Christchurch Attractions – Exploring the Interesting Facts About the Garden City of New Zealand

As New Zealand’s oldest city, Christchurch owns more than 150 years of heritage, including influences from the Maori tribes as well as European settlers. Tourists can enjoy scenic views of natural attractions and adventurous outdoor vacations.

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Christchurch Attractions - Top Destination Sites

Akaroa, a village 84 kilometers away from Christchurch, is a great place for sea kayaking, mountain biking, sailing and wildlife cruises. Families on vacation can visit the Hector’s Dolphin, the world’s smallest marine dolphin. Art enthusiasts are welcome to spend their leisure time at the Arts Centre, one of the most significant Christchurch attractions. Formerly Canterbury College, this site’s facades feature the architectural stylings of Benjamin Mountfort. It is also the home of the professional theater company The Court Theatre, and has been the venue of special events and festivals. Conveniently located near the city center and the Christchurch Airport is the Orana Wildlife Park, which is also among the most visited Christchurch attractions. It is the only open-range zoo in New Zealand, with more than 400 animals from over 70 species. Perhaps the busiest area of the city is the Cathedral Square, where the famous Anglican cathedral stands.

Antarctic Centre - General Background

The International Antarctic Centre in Harewood is an administrative as well as commercial building. IT houses scientific Antarctic programs of Italy, New Zealand and the United States. It also displays Antarctic exhibits and a visitor’s center where guests can experience the atmosphere and environment of Antarctica. The Antarctic Centre has a 4D Extreme Theater that includes falling snow, water splashes and other special effects. A more classic feature of the Antarctic Attraction is the Penguin Encounter, the first indoor-outdoor viewing area for such birds in the country. Visitors might also want to try the indoor Snow and Ice experience where they can slide down a snow slope. After the rides, they can rest at the Café and Bar within the facility.

Christchurch Gondola - Facilities

The fastest ride on the Heathcoate gondola in Christchurch takes about 4 minutes and 30 seconds and the average trip takes approximately 10 minutes. The Christchurch gondola has 19 four-seater cabins that take guests across Mount Cavendish. The vehicle has audio-visual presentations, some in 3D, about the Banks Peninsula, the Maori peoples and the European settlers of Christchurch and Lyttleton. The site’s Shop at the Top has various novelties and souvenirs ranging from Maori sheepskin boots to a Pukeko wall plaque. At the peak of the Port Hills are walkways with panoramic views of the Lyttleton Harbor and Canterbury Plains, and a chance to explore the Crater Rim.