| CITY OVERVIEW
Stay in Christchurch
|
For many, Christchurch is the gateway to the
famous South Island ski fields that surround the City. There are 10 ski resort areas located
within the 'southern alps' (Mount Cook being the biggest) and all are
within a 2 hour drive of Christchurch.
Although Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island, it is more a tranquil large town than a bustling city. The City is characterised by lovely old buildings and churches and plenty of manicured gardens. However, in contrast to this image, the Canterbury region that surrounds it is also marketed as an adventure sport paradise. Besides skiiing, facilities for bungy jumping, hot air ballooning, fishing, jet boating and water skiiing abound. It is also the eco-tourism capital of NZ, with plenty of organised walks to choose from through the many trails that exist in the region. Although not as diverse as Auckland and Wellington, the City Centre of Christchurch is becoming home to an increasing range of restaurants, bars and cafes. Christchurch is particularly marketing its nearby wine producing capabilities - evidently it is the fourth largest wine producing region in the country. |
| GETTING THERE
Fly to Christchurch From USA
|
Christchurch International Airport is located about 12km west of the City Centre and is accessible to the Centre by the Metro Bus Route A as well as shuttles and taxis that operate between the airport and the City Centre. Christchurch's public transport system, the Metro, is bus-based and gets you to most of attractions within the City. |
| SUPER
12 RUGBY
CANTERBURY CRUSADERS |
The Canterbury Crusaders have replaced the Auckland Blues as the current powerhouse provincial team in the Super 12. The Crusaders have won the Super12 championship a record 4 times – starting with their dethroning of the previous champions in 1998, and then again in 1999 and 2000. After a year’s hiatus they backed up again to reclaim their title in 2002. They were once again finalists in 2004, where they were beaten by their recent nemesis the ACT Brumbies. |
| JADE STADIUM |
Jade Stadium (or Lancaster Park to most) hosts the Crusaders, NZ Rugby Test matches and Cricket Internationals and is located on the corner of Lancaster Street and Stevens Street, about 2km south-east of the City Centre. The Stadium, which originally dates back to the late 1800’s, has been upgraded extensively since 1998 and now has a fully-seated capacity of over 36,000. From Cashel Mall (Columbo Street) in the City Centre you can catch Metro Bus Routes 31 or 32 to Moorhouse Ave between Lancaster Street and Wilsons Road. From there just walk south down Wilsons Road to the Stadium. |
| GOLF
CLEARWATER CLASSIC, CLEARWATER RESORT Ticket and event information from www.pgatour.com.au |
The Clearwater Resort hosts the Clearwater Classic in early March and is located in Harewood near the Christchurch International Airport, which is located some 12km north-west of the City Centre. The Golf Course is not very accessible by public transport so from the City Centre’s Cashel Mall, catch Metro Bus Route A to the Airport and then catch one of the many taxi services available to the course from there. |
| HORSE
RACING
RICCARTON RACECOURSE Tickets available from course |
Riccarton Park Racecourse is the home of the New Zealand Cup in November and the Grand National Steeplechase and Hurdle in April and is located off Yaldhurst Road in Upper Riccarton, which is some 5km west of the City Centre. From the City Centre, take Bus Route 84 – it goes past the Racecourse on Yaldhurst Road. |
