Christchurch Backpacking
The second largest city in New Zealand with a population of over 300,000, (one third of the South Island population lives there) it is often described as the most English of New Zealand cities. The International Airport in Christchurch means that you may begin your NZ experience here.
One of the striking things about Christchurch, in addition to its feeling of genteel comfort, is its abundance of lovely old Gothic buildings, left over from the Victorian Era. The most amazing is the Anglican Cathedral that began its life in 1860.
The city is flat so getting around is quite easy, and bikes can be hired from a number of outlets. Cathedral Square is definitely the centre of town and information centres can be found there.
There are a number of museums and art galleries including the Airforce museum and Ferrymead historic park, also the Yaldhurst Transport museum and the Rugby and Cricket museum. Trams were first introduced to Christchurch back in 1905 and still run on the 2.5 kilometre inner city loop.
If Queenstown doesn't take all your money the Christchurch Casino will, with all the usual ways to lose it. But you will still have a great time doing it. An interesting place to visit is the International Antarctic Centre, with a lot of hands-on exhibits and video presentations.
Christchurch also has a gondola which takes you to the top of Mount Cavendish. Once up there you can paraglide back down again. There are two wild life reserves, Orana Park and Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, with lots of strange and exotic animals and birds. Queen Elizabeth Park is a must for the young at heart, this huge sports complex has four indoor pools, two water slides and seven squash courts, plus a fun park. All sorts of other activities are available, like swimming, surfing, walks and skiing less than two hours drive away.
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