Not sure where to go for your Round the World trip? We have put together comprehensive guides to our most popular destinations including information on specific areas, tips on how to get around, sightseeing options and even climate and weather details. Be inspired by fellow travellers stories in our Travel Journals section, or for more information on a particular destination, please contact our Round the World Experts on 0870 499 0120.
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Areas of Christchurch
Christchurch Centre: Christchurch is sufficiently small that wherever you stay you will not be far from the centre, but from choice most tourists prefer to stay in the centre close to the cathedral, a fine gothic style building which faces on to a large square that is always full of activity during the day.
Christchurch Downtown: Downtown also houses the Provincial Government, the Town Hall and the main shopping area.
Hagley Park: This is where the Canterbury Museum and the Botanical Gardens are located, and through the middle of which the River Avon makes a great leisurely loop before meandering across the centre of the city, where willow trees line the banks and beside which, on sunny days, the office workers eat their lunch.
Getting there and around
Christchurch International Airport is located 12km (7.5 miles) from Christchurch. The journey to/from the city centre takes around 30min.
Good transport system including: buses, old Tramline has been restored, Cars of course, biking is a real pleasure, because the area is flat and has Cyclist friendly traffic lanes. On the weekend you also can hire a Riksha right at the Artcenter Weekend Market.
Sightseeing Ideas
Whale Watching Tour: Travel by coach from Christchurch to Kaikoura to join the Whale Watch Tour. Here you will see Dusky Dolphins and the giant Sperm Whales. Once the tour is completed, rejoin the coach and enjoy lunch at a local cafe. After lunch, visit a fur seal colony followed by wine-tasting at a local vineyard, before the coach journey back to Christchurch.
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve: Experience a fun, exciting and interactive journey of discovery, into the harshness of early Antarctic explorations and the beauty of Antarctica's scenery and wildlife.
Discover Christchurch: We recommend visiting the Anglican Cathedral and the Town Hall, the Arts Centre, and Canterbury Museum. Also check out Mona Vale, an enchanting Elizabethan-style riverside homestead with 5.5 hectares of richly landscaped gardens, ponds and fountains.
Top tips
Parking in Christchurch: Be careful where you park in the central city. You need to abide by the restrictions, so read the nearby signs. P5 means you can only park 5 mins. P120 means maximum of 2 hours. If it's a pay area, and most of the central city is, be sure to pay the correct amount.
Climate
