Christchurch Activities
The Adventurous Garden City?
Christchurch is a diverse location, making use of flood plains and wetlands, sand dunes, river banks and the area of Port Hills which is actually part of a volcanic crater rim. All of these things turn Christchurch into a creatively recreational place where travellers can not only sight see, but get involved with the environment.
You can sail your boat on the Christchurch waterways or go punting along the Avon River, mountain bike on path ways around the shoreline, orienteer through the landscape, or climb those volcanic outcrops at Port Hills either on beginner levels or experienced. There's tonnes more other stuff to do like swimming, tennis and basketball courts, equestrian and golf, plus loads of nature walks to trek. But since it's the Garden City, I guess you can't leave without spending some time lazing about in one of their adorable parks. Make your way straight to the Botanic Gardens, officially created when a single English Oak was planted in 1863!
The gardens loop around the Avon River, and trees in some sections are now estimated to be around 120 years old. Since then, the traditionally classic has been juxtaposed with the indigenous and exotic, so you can now enjoy a wide variety of colour and native New Zealand foliage. If you want another reason to go to these gardens, you can always check out the strange brass gnome statue near the children's playground. This small gnome was created in honour of the International Year of the Gnome. It's all quite odd really, who knew there was even an International Year of the Gnome? The best and most popular walks are at Port Hills, probably because this area not only has deep connections to the past but also has some amazing views of different aspects of Christchurch landscape. The most trekked is the Bridle Path (left) which sports the best views, carved out of rock by workers in 1851 and for awhile was used to transport in goods on horseback, hence the name. Beware though, while rewarding, the Bridle track is a steep challenge.
Other than that, Christchurch is home to 665 parks and reserves, so you won't be at a loss to find somewhere to rest, lie in the sun or play a game of family cricket or rugby. Lyttelton is great place to start, there are loads of parks in this area, as well as historic walks and a marina nearby the popular London Street. Lyttelton is also the jumping of point for the Port Hills nature treks with a Farmers Market on Saturdays at the local school, so it's worth a good look if you're already there.
By Leah Bradicich.
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