Christchurch (Lyttelton), New Zealand
Travel down the tree-lined Avon Rive, tour English-style gardens and drive past a Gothic cathedral. No, it's not England - it's Christchurch, New Zealand's most English city. The colonists who settled Christchurch transformed the treeless landscape by planting European trees and setting aside vast tracts as parkland. Today, parks dot the city, giving Christchurch an old-world ambience that belies its sophisticated style.
Settled under the auspices of the Church of England in the mid-1800s, Christchurch is a planned city that flourished with New Zealand's agriculture and sheep industry. At the heart of the city lies Christchurch Cathedral, a Gothic cathedral built of local stone. The port of Lyttelton serves as your gateway to Christchurch.
Points of Interest
- Canterbury Museum
- Arts Centre/Christchurch Art Gallery
- Christchurch Cathedral
- Botanic Gardens
- International Antarctic Centre
- Christchurch Tramway
- Akaroa & The Banks Peninsula
- Tranz Alpine Railway
More about Christchurch (Lyttelton), New Zealand Points of Interest
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Canterbury Museum -
The museum opened in 1870 and is world-renowned for its natural and human history collections. Don't miss the outstanding Maori exhibits, Victorian Christchurch Street, and vast Antarctic collection.
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Arts Centre/Christchurch Art Gallery -
This exciting venue hosts to a huge range of New Zealand-made art and crafts, shopping, education and entertainment. It's also one of the best examples of Gothic Revival architecture in the country.
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Christchurch Cathedral -
This neogothic Cathedral is the imposing midtown landmark. Climb the North tower's 133 steps for a bird's-eye view of the entire city. The Cathedral Square is considered the city's lively center.
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Botanic Gardens -
Founded in 1863 with the planting of an English Oak tree to commemorate the marriage of Queen Victoria's son, the lush Gardens feature one of the finest collections of plants found in New Zealand.
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International Antarctic Centre -
Experience what it's like in the Antarctic. This interactive center lets you see, touch and feel what it takes to survive the "South Pole." See penguins, climb into an igloo, and ride the hagglund.
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Christchurch Tramway -
These vintage trams offer a unique way to travel about and see the city. The tram tour travels a loop throughout the town, making 11 stops along the way at many of the major attractions.
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Akaroa & The Banks Peninsula -
Banks Peninsula was formed by volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago. Originally a French whaling port, the historic town of Akaroa offers Victorian cottages, great dining and "The Giant's House."
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Tranz Alpine Railway -
A two-hour trip aboard New Zealand's famous train travels the Canterbury Plains to Arthur's Pass National Park in the heart of the Southern Alps
