Unlike parts of New Zealand further north, Christchurchhas all seasons of the year. The deciduous English trees stretch their bare branches to the sky in the clear frosty days of winter. Usually a snowfall will cover the city in white once or more during the winter.

Later the trees will become green-tipped and then turn into blossom during spring. The city is beautiful with colourful flowers a great time to visit the Garden City of New Zealand.

During the long summer months the hot norwesterly flows down from the Southern Alps and the green trees gradually fade. The warm summer invites people to spend time at the rivers, beaches or the pools. Most of the main rivers in the countryside around Christchurch are braided rivers with clear water.

The trees paint the city in brilliant reds and oranges for the autumn season and the leaves start to fall as we head back to winter.

Each season sees residents and visitors making the most of the climate. Lakes, mountains, beaches and rivers are all within a few hours drive from the city. Christchurch itself is perfect for cycling around, being set on the Canterbury plains it is basically flat you can hire a bicycle and go where the mood takes you.

Christchurch has all seasons and this may help you decide when you would like to stay.

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You can experience excitement, relaxation, sunshine and snow, world class sporting and cultural events, wining, dining and accommodation, unique attractions and activities – and all within two hours of Christchurch International Airport.

It is easy to get around Christchurch using the comprehensive transport system or you can hire a rental car and plan your own itinerary. For years I have spoken with tourists and a large number of them said they wished that they had allowed more time for the South Island of New Zealand.

Many tour planners allocate equal time between the North and South Island of New Zealand. I strongly advise you to spend considerably more time in the south. The South Island offers a contrast in scenery and all within a small area.

From Christchurch you can leave the dryness and flatness of the Canterbury Plains, through the rugged Southern Alps, and on to the west coast of the South Island with its wetter, more tropical scenery. The return trip can be done in one day, although I would not recommend it. It is a full day and you don’t get much of a chance to enjoy the scenery. Back to Christchurch and some of the things to do…

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

The Christchurch Botanic Gardens are located on one side of Hagley Park in the central city. They are a wonderful place to relax and unwind. They cover a 30 hectare (75 acres) expanse of introduced trees and shrubs, flowers, herbs and native bush.

The Gardens are a most spectacular result of the desire of the earliest settlers to plant the barren plains of Canterbury – a desire, as public and private gardens continue to flourish in the rich alluvial soil, which has earned Christchurch the label ‘Garden City’.

Christchurch Gardens

In spring and early summer, the Botanic Gardens are ablaze with blooms in the Rose Garden and with flowering alpine plants in the Rock Garden. There are four glasshouses providing a humid home for native plants, cacti, and carnivorous and tropical plants. There is an excellent children’s playground complete with a large paddling pool, or children’s swimming pool, available in the summer months.

Christchurch Tram

There is a special deal available – the Christchurch Tram and Gondola Combo. A discounted rate is offered to visit both attractions. There is an entertaining and informative Inner City Tram Tour. You can then explore the attractions that appeal to you on the main, tram route.

The tram route bypasses the Art gallery, Arts Centre, Museum, Botanic Gardens. On a warm summer day it is wonderful to go on the tram in the evening with the breeze blowing through the open sided trams or through the windows. Very relaxing and fun!

Christchurch Gondola

The Christchurch Gondola provides a gondola ride from the Christchurch suburb of Ferrymead up to the summit of the Port Hills. At the top there is the Summit Cafe for snacks and light lunches or the Pinnacle Restaurant for evening dining. There is also a souvenir store and the Time Tunnel ride showing some history of the region.

The summit is 500 metres above sea level and has a spectacular 360 degree view of Christchurch City, Lyttelton Harbour and across the Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps. There are nature walkways from building at the summit.

Punting on the Avon

There are two places where you can go punting on the Avon River. Punting in the Park operates from the historic Antigua Boatsheds with trips going up the Avon into the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. You can take a wine along and soft drink for the kids. They provide the glasses as you are punted along in pure self indulgence. Make sure you take a camera and get the front seat – I recommend this one!

Christchurch Arts Centre

The Christchurch Arts Centre is a venue for retail and entertainment. It is set on a site that was once the University of Canterbury. There are distinctive gothic revival buildings forming the basis of the site. The Arts Centre can be found opposite the Botanical Gardens, on the tram route about five minutes walk from Cathedral Square. The site hosts a bustling weekend art, craft and produce market. This is a good place to go for that little gift.

Sumner Christchurch

Another favourite spot of mine is Sumner Beach and Village. The beach is a popular surf beach set around the interesting Cave Rock. On the other side of the rock from Sumner beach is Scarborough beach. For the chocolate fanatics among you, there is a lovely little shop tucked away at the bottom of the hills one street up from the beach.

Sumner Beach

It is well worth a visit! There is a walkway from Cave Rock along Scarborough beach to the bottom of the hills. This is a lovely walk and very popular with all age groups. Sumner village itself has a variety of interesting shops and plenty of cafes and bars.

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The Christchurch Convention Centre is the main place used for conferences. The building is situated between Kilmore Street and Peterborough Street in the Christchurch Central Business District (CBD), just across from the Christchurch Town Hall.

Various hotels around the city also offer conference facilities and you will find most business conferences are held within the CBD.

The two universities, Canterbury and Lincoln, are also used for conferences on occasions. Canterbury University is in the suburb of Ilam, to the north west of the city, and Lincoln is about a 25min drive to the south west of Christchurch.

Trade shows tend to be hosted at either the Convention Centre or the Westpac Arena which is located in the suburb of Addington.

The CBD of Christchurch, New Zealand is bounded by four avenues. They are: Moorhouse to the south; Fitzgerald to the east; Bealey to the north; and Rolleston to the west.

When coming to Christchurch for a conference, attendees are often booked into accommodation at a hotel close to the venue, or on the premises. There are more options available and you may find it an interesting Christchurch experience to use alternative accommodation.

If you are on a budget, there are some great options if you know where to look. The city is a lovely place to walk around with the Avon River meandering its way through Christchurch.

Accommodation in the CBD generally improves as you get closer to the Avon River on the western side and to the north west of the city. This is a very general statement.

Another factor that may influence the decision on where to stay is your travel within the city. The CBD is easy to get around, even without your own vehicle.

A business salesperson coming to Christchurch needing to visit premises around the city will probably have less desire to stay in the CBD. With a car you may be better positioned to get accommodation on the outskirts of the Christchurch CBD or on the arterial roads leading to the city.

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Eliza's Manor on Bealey

Elizas Manor on Bealey is one of Christchurchs luxury bed and breakfast accommodation establishments. The boutique hotel offers accommodation with authentic old-world charm.

The manor was built in 1861 and is a Historic Places Trust building. Elizas gives you a taste of what life was like for the European pilgrims when they first arrived in Christchurch.

The current owners have beautifully upgraded the dcor and have managed to combine the historic ambience of the building with modern facilities. Each bedroom has its own ensuite bathroom.

One of the features of Elizas manor is the intricately carved staircase, a feature seen when you walk in the main door. The Manor is set among large protected English trees.

Elizas Manor on Bealey has a 4 star plus rating from Qualmark who provide New Zealand Tourisms official mark of quality. With recent improvements, it would not surprise me to see the rating for Elizas reach 5 star soon.

Wireless broadband Internet access is available at Elizas Manor on Bealey.

Ann and Harold, the owners and hosts of Elizas, know how to look after their guests and provide top quality service. The guest comments reflect this, and on the occasions that I have met them, I have been extremely impressed with their hospitality.

This establishment is suited to couples or business travellers, and is not suitable for children or smokers.

I wholeheartedly recommend Elizas Manor as a place to stay for luxury accommodation in Christchurch with an old-world charm.

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