Christchurch Things to Do Tips by joanj

Cook Statue

Tthe Cook Statue is situated in the square just behind the Park Royal Hotel, Christchurch.

Scott Memorial

In this lovely little park stands the Memorial to Scott of the Antarctic.

Note the wreath at the base of the memorial, this was laid the day before by HRH The Princess Royal (Princess Anne).

Photo by joanj

Gardens

If you walk through the Mona Vale gardens in Christchurch you will find tranquility and beautiful flowers.

As you walk through the entrance gate, you are beside the river, with some very nice houses opposite, and further along there are rose gardens, dahlias , rhododendrons, and many more (when in season of course).

There is also a Bath House which has been converted for use as a greenhouse, and the old homestead is open for lunch daily.

You can rent a punt at the old homestead, and enjoy the gardens from the river,

The gardens were originally part of the Dean's estate (Scottish brothers William and John who farmed the area in 1843).

opening times

daily Oct - March - 8 a.m. - 7.30 p.m.

April -Sept. 8.30 a.m. - 5.30 p.m.

No admission charge

Address: 63 Fendalton Road.

Phone: 03/348 9659

Fantastic view

If you do drive to the Sign of the Takehe (see above tip) then this is the view you see when you walk to the lookout point.

click on the photo for a more detailed look.
It is a bit hazy in the distance, but it does give you a prospective of how high up you are.

photo joanj

Address: Between Christchurch and Port Hills.

Directions: park by the Sign of the Takehe and walk to the lookout, it is signposted.

looks like a castle! Sign of the Takahe Review

On our coach tour around Christchurch, the driver stopped here at the Sign of the Takehe, we just looked inside, saw the suit of armour, all kinds of memorabelia, and noticed that it was all set for lunches/dinners, but some of the party just stayed for a drink. We went for a walk to the lookout point where it afforded a fantastic view over Christchurch. see next tip.

The Sign of the Takehe was a stopping point for travellers between Port Hills and Christchurch in the olden days.

photo joanj

The Cathedral

View this wonderful building while in the city centre.

The Cathedral was designed by George Gilbert Scott, and construction began in the 1860's and was eventually completed in 1904. It is a Gothic revival Anglican Church.

There are 134 steps in the 63metre tall spire.

Opening times

Nov - March - Mon - Fri. 8.30 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sat. and Sun. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

April - Oct - Mon - Fri 8.30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

photo joanj

Address: In Cathedral square.

Tranz Alpine & High Country Explorer

While in Christchurch we took a trip on the above mentioned tour.
This was logged in my daily journal as "BRILLIANT".

It includeds; coach pick up and drop off, 1 hr. coach tour across the Canterbury Plains, morning tea at a riverside lodge. then a 1.5 km. jet boat river cruise (this was awesome, see my other page for photo). Then a 65 km four wheel drive safari into the heart of the Southern Alps (see another photo of the "Beast". Then a 3 course lunch, and a 2 1/4 hour TranzAlpine train journey from the Southern Alps to Christchurch. (see my Arthurs pass page for photo etc. of this)
This was a wonderful tour, and thoroughly recommended.

Photo by Joan Johnson

Dont forget the camera

Address: bookings' 6 Fraser Place, Rangiora. N.Z.

Other Contact: Fax (64) 3 3313 6494

Phone: (64) 3 377 1391

Website: http://www.high-country.co.nz