Christchurch
This city combines the contrasts of New Zealand
Categories: Christchurch South Island New Zealand
Christchurch on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand has an impressive skyline. It rises in front of snow-covered mountain peaks and at the same time lies by the sea. Christchurch is without doubt the most English of all New Zealand cities. It inspires by the elegance of many historical buildings and is at the same time a metropolis of modern art.
Everything that has a name in art or wants to get one meets here. The lively city is still struggling with the consequences of two major earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, so you will still find numerous construction sites here. 
© Marc Jedamus / Fotolia
But it is just as admirable how many destroyed buildings were rebuilt in a short time.
Meanwhile, there are also several art and cultural institutions in the city centre again. On a three-hour bus tour with the classic double-decker bus you will be introduced to all the sights in the city centre. The trip in the open upper deck is especially nice. At the end of the tour you will arrive at the Port Hills, where you will have a unique panoramic view of the sea. Up here you will also find the fascinating Mona Vale Gardens.
The beautiful botanical garden of Christchurch was almost not destroyed. Hagley Park is also a green oasis in the middle of a vibrant city and ideal for picnics and relaxation. This colourful mixture of pendulum gardens, art objects and sometimes bizarre urban development has fascinated visitors for many decades.
Christchurch's museums offer insights into the city's cultural heritage. The numerous art galleries also tell exciting stories about Christchurch's past and future. Contemporary artists Hotere and McCahon, who are highly regarded in New Zealand, are also represented here.
In the public galleries and museums you can explore historical collections and discover that the country has undergone a remarkable transformation in a very short time. The Canterbury Museum is straightforward and lovingly designed. The free museum gives you a very good overview of the recent history of the city and the region.
A special highlight is the shell house with explanatory video. The Air Force Museum of New Zealand is not only interesting for technology fans.
You can reach it in 15 minutes by car from the centre and can stay here for two hours without getting bored. Also this museum, which is a must for lovers of old airplanes, does not cost any entrance fee.
If you want to get around Christchurch authentically, you should use the historic tram. The beautifully restored carriages meander through the city centre in a harmonious loop over 17 stations.
On this tour you will not miss any of the city highlights such as New Regent Street and the Cathedral. You will need one hour for the entire route. You can ride it all day long and make a stopover every now and then.
© Foto-Jagla.de / Fotolia
The breathtaking nature starts right at the gates of the city. You are finally on the spectacular coast of South New Zealand, which impresses with steep cliffs and miles of beaches. The county of Canterbury has very contrasting landscapes from sea to high mountains.
The fertile soil of the South Island lends itself to agriculture, which is why sheep breeding and wine growing is practised everywhere. One of the scenic highlights is the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. The extraordinary beauty of the sea, the entire coastline, the meadows, forests, rolling hills and streams will not leave you untouched.
