"Christchurch" a Christchurch Travel Page by vic&michael

Christchurch. A city built around the big cathedral in the centre of town. The Cathedral Square around the Cathedral is a popular meeting place to start looking around Christchurch. The Square is a great place to start the day in Christchurch. Breakfast and coffee at Le Cafe in the Art's Centre, then look around all the arts and crafts stores, on Saturdays, the Arts Center Market is held just outside. Then, the Botanical Gardens in Hagley park is a beautiful area to take a leisurely stroll around and have a picnic lunch. There is even a playground area for children, and the park has many signposts so you won't get lost! The old Canterbury Museum is next to the Botanical Gardens. It is free, so pop in and have a look at the history of Canterbury. The new Art Museum is also nearby, with both old and contemporary art being displayed.
Also, dinner and drinks at The Dux (just across from the Arts Center) is an enjoyable experience. There is usually a live band playing at night there, and it is a popular place for many locals to go to eat and drink.
On friday or saturday nights, sometimes during the year, there is a 'Battle of the Bands' where many bands from around the Canterbury area play their best in order to win this competition. If you feel like going out dancing/clubbing, just pop out to Oxford Terrace where there is the popular 'Strip' of clubs. However, don't go before 11pm, or you will be the only one dancing on a lonely dance floor. Also, don't go on any other night except for a friday or saturday night, unless you like to have a lot of space to yourself to dance, and a whole lot of sleezy bar-regular men staring at you.

In the background is Christchurch Museum, and next to that would be the Botanical Gardens (which you can't see in the photo). Also, on his right is the Arts Center, and a few cozy coffee shops and bars.

It is not an uncommon sight to see people playing with the giant chessboard in Cathedral Square. There are usually some spectators around too. You are welcome to watch if you are passing by.