Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
OFFLINE MAP
GOOGLE MAP
(
www.ccc.govt.nz
;
Rolleston Ave; 7am-8.30pm Oct-Mar, to 6.30pm Apr-Sep)
Strolling
through these blissful 30 riverside hectares of arboreal and floral splendour is a consum-
mate Christchurch experience. Gorgeous at any time of the year, it's particularly impress-
ive in spring when the rhododendrons, azaleas and daffodil woodland are in riotous
bloom. There are thematic gardens to explore, lawns to sprawl on, and a playground ad-
(
GOOGLE MAP
9am-4pm Mon-Fri, 10.15am-4pm Sat & Sun)
.
Guided walks ($10) depart at 1.30pm (mid-September to April) from the Canterbury
Museum, or you can tour around the gardens in the
Caterpillar train
(
0800 88 22 23;
www.gardentours.co.nz
;
adult/child $18/9;
11am-3pm)
.
Hagley Park
PARK
(Riccarton Ave)
Wrapping itself around the Botanic Gardens, Hagley Park is Christchurch's
biggest green space, stretching for 165 hectares. Riccarton Ave splits it in two and the
Avon River snakes through the north half. It's a great place to stroll, whether on a foggy
autumn morning or on a warm spring day, when the cherry trees lining Harper Ave are in
flower. Joggers make the most of the tree-lined avenues, year-round.
Canterbury Museum
MUSEUM
OFFLINE MAP
GOOGLE MAP
( 03-366 5000;
www.canterburymuseum.com
;
Rolleston Ave; 9am-5pm)
Yes,
there's a mummy and dinosaur bones, but the highlights of this museum are more local
and more recent. The Maori galleries contain some beautiful
pounamu
(greenstone)
pieces, while Christchurch Street is an atmospheric walk through the colonial past. The
reproduction of Fred & Myrtle's gloriously kitsch Paua Shell House embraces Kiwiana at
its best, and kids will enjoy the interactive displays in the Discovery Centre (admission
$2). Hour-long guided tours commence at 3.30pm on Tuesday and Thursday.
Arts Centre
HISTORIC BUILDINGS
(
www.artscentre.org.nz
;
2 Worcester Blvd)
Dating from 1877, this enclave of Gothic Revival
buildings was originally Canterbury College, the forerunner of Canterbury University.
The college's most famous alumnus was the father of nuclear physics Lord Ernest
