Christchurch City

A garden city built on the river Avon

By Bachchat staff

Christchurch has been devastated by two earthquakes in the past year, but there are still many ways you can enjoy the beautiful Garden City (and the largest city of the region).

Try punting on the Avon, enjoy a scenic gondola ride, take a scenic hot-air balloon ride at sunrise.

The International Antarctic Centre at the airport uses special technological effects to entertain and inform about Antarctic issues. It features hands-on exhibits, video presentations and snow vehicle rides on an outdoor course.

Spend the afternoon relaxing with a gentle stroll through the wide open space and woodlands of Hagley Park. Appreciate the colours of the seasons with a leisurely punt ride along the gentle meandering Avon River where you can experience the beauty and tranquillity of the botanic gardens.

There is no experience closer to absolute freedom than drifting with the breeze high above the Canterbury plains in a hot air balloon. It is a magical way to fly. Fly from Christchurch above the Canterbury plains with a stunning panoramic view of the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps on one side to the west and the endless blue of the Pacific Ocean to the east. Watch as the parks, rivers and buildings fade into the distance, making way for patchwork farmland. Land gracefully and be greeted with a celebratory glass of chilled champagne or juice in a beautiful countryside setting.

Where to stay

Christchurch

What to do

• Go hot air ballooning over the Canterbury Plains
• Spend an afternoon at Hagley Park - 150ha of inner-city parkland
• Go punting on the Avon

 

Getting there

• From Nelson by road: 424km
• From Dunedin: 362km