Car Hire Christchurch - Mini guide to Christchurch

The principle city of New Zealand’s South Island is a little piece of England in the Antipodes, with its orderliness, manicured gardens, colonial traditions and willow-lined river Avon that meanders through the pretty town environs. It has a reputation for being a very liveable city, with a modern and lively atmosphere.

Cathedral Square is the centre of the city, presided over by a magnificent Gothic revival Anglican cathedral. In summer its popular with buskers and is lined by several souvenir and wool shops. The city is easily walkable from here, along a number of pedestrianised streets.

Following the Avon through the town is also a lovely walk. At points it’s lined with pavement cafes and lovely gardens, and snakes its way into the magnificent Botanical Gardens where you can hire a punt at the Antigua Boatsheds.

The Arts Centre is a precinct of high-Victorian buildings now housing galleries, craft studios and shops, theatres and cinemas. A number of good museums are also found in the city, and the International Antartic centre is a unique attraction.

The drive out to Lyttelton is scenic. It takes you past the large lagoon that separates the city from the ocean, brushes the windy pacific beach and winds its way up the Port Hills. Stop off at the Sign of the Takahe, a gothic-style building with good views and walking trails. Lyttelton itself is the area’s main harbour, set in a large, picturesque bay. Across the bay, nestled among the rolling hills of the Banks Peninsula, is Akaroa, a delightful former French settlement that survives as a well-preserved tourist town.

At night the city is lively and you can stumble from one pub or restaurant to another within the centre. The locals are famously laid back and friendly. To experience Maori culture, visit the Nga Hau e Wha Marae, six kms northeast of the city. New Zealand is famous for its adventure and outdoor activities and during the day options are endless, particular for ‘tramping’ (walking in ‘Kiwi speak’).

Christchurch International Airport is the South Island’s main gateway with regular daily flights from Australia, and frequent connections within the country. Direct long haul flights are, however, fairly limited, with Auckland enjoying the lion’s share. A rail service runs to Picton ferry port, and the Trans-Alpine route is popular with tourists.

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The major suburbs in Christchurch are: Addington, Avonside, Linwood, Mariehau, Phillipstown, Riccarton, Richmond, Shirley, St Albans and Sydenham.