Christchurch Information Booklet ASIA PACIFIC BOWLS CHAMPIONSHIPS findchch.com PB 1 Welcome to Christchurch There is nowhere else in the world where, within two hours of an international airport, you can ski at a world-class alpine resort, play golf, bungee jump, raft, mountain bike, hot-air balloon, wind surf, whale watch and visit internationally-acclaimed wineries and gardens. Check out the interactive map at www.findchch.com that shows up-to-date locations of things to see, eat and do in Christchurch as the city’s rebuild takes shape. Here you can quickly and easily find what you are looking for including accommodation, entertainment, parks and recreation, transport and what’s hot! Find out all you need to know about Christchurch from the links and information on this site. 2 3 Transitional Christchurch The earthquakes have challenged the people of Christchurch to think Transitional “Cardboard” differently about their city and the space within it. Many creative, colourful and innovative projects have been developed to bring new life to the central city Cathedral during the rebuild periods and brighten up spaces where buildings once were. Japanese architect Shigeru Ban designed one of his famous Examples of these can be seen throughout the central city including: “Emergency architecture” buildings Re:START from 96 cardboard tubes and framing. Opened in August 2013 it Is a shopping experience like no other where retail stores, banks and cafes has become a symbol of innovation, are housed in renovated shipping containers. Developed to give a home hope and inspiration and one of the to displaced shops and to bring bustling life back into the central city. most recognisable symbols of our It’s a favourite for locals and visitors alike to enjoy lunch and soak up the transitional city. Located at atmosphere. Located on Cashel Street. 234 Hereford Street. www.restart.org.nz www.cardboardcathedral.org.nz/ Gap Filler and Greening the Rubble projects With the demolition of buildings came vacant spaces. Gap Filler and Greening the Rubble, both charitable organisations, develop empty spaces with various creative, colourful and most importantly temporary creations. Refer to Central City map for locations. www.gapfiller.org.nz Pop-up hospitality With many cafes, restaurants and bars being displaced from the central city home the ‘pop-up’ revolution came about. Some of the cities favourite restaurants and cafes can now be found in mobile caravans and trucks, easily moved as the rebuild develops and our favourite bars in shipping containers and buses. Parks and Gardens Christchurch has affectionately been referred to as the Garden City and it’s not surprising with over 800 parks and gardens to be explored. Within a short distance of the city centre, you can stroll through forest, native bush, wetlands or head up to the Port Hills for fantastic views. Here’s a couple that are well worth a visit. The Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park North and South Hagley Park make up 165 hectares of vast green space dotted with century old trees and stunning springtime floral shows. Within North Hagley Park lies Christchurch’s Botanic Gardens, founded in 1863, which feature one of the finest collections of exotic and native plants found in New Zealand. Mona Vale The Mona Vale gardens are 5.5 hectares of English-style landscaped gardens on the banks of the Avon River, with mature trees, sloping lawns and herbaceous borders, a large rose garden, irises and a waterlilly pool. Located on Mona Vale Avenue. Riccarton Bush and Ilam Homestead Gardens A short drive from the city centre you’ll find 12 hectares of native forest reserve surrounded by manicured gardens with the Avon River running through. Nearby is Ilam Homestead, one of the city’s best kept secrets with scores of azaleas and rhododendrons that dazzle visitors in spring and summer. Located at 16 Kahu Road. The Curator’s House, Botanic Gardens, Christchurch 6 7 Markets Retail in Christchurch Canterbury is famous for its delectable fresh produce and artisans products. Christchurch is home to many great shopping destinations, from the quirky and Across the region you’ll find farmers’ markets in the main towns most boutique to the largest mall in the South Island. weekends. Artisan and craft fairs can also often be found. New Regent Street Christchurch Farmers Market This Spanish architectural style street is a central city gem. Cookies, jewellery Every Saturday morning at Riccarton House. Meats, cheeses, fruit and and whiskey are just come of the treasures to be found in this street. vegetables sit alongside superb coffees and tasty treats to enjoy as you wander www.newregentstreet.co.nz around the markets and beautiful surrounds. www.christchurchfarmersmarket.co.nz The Tannery Lyttelton Farmers Market A destination within itself. Boutique stores, a brewery, cafés and a suave restaurant all in a stylish environment. 3 Garlands Road. Saturday morning’s people travel far and wide to visit the port town of Lyttelton www.thetannery.co.nz and its thriving farmers market. As well as fresh produce and delectable treats, local musicians often provide a musical accompaniment to the market. Malls www.lyttelton.net.nz/farmers-market Christchurch has a host of malls around the city. Westfield Riccarton is the Riccarton Market largest in the South Island with many retail chain Stores, homewares, movie cinemas and much more. The South Island’s largest market. Each week 300 vendors sell a wide variety www.westfield.co.nz/riccarton/ of goods, from fresh fruits and vegetables to second hand goods, furniture, clothing, arts, plants and trees, food and beverages. Dress Smart www.riccartonmarket.co.nz Looking for a bargain, then Dress Smart is your outlet shopping destination with many big brand names as well as main street stores. Main South Road. www.dress-smart.co.nz/christchurch 8 9 Attractions and Activities Alpine Jet Alpine Jet, Canterbury’s premier jet boat operation, is situated only 50 minutes from Christchurch Airport. Travel independently or tour with our transfer service from your Christchurch accommodation. www.alpinejet.co.nz Canterbury Museum Canterbury Museum, in Christchurch’s Cultural Precinct, is housed in a beautiful stone building that was first opened in 1870. www.canterburymuseum.co.nz Christchurch Gondola The 945 metre gondola lifts visitors to the crater rim of an extinct volcano, the summit of the Port Hills, for spectacular 360º views over Christchurch city, Lyttelton Harbour, Banks Peninsula, Canterbury Plains, the Southern Alps, city beaches and suburbs. Dining and entertainment is also available. www.gondola.co.nz Clearwater Golf The par 72 championship course is home to the NZ Women’s Open. Playable year-round, the course meanders around a succession of spring-fed lakes and trout-filled streams, with uninterrupted views of the spectacular Southern Alps. www.clearwaternz.com Arthur’s Pass, Southern Alps 10 11 Coastal Pacific International Antarctic Centre Alongside mountains and sea! This memorable journey between Christchurch The International Antarctic Centre offers a fun, exciting and interactive and Picton stops at Blenheim and the renowned whale watching town of experience of the Great White South. This includes the indoor ‘Snow and Ice Kaikoura. Along 98 kilometres of ruggedly beautiful coastline you’ll get Experience’, the ‘Antarctic Storm’, the ‘Penguin Encounter’ and an exhilarating astonishingly close to the surging Pacific Ocean and steeply rising Kaikoura outdoor adventure ride in the ‘Hagglund’ vehicle. Ranges. www.iceberg.co.nz www.kiwirailscenic.co.nz/coastal-pacific TranzAlpine Garden City Helicopters Truly one of the world’s great scenic train trips! The TranzAlpine scenic train A scenic Heli-flight with Garden City Helicopters is the best way to see the journey travels between Christchurch and Greymouth. An open air viewing most that this amazing region has to offer. They have a wealth of experience carriage allows you to get even closer to the stunning scenery and provides flying scenic helicopter tours to some of the most picturesque and exciting many opportunities to photograph your favourite spots. landscapes you’ll ever experience. www.kiwirailscenic.co.nz/tranzalpine www.helicopters.net.nz Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa Just 90 minutes north of Christchurch is the picturesque alpine thermal village of Hanmer Springs. The variety of thermal pools includes sulphur and rock pools ranging in temperature from 36° to 42°C (97° to 107°F). www.hanmersprings.co.nz Hassle-Free Tours New Zealand’s only open top double-decker city tour! Join us on our classic 1960’s London open top double-decker buses for a fun and informative tour of Christchurch. www.hasslefreetours.co.nz 12 13 What’s on in Christchurch? Now entering its fifth year the Christchurch | South Island Wine & Food Festival has quickly established itself as one of the leading wine and food events in the country, and is once 7 - 14 NOVEMBER 2015 again preparing to host wineries from across the Christchurch | South Island region - representing New Zealand Cup and Show Week, the country’s biggest and most vibrant some of the premier wine regions of the world. spring festival, kicks off in Christchurch on Saturday 7 November 2015. Over 40 wineries from across the five South Island Every year during the middle of November, Canterbury celebrates the wine regions will be presenting their wines, with province’s anniversary holiday with New Zealand Cup and Show Week. Over the top local chefs plating up their best culinary dishes years the week has grown significantly and is now established as the highlight to match. Artisan food producers & local food of New Zealand’s racing, show and social calendar. vendors will also give you a taste of the best in Over the eight exciting days 200,000 Cantabrians and visitors flock to the city locally produced foods and food products.