A people-friendly city
by TheWanderingCamel
Christchurch streetscapes are wonderfully human in scale. There are no canyons of glass, concrete and steel here. Instead the city is a pleasure to walk around and,despite its small size, there are several quite distinct areas within the city centre itself, let alone the suburbs and outer reaches of the city.
The area known to Christchurchians as "The Strip" is the Cashel Street Mall and part of Oxford Terrace. This is where to come to shop in the city's main stores, and to stay on in the evening for a drink or dinner at one of the Oxford Terrace restaurants that overlook the Avon.
Defined as the Cultural Precinct is the area bounded by Cathedral Square at the eastern end and the Museum and Botanic Gardens on Rolleston Avenue at the west. In between you'll find the Art Gallery, the Arts Centre, the City Library and the Contemporary Art Institute plus more good restaurants and another prety litle stretch of the river.
North of the Cathedral you'll find pretty Victoria Square, the river again - an ever -present part of city life and New Regent Street's mix of outdoor cafes, funky shops and art-deco-meets- Spanish-mission architecture. Cross the river here to the Town Hall and another attractive area of inner Christchurch around Cramner Square. Just walking, walking , walking. It's all flat, never crowded, the river is never far away, the trams and bright red phone boxes add a whimsical touch, parks and gardens invite you to stop awhile, and there are plenty of good outdoor cafes for a coffee stop. It's all very, very appealing.
Robert Falcon Scott
by rozehill
This statue of Scott Reserve is on Riverbank Reserve, cnr Worcester Street and Oxford Terrace.
Marble statue of Robert Falcon Scott set on stone base commemorating death of Scott and his party returning from the South Pole in 1912. Two bronze plaques are set on the plinth and one inscription carved into the stone.
written
"I do not regret this journey which shows that Englishmen can endure hardships, help one another and meet death with as great fortitude as ever in the past."
Petanque
by fishandchips
This French game is alive and well in the middle of Christchurch. At the old RSA Bowling Club Petanque is now played on the old bowling green converted into the required shingle pit of a Petanque rink. It's similar to bowls in that you are trying to get your ball as close to the cochonnet (a small wodden ball) as possible. It's a lot of fun, especially after a couple of beers, and can be played by anyone who can throw a small metal ball. Petanque is apparently similar to Bocce which has its roots in an ancient Roman game.
Cost is negotiable with an annual fee of $60 though the club will allow casual games if arranged in advance. Check out their website for more info and contact phone numbers. You don't really need anything as your local club has all of the necessary bits and pieces. At the RSABC all of the gear is there.
The Sea-Side Suburb
by fishandchips
This seaside suburb was named after Dr Sumner, the Archbishop of canterbury in 1850. It's a nice spot to go for an evening walk and maybe climb over Cave Rock. If you time it right you will be able to walk through the cave at low tide. Sumner has plenty to see and do including some nice eating places, a good Tea House and interesting museum on the corner of Nayland St and Wakefield Ave.
Christchurch Tramway
by wkcsmt
The heritage trams - BEST and COOL way to experience the heritage & charm of Christchurch and all the must see attractions!! You can hop on and off at any of the 9 stops around the inner city tramp loop. Just remember to get a All Day pass!
Tram drivers provide informative and entertaining commentary too!
The trams follow a 2.5 kilometre loop around central Christchurch, these include Cathedral Square, Southern Encounter Aquarium, The Arts Centre, Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum, Punting on the Avon, Christchurch Casino, Victoria Square, New Regent Street etc.
Tram ticket costs NZD $12.50 and is valid for two consecutive days (12 months for local residents). Children up to 15yrs travel free of charge with an accompanying fare paying adult.
Operating hours:
9am - 6pm (1 April - 31 October)
9am - 9pm (1 November - 31 March)
**Note: Last tram leaves Cathedral Square 30 minutes prior to closing time.
The beautifully restored heritage trams are also available for cocktail functions or a unique la carte dining experience on the Christchurch Tramway Restaurant.
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from the car park, but really nice inside
The Wizard - Christchurch - NZ
The bus depot. AMI Stadium in the background.
The back towards Antarctica: Robert Falcon Scott.
