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River Avon, Christchurch

© www.newzealand.com / Hiroshi Nameda

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Things to see in Christchurch

Tourist information: 

Christchurch and Canterbury Visitor Centre
Old Chief Post Office Building
Cathedral Square
Tel: (03) 379 9629.
www.christchurchnz.com

The award-winning visitor centre offers a wealth of information on Christchurch and the region, and a free booking service.

Passes: 

There are currently no tourist passes in Christchurch.

Adrenalin Forest

The park is an aerial obstacle course up to 17m (55ft) high, with five pathways of progressive difficulty. Negotiate 80 challenging activities along rope bridges, flying foxes, and Tarzan swings through the tree canopy. Safe for all ages, with full harnesses and instruction.

Disabled Access: No
Unesco: No
Address: 105A Heyders Road, Christchurch, New Zealand
Telephone: (03) 329 8717.
Website: http://www.adrenalin-forest.co.nz
Air Force Museum

Located 15 minutes from the centre of Christchurch, this popular museum features restored historic aircraft and captivating displays. There is plenty to see and do for young and old alike, including the opportunity to sit behind the control panel in a real cockpit.

Disabled Access: No
Unesco: No
Address: Main South Road Wigram Air Base, Christchurch, New Zealand
Telephone: (03) 343 9532.
Website: http://www.airforcemuseum.co.nz
Botanic Gardens

The grounds of Christchurch's Botanic Gardens, which were established in 1863, encompass an area of 30 hectares (74 acres), the majority of this being within the loop of the Avon River. Contained within this area is undoubtedly the finest collection of exotic and indigenous plants to be found anywhere in New Zealand.

Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch, New Zealand
Telephone: (03) 941 8999.
Website: www.ccc.govt.nz
Canterbury Museum

Housed in an exquisite historic building, this museum features stunning displays covering themes as varied as Maori culture, Antarctic exploration, Asian decorative arts, New Zealand birds, and transport. There is also an interactive natural history Discovery Centre, and The Christchurch Street, a recreation of the city during the Victorian era.

Disabled Access: No
Unesco: No
Address: Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch, New Zealand
Telephone: (03) 366 5000.
Website: http://www.canterburymuseum.com/
Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu

This stunning modern building houses the largest art institution in the South Island. Two floors of exhibition space showcase contemporary and historic displays in a collection totalling more than 5,500 paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, and crafts.

Disabled Access: No
Unesco: No
Address: Corner of Worcester Boulevard and Montreal Street, Christchurch, New Zealand
Telephone: (03) 941 7300.
Website: http://www.christchurchartgallery.org.nz
Christchurch Cathedral and Cathedral Square

The spire of Christchurch Cathedral, the heart of the city, once dominated its skyline. The arrival of the first settlers who landed in Lyttelton Harbour in 1850 is recorded in mosaics on the cathedral's tiled floor. There is a market on the iconic square every day.

Disabled Access: No
Unesco: No
Address: Cathedral Square, Christchurch, New Zealand
Telephone: (03) 366 0046.
Website: http://www.christchurchcathedral.co.nz
Christchurch Gondola

The Christchurch Gondola lifts you 500m (1,500ft) above sea level to the summit of the complex, nestled on the crater rim of a sunken volcano, from where you can enjoy panoramic views of Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains and Lyttelton Harbour. Restaurant, café and shop are all on site.

Disabled Access: No
Unesco: No
Address: 10 Bridle Path Road, Christchurch, New Zealand
Telephone: (03) 384 0700.
Website: http://www.gondola.co.nz
International Antarctic Centre

Located right by the airport, the International Antarctic Centre (twice voted 'Best Attraction in New Zealand') features an indoor Snow & Ice Experience, an exciting Hagglund all-terrain vehicle ride and an award-winning indoor exhibit of Antarctic themes. Audio-guides for multi-lingual commentary are available.

Disabled Access: No
Unesco: No
Address: 38 Orchard Road, Christchurch, New Zealand
Telephone: (03) 353 7798.
Website: http://www.iceberg.co.nz
Willowbank

Willowbank is a great wildlife reserve featuring exotic animals such as wallabies, otters, ostriches, lemurs, gibbons, indigenous animals and a variety of domestic animals (check out the weird-looking Kune Kune pig). There is an extensive selection of native wildlife, including the rare tuatara, and a large nocturnal kiwi house.

Disabled Access: No
Unesco: No
Address: 60 Hussey Road, Christchurch, New Zealand
Telephone: (03) 359 6226.
Website: http://www.willowbank.co.nz
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