People & Places
Christchurch: A city for everyone
If you’re looking to move to or visit an exciting cosmopolitan city with spectacular scenery on its doorstep, then look no further than the beautiful city of Christchurch, writes Denise Lock
This is a great city to visit, and also provides a varied and relaxed lifestyle for its residents.Whatever your interests you'll be sure to find something to suit you here.
General information
Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island and the second largest in New Zealand. To its east lies the spectacular South Pacific Ocean and to the west are the patchwork fields of the Canterbury plains leading to the majestic Southern Alps that stretch along the centre of the South Island.
The city currently has a population of around 350,000 and enjoys a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Temperatures range from a mean annual maximum of 32oC to a mean annual minimum of -4oC. Frosts are sometimes experienced during the colder months of July and August but they quickly disappear when warmed by the sun.
Due to the extensive numbers of parks, including the impressive Botanic garden and the ornate grounds of Mona Vale, Christchurch is also known as the 'Garden City'. The botanic gardens are situated in Hagley Park within easy reach of the city centre and boast one of the finest collections of exotic and indigenous plants to be found in New Zealand. The River Avon flows gently through the gardens and city centre and is shaded by numerous weeping willows.
Christchurch is the gateway to the South Island and has a modern international airport located to the north-west of the city. The airport is the second largest in the country and services over 150 international flights weekly. There is also a domestic terminal for flights within NZ.
Shopping and entertainment
Christchurch is a shopper's delight with an abundance of shops located in the city centre and also at larger shopping malls found throughout the Christchurch suburbs. The largest of these malls are found at Riccarton (Westfield Mall), Shirley (The Palms), Eastgate Mall and Northlands Mall. The shopping malls are open seven days a week with some late night shopping until 9pm.
Spacious modern multiplex cinemas are incorporated within the Westfield, The Palms and Northlands malls. For movie lovers the largest screen in New Zealand can be experienced at the movie complex in Westfield Mall. Cinema tickets normally retail at about NZ$12 with discounted prices on Tuesdays.
There are four main players in the supermarket league – Woolworths, Countdown, New World and Pak and Save. Some have permanently discounted prices, while others have weekly specials, which are advertised in the local papers. Usually the hours of opening range from between 7am–9pm but Countdown is open for 24 hours in some suburbs. There is plenty of cultural diversity to be found in the city, which, among others, is home to the Christchurch Symphony orchestra, operatic societies, ballet companies and a selection of modern/traditional theatre.
A stunning modern art gallery has been built and opened within the last few years and along with its own fine collection it hosts international touring exhibitions. Entrance to this magnificent building is free, although donations are gratefully received. Various concerts and indoor sporting events are held at the Westpac Centre. Robbie Williams, Janet Jackson, Tom Jones, Rod Stewart and the Black Eyed Peas are just a few of the many international entertainers that have performed under its roof recently.
For sport lovers international cricket and rugby is played at the Jade Stadium, which has recently undergone major alterations and can now hold up to 50,000 spectators. Tickets for most events can be purchased through a ticketek outlet (found at most malls).
Dining out
World-class restaurants and a wide selection of outdoor cafés can be found throughout the city. Due to Christchurch's ethnic diversity you are able to sample a truly magnificent array of international dishes including Thai, Korean, Japanese, Indian, Burnese, Mexican, Spanish, Italian and Creole, not to mention European and New Zealand cuisine! There is a very lively café scene and Kiwis regularly dine out as part of their lifestyle. Prices for evening dining can range from approximately NZ$12–$40 for a main course depending on the style of establishment you choose.
Eating out at lunchtime is usually cheaper. A very pleasant area for dining outside in the summer months is an area in the city centre known as The Strip, on Oxford Terrace. Here you will find a good choice of dining establishments with outdoor seating. In the evenings, especially at the weekends, this area becomes a magnet for the young and trendy partygoers of Christchurch and the bars stay open until the early hours of the morning.
There are hourly buses that run after midnight from this area which cover most parts of the city. The cost is only a few dollars and it is much cheaper than a taxi ride home. Christchurch residents have an enviable lifestyle. They live in a modern, beautiful city with numerous recreational activities on their doorstep. Surfing, swimming, skiing, biking, country walks, sailing are just a few activities to be enjoyed in and around the city. Drive only a short distance out of the city and you will find yourself surrounded by wonderful scenery or one of Christchurch's beaches. Christchurch really does have it all!
Denise Lock emigrated to New Zealand 15 years ago and now runs a bed and breakfast and a migrant assistance service for newcomers to the city.
For further information:
Pegasus Bay View
Read other articles about Christchurch:
Making it in Christchurch
Living on South Island
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