Christchurch is not boring

Media reports this week informed us backpackers are bypassing ``boring Christchurch.''
Nothing could be more misleading. Christchurch is a city literally being rebuild following seismic events almost six years ago. The people are resilient and friendly. We know how to make great coffee and are quite good at pouring a cold beer or cracking the top from a superb wine from the Waipara valley.  Many attractions including our popular Botanic Gardens were not greatly affected by the earthquakes. The Arts Centre of Christchurch is re-opening in stages. The rebuilding and strengthening of its neo-Gothic buildings has been one of the world's largest heritage restorations.
Ideally start with a Welcome aboard Christchurch Pass available from the Welcome aboard booking office in Cathedral Junction. The pass will get you on the best local attractions including the guided heritage tram tour and Port Hills Gondola cableway, the latter with its sweeping views of Canterbury Plains and mountains.

 

Christchurch is the ideal hub for exploring Banks Peninsula, Hanmer Springs and other Canterbury attractions. It is also the principal entry point to the South Island. Spend a couple of nights in a local backpackers then head off on your South Island adventure.