Things to see and do in Christchurch, New Zealand

• published: 29 Oct 2015
• views: 2

Things to see and do in Christchurch, New Zealand - Christchurch, NZ tourism & Vacations Travel Videos HD, World Travel Guide http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=World1Tube Christchurch is by far and away the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand with a 2013 population still over 341,000 despite losing some residents after the earthquake, making it the third largest conurbation in New Zealand after Auckland and Wellington. It's on the edge of the Canterbury plains and has direct flights to its efficient international airport. See in Christchurch, New Zealand ========================= Christchurch Cathedral (de-consecrated) ruins built between 1864 and 1904 in Cathedral Square and its replacement "Cardboard Cathedral", at 234 Hereford Street, an easy walk North West of its beloved forebear. There is no public car parking at the Cathedral. (If you're from a Muslim or other country without traditional Christian buildings and still want to see a soaring stone cathedral, then the confusingly named Christ Church Cathedral in the sunny city of Nelson has a wonderful choir and 2500 pipe traditional organ atop its natural vantage point of Pikimai overlooking Tasman Bay.) Arts Centre, Worcester Boulevard. Gothic Revival stonework of former University campus. This area was damaged during the 22 Feb 2011 earthquake. While reconstruction work is taking place these buildings are closed to the general public and will be for several years. However, the beauty and historical significance of these building can still be appreciated by viewing them from surrounding streets such as Worcester Boulevard and Hereford Street and the excellent Canterbury Cheesemongers still operates from a modern building within its precincts. Christchurch Art Gallery, Worcester Boulevard and Montreal Street (one block east of Botanic Gardens). +64 3 941-7300, . Th-Tu 10:00-17:00, W 10:00-21:00. Spectacular new $47 million facility opened in 2003, the largest in the South Island, with over 5000 items and visiting exhibitions. (**Currently closed for repairs**). Air Force Museum, former Wigram Airfield, Main South Road, ☎ +64 3 343-9542. 10:00-17:00 daily. Opened in 1987 before the closure of the Christchurch RNZAF base, this museum has full-size replicas of fighting planes and dramatizes the history of New Zealand's Air Force from World War I to Vietnam and beyond. $15, $5 child. Botanic Gardens, Rolleston Ave, car park entrance Armagh St, +64 3 941 7590, [71]. Gates open 07:00 until one hour before sunset. Conservatories 10.15-16:00. Information centre open 10:15-16:00 daily summer, 11:00-15:00 winter. 30 hectares of exotic and indigenous plants and trees wrapped in a loop of the picturesque Avon River and linking to the 160-hectare Hagley Park. These put the "Garden" in the "Garden City", and the combined total with Hagley Park makes them the second largest inner city park in the world (after New York's Central Park). Canterbury Museum, Rolleston Ave at end of Worcester Blvd (adjoining Botanic Gardens), +64 3 366- 5000, [72]. 09:00-17:30 daily summer, 09:00-17:00 winter. Includes colonial, Maori and natural history sections, Antarctic exploration display, and visiting exhibitions. Admission free to main exhibits (but donation appreciated), $2 for Discovery children's section. Ferrymead Heritage Park, Ferrymead Park Dr (Ferry Rd east from city, or take the 30 Sumner bus from the Bus Exchange and to the Heathcote River Bridge, then first right down Bridle Path Rd), +64 3 384 1970, [73]. 10:00-16:30 daily. A recreated Edwardian township and museum with horse and carriage (daily), tram (weekends and school/public holidays) and train (first and third Sunday) rides. Due to the voluntary nature of the historical societies managing Ferrymead, not all attractions may be running at all times. Special events are often held and the park has been used to film the TV One reality show 'Colonial House'. Admission price is based on whether trams/trains are operating or not, and include unlimited rides if available. $10, $5 child with trams/trains; $6, $3 child without. International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch Airport, +64 3 353 7798 (toll free 0508 736 4846 within NZ), [74]. 09:00-19:00 daily 1 Oct–30 Apr, 09:00-17:30 1 May–30 Sep. A world-class Antarctic experience with simulated polar weather, Hagglund All-Terrain Vehicle ride, penguins, extensive exhibits about Antarctic science missions, cafe and gift shop. $55, $36 child. Unlimited Hagglund all day rides $20, Penguin Backstage Pass $20, $15 child.