Plan Your Travel To Christchurch
Places To Visit In Christchurch
Tamaki Drive
Tamaki Drive is a coastal road in Auckland, New Zealand, which follows the contours of Waitemata Harbour. The road links the suburbs of Orakei, Mission Bay, and Kohimarama ending in Saint Heliers, providing easy access to the local beaches.
Tamaki Drive was completed in 1932 and incorporated The Strand, Bice Esplanade, and what was once part of the old Kohimarama Road. It is also called the Waterfront Road. Tamaki Drive is a flat road around 8 kilometres long. It is popular amongst walkers, runners, and roller skaters. It also includes a dedicated cycle lane. Those travelling along Tamaki Drive can find scenic highlights and peaceful views across the harbour to the volcanic island Rangitoto.The cliffs backing onto Tamaki Drive are made of Waitemata Sandstone strata dressed in places with Pohutukawa. These trees seem to flower out of season because these are Kermadec Pohutukawa with small distinctive roundish leaves.
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The International Antarctic Centre
Established in 1922, the International Antarctic Centre is one of the unique tourist attractions in New Zealand. Tucked away a quick 15-minute drive from central Christchurch, the International Antarctic Centre is located right across from Christchurch International Airport. The International Antarctic Centre is also vital for awareness and information regarding the Antarctic continent.
A response to the growing need for an institution that underlined the importance of Christchurch as a gateway to the Antarctic, the International Antarctic Centre showcases the vital work that scientists do in Antarctica. It is one of Christchurch’s most visited tourist attractions and has welcomed millions of visitors since its opening.
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The Terrace
The Terrace is the perfect place in Christchurch to forget all your worries at work and home and unwind with a selection of craft beers and fine wine, accompanied by great live music and dance. Broad steps lead right down to The Terrace, situated on the banks of the River Avon, where visitors can grab food and relax on a sunny afternoon. As the night progresses, The Terrace gets livelier and more crowded as people go to the riverside restaurants and bars to groove to the music.
The area was earlier known as The Strip, famous for its bars and pubs, but was destroyed in the 2011 earthquake. The Terrace came up as a replacement for the same – housing pubs and bars alongside the Avon River. You can indulge yourself with truffle fries at Kong Bar or relish different types of meats at the Terrace Tavern.A selection of craft beers at The Craft Embassy, followed by some time spent at Fat Eddie’s – the jazz bar, will make for a perfect evening. Many outdoor events are also often hosted at the amphitheatre-like stairs that lead to the Avon River at The Terrace.
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TranzAlpine Train
The TranzAlpine train is an inter-city rail service that runs across New Zealand from the East coast to the West coast. This passenger train is known to be one of the world's most scenic and iconic train journeys. The journey starts from Christchurch and ends at Greymouth, across the South Island in New Zealand. It is operated by the Great Journeys of New Zealand, a project under Kiwirail, and covers around 223 kilometres. The TranzAlpine train is one journey visitors should take if they have several places on their list and not enough time.
The train journey is pre-booked and planned, stopping at each destination for a fixed time. There are reclining seats with a panorama view and ample leg room. The airbag suspension on the train enables comfortable and smooth rides. The train also has a cafe-bar selling reasonable rates of tea, coffee, wine, beer, and microwaveable meals. At the end of the train, there is an open-air viewing platform for those who wish to get a better view of the scene, allowing scenery suitable for photography and videography. As a result, TranzAlpine has become one of the most popular attractions with local and overseas tourists.
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Waimakariri River
Waimakariri currently flows through Christchurch and Lake Ellesmere/Te Waihora. Mountains on either side of it sandwich the Waimakariri River. The Waimakariri is a braided river; flowing into channels like a rope braid. The Waimakariri River is loaded with sediments that fall on the river bed as the flowing water slows down. With time these sediments build up, and the dry parts of the river bed become lower. Then the water flows naturally to the lowest point, and the bed shifts. Like this, the Waimakariri keeps moving across the riverbed.
Waimakariri River flows in New Zealand. It is also known as the Courtenay River and is one of the largest rivers in North Canterbury. In the Maoris language, Waimakariri means a river of cold rushing water. The Waimakariri River is wide and shallow, making it easy and safe for tourists to explore. The beauty lies in its ecology. Its interesting topography beckons nature lovers and adventure seekers to unearth the thrill that the river offers.The Waimakariri River is rich in vegetation and supports a variety of aquatic life, indicative of its clean and healthy water. Owing to its water quality, Chinook salmon was introduced here in the 1900s from California. Trout can also be found in the Waimakariri River. Many mosses and large alpine plants such as the Matagouri can be found near the river. The Waimakariri River is preferred for picnics because of its picturesque view. Plenty of water sports are also played here that are thoroughly enjoyed by all age groups. For the wanderers, there are so many walks and trails to choose from to discover the expanse and uniqueness of the river and the areas around it.
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Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Located right outside central Christchurch, the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is a conservation and wildlife park that hosts exotic animal species and animals endemic to New Zealand. The Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is known for its kiwi, New Zealand’s famous endangered national bird breeding program. It is also the only facility outside a government-operated conservatory to have a pair of the rare takahe bird on display.
The Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is also well-known for its Maori cultural performance, and participants can experience the tradition of a hangi dinner. In addition, the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve was the first conservatory in New Zealand to implement the idea of a glass-free exhibition, guaranteeing visitors' sightings of the ever-elusive kiwi.
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Arthur’s Pass
The township of Arthur’s Pass is located a two hour drive from Christchurch. Situated on the west coast of the South Island, the roads leading to the township from Canterbury are nothing short of an engineering marvel and provide great views of the landscape. Arthur’s Pass National Park, one of the townships major tourist attractions, can be considered as two halves divided by a historic railway and highway. Along the eastern half of the divide lies sprawling expanses of beech forests and riverbeds while the western half comprises rivers flowing through deep canyons and gorges, flanked by imposing forested mountains. One of the best ways to take in the pure and natural scenery is through the renowned TranzAlpine Service railroad that carves through the region. One of the most popular activities among travellers in the region is mountaineering and hiking into the national park. Skiers and snowboarders can head to the Temple Basin Ski Area and ride some of the freshest snow in the country. The area is also known for being the native habitat of the famous flightless kea bird, one of the only species of alpine parrots.
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Banks Peninsula
Banks Island is a volcanic peninsula located in the South Island of New Zealand. It is a generally hilly area and one of New Zealand’s most unique landforms. The peninsula was formed by two giant volcanic eruptions about eight million years ago. The unusual cogwheel shape is due to the harbours and bays that spread out of the peninsula’s center. The historic town of Akaroa is one of the main highlights and is an 80km drive from Christchurch and drive along Summit Road, one of the original craters is beautiful.
The waters surrounding Banks Peninsula are home to the Hectors Dolphin found only in New Zealand and are one of the rarest and smallest species. There are many tours that depart from Akaroa that take you dolphin watching or to see other marine life like orcas, New Zealand fur seals, little blue penguins and white flippered penguins. Akaroa is also a French settlement in the heart of an ancient volcano and is filled with beautiful bays. It is the perfect base from where you can start exploring the Banks Peninsula.
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Christchurch Golf Club
The Christchurch Golf Club is among the most beautiful golf courses in New Zealand. A 15-hole course that offers golfers some of the best views one could ever hope for on a golf course, with 6 of those holes directly overlooking the Pacific ocean, this is a truly remarkable golfing experience. Ranked 37th amongst the best golf courses in the world, it is no wonder that the Christchurch Golf Club is one of the favourite weekend getaway destinations for Kiwis.
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Clearwater Golf Club
The Clearwater Golf Club is one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious golf courses in New Zealand. Established in 1908, the golf course was given a makeover by renowned golf course architect Graham Marsh and its 18 holes have played host to Christchurch’s biggest and most famous championships. It has been the venue for the New Zealand Open and has offered the chance for pros and amateurs alike and is a firm favourite amongst the Kiwi public. The clubhouse is regularly touted as being among the best golf courses in New Zealand. The Clearwater Golf Club is also notable for being one of the premier venues to host functions like weddings, anniversary parties, and other social gatherings.
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