
Zealand in 1990. You can visit the
Wizard's very own web site to find out more.
His replacement can often be spotted talking to the public once again in the square.
The World Buskers Festival is Christchurch's most loved 10 days, where 40 international street performers amuse, enchant, captivate, and humiliate crowds in the central city.
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 Belle Bonne Motel Christchurch - Motel - Avonhead.
Offering cosy accommodation and services, Belle Bonne Motel Christchurch invites both families as well as individual... |
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 Christchurch Maori Concert and Kiwi Viewing - Night Tour - Starting from around NZ $65.00 per person - Christchurch.
No trip to New Zealand is complete with a traditional Maori Concert. Visit the Nga Hau E Wha National Marae, where you... |
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