Christchurch
Christ Church
General Information
Other Name: Ōtautahi, District: Christchurch, State: Canterbury , New Zealand
Area: 0 -
Languages Spoken: English and Maori
Long Distance Code: 03
Importance: The city is known for its many live acts,has a professional symphony orchestra,and is the base of professional opera company, Southern Opera.
Best Time to Visit: December to February and September
International Access: Connected to all the major cities of the world by air.Description
Christchurch (Māori: Ōtautahi) is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, and the country''s second-largest urban area. It is midway down the South Island''s east coast, just north of Banks Peninsula which itself, since 2006, lies within the formal limits of Christchurch. The city was named by the Canterbury Association, which settled the surrounding province of Canterbury. The name of Christchurch was agreed on at the first meeting of the association on 27 March 1848. It was suggested by John Robert Godley, who had attended Christ Church, Oxford. Some early writers called the town Christ Church, but it was recorded as Christchurch in the minutes of the management committee of the association.Location
Christchurch lies in Canterbury, near the centre of the east coast of the South Island, east of the Canterbury Plains. It is located near the southern end of Pegasus Bay, and is bounded to the east by the Pacific Ocean coast and the estuary of the Avon as well as the Heathcote River. To the south and south-east the urban portion of the city is limited by the volcanic slopes of the Port Hills separating it from the Banks Peninsula. As of 2006, the Banks Peninsula was incorporated into the city, in effect tripling the city''s land area while adding only about 8,000 people to the city''s population. To the north the city is bounded by the braided Waimakariri River.Climate
Christchurch has a temperate climate, with maximum temperatures in January ranging from 15 °C to 25 °C (59–77 °F) (often reaching 30 °C/86 °F or higher), and maximum temperatures in July ranging from 5 °C to 15 °C (41–59 °F). The summer climate is often moderated by a sea breeze from the Northeast, but a record temperature of 41.6 °C (107 °F) was reached in February 1973. A notable feature of the weather is the nor''wester, a hot föhn wind that occasionally reaches storm force, causing widespread minor damage to property.
Open 10 May 2003. Located in the heart of the City''s cultural precinct, bounded by Worcester Boulevard, Gloucester and Montreal Streets.
The Christchurch Art Gallery is the city''s public art museum and is the home of Christchurch’s public art collection, including international and New Zealand historical and contemporary pieces.
Montreal Street
Telephone: (+64 3) 365 0915
Website: www.christchurchartgallery.org.nz
The Christchurch Art Gallery is the city''s public art museum and is the home of Christchurch’s public art collection, including international and New Zealand historical and contemporary pieces.
Montreal Street
Telephone: (+64 3) 365 0915
Website: www.christchurchartgallery.org.nz
The largest selection and display of contemporary art can be found at 66 Gloucester Street in downtown Christchurch. Five galleries and over 60 exhibitions per annum will enable you to gain an in-depth understanding of both New Zealand and Cantabrian Contemporary Art.
Besides providing numerous specialised art services for members, the centre also hosts an extensive Open Gallery where hundreds of art works are on display and for sale by renowned New Zealand artists.
The Centre, established in 1880 is the oldest art institution in the Canterbury region.
Open Tuesday to Friday, 10am-5pm
Saturday and Sunday, 12pm-4pm (telephone for information about CoCA''s lunch hour and city weekend tours)
Besides providing numerous specialised art services for members, the centre also hosts an extensive Open Gallery where hundreds of art works are on display and for sale by renowned New Zealand artists.
The Centre, established in 1880 is the oldest art institution in the Canterbury region.
Open Tuesday to Friday, 10am-5pm
Saturday and Sunday, 12pm-4pm (telephone for information about CoCA''s lunch hour and city weekend tours)
Unique 360-degree panoramic views of Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains and Lyttelton Harbour unfold as you rise to the summit of Christchurch''s famous extinct volcano. Relax and enjoy a snack at the Summit Cafe, shop at Discover New Zealand and visit the Heritage Time Tunnel Experience.
The Christchurch Gondola Base Station is located 15 minutes drive from central Christchurch.
Open daily, from 10am
10 Bridle Path Road, Heathcote
Telephone: (+64 3) 384 0700
Facsimile: (+64 3) 384 0703
Email: gondola@gondola.co.nz
Website: www.gondola.co.nz
The Christchurch Gondola Base Station is located 15 minutes drive from central Christchurch.
Open daily, from 10am
10 Bridle Path Road, Heathcote
Telephone: (+64 3) 384 0700
Facsimile: (+64 3) 384 0703
Email: gondola@gondola.co.nz
Website: www.gondola.co.nz
Canterbury Museum is renowned for having some of the finest cultural and natural collections in New Zealand, as well as for its creative and imaginative displays. Housed in one of Christchurch''s finest historic buildings, Canterbury Museum has world class displays of geology, zoology, Maori, Asian and European collections.
Other highlights are the late 19th century Christchurch Street, the very exciting hands-on Discovery Centre for children of all ages, the world''s top stories from Antarctica''s heroic era of discovery and exploration, and "Living Canterbury" - a look at what makes our environment special and how we can protect it.
Enjoy a rest in the delightful Museum Cafe overlooking the Botanic Gardens, or browse around the Museum Store. Include a visit to the nearby Botanic Gardens and the Arts Centre.
Canterbury Museum is open every day (except Christmas Day) from 9 am until 5.30 pm (October to March), and 9am until 5.00pm (April to September). Guided tours are available. Entry by donation. Discovery $2 per person.
Other highlights are the late 19th century Christchurch Street, the very exciting hands-on Discovery Centre for children of all ages, the world''s top stories from Antarctica''s heroic era of discovery and exploration, and "Living Canterbury" - a look at what makes our environment special and how we can protect it.
Enjoy a rest in the delightful Museum Cafe overlooking the Botanic Gardens, or browse around the Museum Store. Include a visit to the nearby Botanic Gardens and the Arts Centre.
Canterbury Museum is open every day (except Christmas Day) from 9 am until 5.30 pm (October to March), and 9am until 5.00pm (April to September). Guided tours are available. Entry by donation. Discovery $2 per person.
The World''s Best Antarctic Attraction - A Unique Experience.
Christchurch is the world''s aerial gateway to the Antarctic and has been proudly associated with the Antarctic since the early heroic era when Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton visited Christchurch on their way down to the Ice.
The International Antarctic Centre is a modern day working Antarctic campus and is home to the United States, the Italian, and the NZ Antarctic Programmes.
The Antarctic attraction is located in the heart of this campus and has twice been voted the best attraction in NZ. It is a fun interactive and hands on experience the whole family will enjoy. Slide down a snow slope in the world''s first indoor Snow & Ice Experience, throw a snowball, or try on your own Antarctic clothing at the Camp Site area. The audio visual and interactive presentations are fantastic and the children will enjoy meeting "Pom Pom" the penguin and "Slip" the seal! The outdoor Antarctic Hägglund Ride is a "must do"- a 10 - 15 minute Adventure Course ride on a genuine Antarctic vehicle. Set aside 2-3 hours for your visit and make time to have a meal in the Antarctic Café & Bar.
The attraction is open seven days a week from 9am.
Orchard Road (next to Christchurch Airport, 15 minutes drive from the city)
Freephone: 0508 Penguin
Telephone: (+ 64 3) 358-9896
Website: www.iceberg.co.nz
Christchurch is the world''s aerial gateway to the Antarctic and has been proudly associated with the Antarctic since the early heroic era when Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton visited Christchurch on their way down to the Ice.
The International Antarctic Centre is a modern day working Antarctic campus and is home to the United States, the Italian, and the NZ Antarctic Programmes.
The Antarctic attraction is located in the heart of this campus and has twice been voted the best attraction in NZ. It is a fun interactive and hands on experience the whole family will enjoy. Slide down a snow slope in the world''s first indoor Snow & Ice Experience, throw a snowball, or try on your own Antarctic clothing at the Camp Site area. The audio visual and interactive presentations are fantastic and the children will enjoy meeting "Pom Pom" the penguin and "Slip" the seal! The outdoor Antarctic Hägglund Ride is a "must do"- a 10 - 15 minute Adventure Course ride on a genuine Antarctic vehicle. Set aside 2-3 hours for your visit and make time to have a meal in the Antarctic Café & Bar.
The attraction is open seven days a week from 9am.
Orchard Road (next to Christchurch Airport, 15 minutes drive from the city)
Freephone: 0508 Penguin
Telephone: (+ 64 3) 358-9896
Website: www.iceberg.co.nz