Christchurch is a city in the South Island of New Zealand. It is well-known for its natural beauty, with lush parks and gardens that are perfect for family walks. However, what many people don’t know about Christchurch is what it’s famous for! In this blog post, we will explore the top 5 facts about Christchurch to help you get to know your new hometown better!
Sights to See in Christchurch
The famous Christchurch gondolas
The famous Christchurch gondolas are a fun way to get an amazing view of the city. These aren’t your average ski lifts, though – they actually go through native bush land! The top station is located on Mount Cavendish and allows you to see right across the city. From this point, you can either hike down or take the gondola.
The Botanic Gardens in Christchurch
The Botanic Gardens in Christchurch are one of New Zealand’s most beautiful gardens, so it is no wonder they have won numerous awards! Located right next to Hagley Park (a massive park with lots of walking trails), this public garden is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
The Christchurch Art Gallery
The Christchurch Art Gallery is the largest in New Zealand, making it an excellent place to visit if you are short on time but want to see a lot of art. The gallery has two main parts: the modern-looking building itself which contains international works of art and the original building, which has a New Zealand focus.
It is most visited! It features both modern international works as well as traditional New Zealand pieces, making it a must-see if you only have time to visit one gallery. There are also a number of exhibitions at any given time.
The Christchurch Cathedral
The Christchurch Cathedral is the most famous landmark in Christchurch, and one of its main attractions. The cathedral was damaged during an earthquake in 2011 but remains open to visitors all year round. It features beautiful stained glass windows as well as a memorial to those who died in the earthquakes.
Etymology
The city was named after Christ Church, Oxford in England. This college is one of the constituent colleges of the University at Oxford and it’s where John Robert Godley took his degree from. The name ‘Ōtautahi’ or “the place of Tautahi” refers to a nearby mountain range that overlooks this region which has been dormant for thousands of years now due to volcanic eruptions with its last eruption being close to 4000 BC.
The native Māori language originates from an island called Aotearoa located between New Zealand and Chile & Argentina respectively. It means “land of long white cloud.”
Location
The city of Christchurch sits on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island. The central portion features two urban parks along with a river that runs through it, named the Avon River.
If you are planning to visit Christchurch to experience and see the city for yourself, coordinate with a bus hire specialists. Christchurch Bus and Coach Hire (https://christchurchbusandcoachhire.co.nz/) can tailor your transport requirements.
