The largest city on the southern island of New Zealand, Christchurch city is a picturesque city that combines the beauty of nature with traditional architecture and centuries-old tradition. The city of Christchurch has a large European influence, which is visible through its art, culture and buildings.
The city has been supposedly named after Christ Church College, at Oxford. Known as the gateway to Antarctica, Christchurch has been the launching pad for a number of expeditions to the Southern Continent including those led by Robert Scott and Ernest Shackleton.
Weather
The average summer and winter (high & low, respectively) range around 220C and 120C. The city has a temperate climate that is predominantly dry, with very little rain. The temperature is kept pleasant thanks to a wonderful sea breeze coming in from the Northeast. In the hilly parts of Christchurch, there is snowfall one or two days a year, but the flatter areas remain quite pleasant.
The City
Christchurch is all about nature and combining it with man’s creations. The city has a number of natural parks and wildlife reserves such as the Ferrymead Heritage Park, the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve or the Orana National Park. There is also the International Antarctic Centre for those interested in that elusive continent, while lovers of the performing arts can head on down to the Christchurch Arts Centre.
Summit road is a spectacular pathway for those looking for nice views and some incredible architecture along the way. Cycling up to Mount Pleasant Trig gives 3600 views of Christchurch city and the surrounding area. There are other wonderful biking trails as well as plenty of options for adventure sports lovers such as paragliding, hiking, mountaineering, trekking, and much more.
Popular Hotels in Christchurch City
Peppers Clearwater Resort
One of the best features of the Peppers Clearwater Resort is its location – right in the heart of Christchurch’s business & entertainment district. The hotel is a short trip from the airport and a shorter trip to all the major commercial establishments.
Those looking for shopping, dining and entertainment will be spoilt for choice with a horde of stores, restaurants and theatres lining the sides of the street.
The Pepper Clearwater Resort has rooms, suites and villas, to suit the taste of every traveller. Rooms come with fireplaces, kitchenettes and almost all forms of modern technology that can be included. There are a number of fantastic restaurants on this 450-acre resort, some of them offering fabulous views of the lake.
There is a large private golf course as well as business & meeting rooms for those who’d like to conduct their business indoors.
Pavilions Hotel
The Pavilions Hotel is one of the cosiest hotels in the world. Located in the heart of Christchurch’s entertainment district, Pavilions Hotel is minutes from Bealey Road, Victoria Street and the Christchurch Casino.
With the Botanical Gardens and Hagley Park right next door, there is just too much to do. Seven-miles from the international airport, the Pavilions Hotel is also minutes from the business centre of Christchurch city.
There are 86-rooms in this family-run hotel, each with all the latest & most incredible amenities that make you feel at home. There is an outdoor swimming pool and spa at the Pavilions Hotel, as well as a wonderful restaurant in the premises that is also quite a good café. The hotel has a lot more to offer, with a bar and business centre as well.
Best Western Camelot Motor Lodge
One of the best hotels in Christchurch, the Best Western Camelot Motor Lodge is an award-winning property that offers a friendly staff, spacious living spaces and a host of wonderful amenities in and around the hotel.
There is the Hagley Golf Course, just five minutes from the hotel’s gate, while the Christchurch Casino and Hagley Park are just as close. The hotel is well connected, by public transport, to other parts of the city such as the Christchurch Convention Centre, the Town Hall and the Christchurch Museum and Art Gallery.