Set on the picturesque Avon River, Christchurch is the most English of all New Zealand’s cities, and also one of the most beautiful.
Located in the heart of Christchurch's city centre on New Zealand's South Island, the Christchurch Art Gallery is home to one of New Zealand's most important art collections. It houses everything from early European painting to contemporary New Zealand video work. In this podcast Hostelworld.com's Colm Hanratty speaks to Blair Jackson from the gallery to get an insight into the gallery's collection.
Download Podcast » All Christchurch podcasts »A good way to see Christchurch is on one of its famous trams
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Download Christchurch Pocket Guide View all guides »In Nice Weather there is a nice little re:start shopping mall, and the Botanical Gardens but sadly the Earthquake damage seems to have taken alot of the character and energy from the City.
Insider Tip:Free WiFi at the Re:Start Mall with a coffee is a good way to spend most of the day. Avoid the YMCA if possible!
really enjoyed my one night in Jailhouse, loads of character and good staff - if your going to Christchurch i would highly suggest you stay here!
The Red Zone Bus tour is a must to understand the troubles the city has been under. The containers mall is also interesting to see with a vibrant atmosphere. Botanical gardens were really nice but there is not really much more to do.
Insider Tip:Don't spend more than a day in Christchurch. Do the tour and then walk around the city but apart from that there's not much else to do.
Poor Christchurch. At best, in 2012 and 2013 it represents a place to lay low for a day or two - MAXIMUM - while you plan your next route around the South Island or exit out of NZ. It has few attractions outside of the red zone WHICH YOU OUGHT TO SEE IN ANY EVENT. Typically the weather is good so moving around on foot is ok, but ideally you need a car to get around properly. All that said, the locals were especially friendly, even by Kiwi high standards, so I wish the place nothing but good luck
Insider Tip:Les Mills gym Christchurch is probably the best gym I've ever been to. It had everything. Also Espresso House do very nice coffees.
I was shocked to see how much damage is still left from the earthquake. It was quite the sight to see, but it's a good city overall.
Insider Tip:Watch out for all the construction
New Zealand is one of the most popular countries in the world among backpackers. It is famed for its awe inspiring scenery thanks to an array of mountains, glaciers and lakes. If you like adrenaline sports this is one of the best countries in the world to do them. And as it is divided between a north and south island, not many countries in the world are as diverse as this one.
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