A medley of stunning scenery and diversity,
Christchurch, New Zealand is an unmissable experience. No visit is complete
without exploring Banks Peninsula, or the Botanic Gardens.
Christchurch Scenic Highlights Overview
Explore the beauty and diversity of Christchurch,
New Zealand. From the stunning Kaikoura Ranges behind Christchurch, to the
rugged coastline, beautiful beaches and surrounding bays.
Don't miss the gorgeous gardens in Christchurch
which the city is so famous for.
Stroll down the New Brighton Pier and admire the
amazing views out to sea, or back over Christchurch. Drop a line at the end of
the pier and catch your dinner.
Hagley
Park
Hagley Park was created in 1855 by the Provincial
Government. According to the government's decree at that time, Hagley Park is
"reserved forever as a public park, and shall be open for the recreation
and enjoyment of the public".
Hagley Park is 1.61 kilometres square. 30 hectares
of this is the beautiful Botanic Gardens.
Botanic
Gardens
The grounds of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens
encompass an area of 30 hectares (75 acres) alongside the Avon River. Contained
within this area is undoubtedly the finest collection of exotic and indigenous
plants to be found anywhere in New Zealand.
The Rose Garden is central in the Botanic Gardens
layout, containing more than 250 different roses. Old and new varieties are
grown and displayed in such a way that visitors can see examples of those most
suitable for their own requirements.
The nearby Herb Garden, constructed in 1986, has an
extensive range of plants used for culinary and medicinal purposes. Be sure
also to visit the Heather Garden, Rock Garden, Rhododendron Collection and the
Cockayne Garden, which features New Zealand native plants.
Lyttelton
Harbour
Scenic Lyttelton Harbour is located right beside the
city of Christchurch. It offers the visitor spectacular scenery, made even more
interesting with fascinating Maori and European history.
You can experience Lyttelton Harbour by driving the
short distance through the Lyttelton Road Tunnel or over the Port Hills.
Lyttelton was the port of entry for English settlers coming to the new
settlement of Canterbury.
Around the Port Hills you'll find a choice of
adventure sports, including mountain biking. There are many walks around the
hills and beach areas, as well as safe swimming and picnic areas.
Akaroa
and Banks Peninsula
A one-and-a-half-hour drive south-east of
Christchurch, Banks Peninsula is the result of violent eruptions from three
ancient volcanoes. The spectacular coastline of Akaroa Harbour and the
surroundings bays are the legacy of the earth's fury.
The Ngai Tahu Maori tribe had already discovered the
charm of the location well before Captain Cook sighted Akaroa Harbour in the
1770s. Akaroa is the site of the only attempted settlement by the French in New
Zealand.
Their influence is still evident in this vibrant
tourist town—look for French street names, quaint historic buildings and
inspired cuisine.
