| Parks and Gardens |
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| Botanic Gardens |
Within the confines of the inner city and within easy walking distance of Cathedral Square - a beautifully maintained, 30 hectare (74 acres) garden area with undoubtedly the finest collection of exotic and indigenous plants in New Zealand, bounded by the 161 hectare (500 acres) Hagley Park |
| Mona Vale |
A short 5 minute drive from centre city, the Mona Vale Homestead gardens feature significant plantings of English and European trees, rhododendrons, camellias, conifers and maples |
| Riccarton House / Riccarton Bush |
5 minutes from Cathedral Square. The original homestead of Christchurch's first settler family, Putaringomotu is a 7.7 hectare (19 acres) native forest - the last in a line of similar forests which covered the site of modern-day Christchurch over hundreds of thousands of years |
| Private Gardens |
Throughout the year, but more especially in spring (Sep, Oct, Nov) a number of breathtakingly beautiful private Canterbury gardens are open to the public, and well worth a visit |
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| City Attractions |
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| International Antarctic Centre |
The only attraction of its kind in the world. Experience an Antarctic storm first hand, with temperatures dropping well below the zero... a great place to chill out. |
| Orana Park |
A touch of Africa - and everywhere else where wild animals roam |
| Willowbank Wildlife Reserve |
An eclectic mix of native New Zealand flora and fauna, with a Maori cultural perspective - don't miss "Ko Tane" |
| Southern Encounter Aquarium |
See NZ's native "Kiwi" - in the centre of the city |
| Christchurch Tramway |
Travel the city in the style and elegance of the last century |
| Canterbury Museum |
Artifacts, treasures and relics of a time gone by |
| Christchurch Art Gallery |
It's new, it's startling, it's big - and it plays host to some of the best artistic endeavour in Canterbury, New Zealand, and the world |
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| Arts Centre Market |
Arts, crafts and entertainment of all kinds - every weekend |
| Christchurch Cathedral |
An iconic focus for the centre of Christchurch city |
| Punting |
In "perfect ways to spend a relaxing afternoon" this ranks No. 1 |
| Air Force World |
Flying - as it was - as it is - and how you would like it to be |
| Hot Air Ballooning |
Aoraki Balloon Safaris and Up Up and Away will take you to an entirely different world |
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| Nightlife/Entertainment |
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Bars |
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Restaurants |
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Cafes |
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Theatre (The Court Theatre) |
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Movies - Christchurch has the highest ratio of cinema seats per capita in New Zealand. All the latest releases, plus a superb selection of Art Cinema offerings (Arts Centre) |
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Christchurch Casino - New Zealand's first casino - and most say New Zealand's best! |
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Nightclubs - from the thumping, pumping and dancing til dawn to the elegant, sophisticated and urbane, Christchurch is living, pulsating proof that everyone can have a nightlife. |
