Cheap Flights to Christchurch

Christchurch Travel Information

One of the prettiest cities in the southern hemisphere, Christchurch is packed full of things to see and do. As well as the stunning New Zealand scenery which can be seen from just about any vantage point in the city, Christchurch has some great architecture to explore, much of it having survived since the days of the earliest European settlers. Listed as number two in the “52 Places to Go in 2014” by theNew York Times, the city is much-loved by tourists, many of whom return to it time and again. Touring the city is relatively easy, largely due to its layout and size. A popular means of getting around is to hire bicycles, but organised segway tours are also on offer. To really get the best view, however, a helicopter ride is unquestionably a favoured option.

As the largest city in New Zealand's southern island, Christchurch is one of the cultural hotspots in the country. Founded in 1971, the city's Court Theatre is one of the country's foremost theatrical destinations. Christchurch boasts a professional symphony orchestra and an opera company, named Southern Opera. As well as making Christchurch a serious destination for fans of classical music, the city has a superb reputation for rock and pop music. Many of New Zealand's best bands have developed their skills in Christchurch's live independent music venues. Christchurch also has a number of arenas which double as sports venues as well as music venues for the larger touring acts. The city is also home to a regular arts festival which uses multiple venues, such as Wigram Air Force Musuem and St Margaret's College, to good effect to showcase the county's emerging performing talent.

Often referred to as the garden city, Christchurch is full of parks and pubic gardens which are ready for exploration at any time of year. The blooms and flora of the city's Botanic Gardens are best enjoyed in spring and summer, however. Tourists are often found strolling around the large green space of Hagley Park, too. Perhaps one of the best places to enjoy the natural beauty of the coastal city is along the Sumner Promenade or by New Brighton Pier, a great place for early risers to enjoy watching the sun come up.