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New
Zealand > Canterbury > Christchurch
Activities
Botanic
Gardens
Christchurch's reputation as the Garden
city is truly reflected in the Botanic Gardens.
Undoubtedly the finest collection of exotic and
indigenous plants found anywhere in New Zealand, the
gardens provide spectacular displays all year round.
You can't help but be impressed with the large
majestic trees and sweeping lawns providing a
wonderful backdrop to feature gardens including rock,
water, rose and herb gardens. Also featured are
herbaceous boarders, woodland areas and a
conservatory complex, you can relax with an excellent
'small kids' play area next to the Gardens
Restaurant. The gardens comprise a small portion of
Hagley Park, a large inner city recreational park
with cycling - running tracks and a golf course, all
a short stroll from the city center.
Canterbury
Museum
Next to the botanic gardens is the museum
with relics from early NZ and Maori culture, other
world cultures where you can spend an hour or three.
The Robert McDougall Art Gallery, home to both
Christchurch and National collections has moved to a new home a
block away on the corner of Worchester Boulevard and Montreal
Street.
 The Christchurch
Arts
Centre
Adjacent to the
Botanic Gardens is The Christchurch Arts
Centre, an enclave of craft manufacturers and retailers
with a large outdoor market on Saturdays and Sundays.
McLeans
Island
Located behind the airport is an area called
McLeans Island. Although very much inland, some
islands used to occur when the river was in flood.
The area has several golf courses, driving ranges,
gun clubs, paint ball ranges, walking in the pine
plantations, and fishing in the Waimakarere river.
Here you will find
Orana Park, New Zealand's
largest wildlife reserve set on 80 hectares of park
land. Orana Park is internationally recognised for
it's breeding of rare, endangered New Zealand and
African animals. You can experience the feeding of
the magnificent Rothschild giraffe, see cheetahs in
full chase, feed the lions, enjoy the antics of
monkeys, lemurs, porcupines and servals, and be
amazed at the African Plains exhibit featuring white
rhino and zebra.
You can also see the Kiwi, in the nocturnal house,
(New Zealand's National symbol), as well another
native birds and our rare reptile, the Tuatara. Has a
licensed Restaurant.
 Brighton
Beach
Christchurch's coastal suburb, the beach
itself stretches for miles, however in the middle is
the pier, where you can stoll out to watch the
surfers or catch a fish.
Nga
Hau E Wha Marae,
New Zealand's largest marae, it is the 'Marae of the
Four Winds' where people from all points of the
compass meet, and all cultures are welcome. There are
informal guided tours every day, where you'll get a
great introduction into Maori culture, protocol,
history and tradition. Or spend an evening at the
Marae and experience the informative tour and
stunning cultural performance that is held every
night. Ask about the special evenings including a
traditional Maori welcome and hangi dinner. Don't
forget to rub the greenstone inlaid in the steps of
the meeting house - legend has it that it will bring
you good luck!
QEII
Sport & Leisure
Queen Elizabeth II Park
is a unique multi purpose Sport and Leisure Complex
with a wide range of facilities that comprises the
largest indoor swimming facility in New Zealand.
Facilities include a 50 and 33 metre pool,
hydroslide, recreation centre, stadium, functions
rooms and fun park. QEII offers a great variety of
sport and leisure activities catering for the casual
recreation participant or holiday maker to the elite
sportsperson. Open 7 days, QEII does its best to
offer something for everyone. There are many other
public pool facilities around Christchurch and
swimming beaches.
Willowbank
Wildlife Reserve
Children enjoy
Willowbank, it is a wildlife park with complete
selections of native and introduced wildlife shown in
their in their natural environment. It has a
wonderful farmyard and exotic display. You can also
enjoy the rare experience of New Zealand's largest
and most unique daytime Kiwi viewing area. Willowbank
places special emphasis on spacious surroundings and
animal contact. Experience Wildlife by Night. See
many of New Zealand's rare nocturnal animals and
birds, including kiwis in their natural environment.
And, you can enjoy the bush settings as you dine at
the Colonial Kiwi Restaurant.
Science
Alive
The New Zealand Science
Centre, is our own hands-on 'Discovery Zone' an
interactive science adventure for the whole family.
Here you can take on the thrill of New Zealand's
biggest vertical slide, exchange secrets in 6 foot
whisper dishes, meet live tarantulas, and push
natural forces to the limit on the Pirouette. Explore
current issues from a New Zealand perspective.
Walks
There are many longer walks to be found on the hills on the eastern
fringe of the city. Some of the more popularr are Brighton Beach,
Travis wetlands, and the port hills. |
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