Christchurch, Canterbury, the major city of New Zealand‘s – South Island – lies at 43.5ºS, the equivalent to the northern coast of Africa, the Mediterranean.
Very English – is how Marg described it to Hector, – the willows. I recall a pilot getting into trouble for announcing on landing:
… turn your clocks back thirty years.
Marg was here back in 1990, twenty years before the earthquakes of 2010, and more significantly, 2011, destroyed major tracts of the inner city and beyond.
Key, historic buildings have been restored.
In 2024, hectares of land that were cleared in the aftermath await redevelopment. The city centre has been transformed, shopping malls and eateries are aplenty.
The waterfront, on the east bank of the meander in the River Avon on which the city centre stands, is a vibrant playground of bars and restaurants. At midnight on a Saturday, the young happily queue to gain access to night clubs. One wonders if all of New Zealand gathers here. Otherwise, as is the case across this nation, consider 22.00 to be late opening. 20.00 is when many places are closed. Beware of Sunday nights.
Arriving in Christchurch
Christchurch has an international airport, there is therefore no need to use Auckland (North Island). Christchurch International lies north-west of the city. A thirty (Bus 29) to forty (Buses 3&4) minute bus ride, here one requires cash. In 2024, a NZ$4.00 ride, change was given.
Getting around Christchurch
Not only was this the only cash spent in New Zealand across the three week visit, there was no further expenditure on transport in Christchurch. The city centre is compact, no Uber required.
There is an historic tram service. One could pay for the day ticket, but why not just follow the route on foot? Here one sees all the same places at one’s own pace. And one gets to see all the trams!
Places of Interest:
Quake City
Christchurch Park
Cathedral Junction
Brewery, taproom, restaurants, cafes visited:
Two Thumb Brewing Co. – 352 Manchester Street, Christchurch 8013
The Craft Embassy – The Terrace Level One/126 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011
The Canterbury brewers Collective – Riverside Market, 96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011
Dux Central – 144 Lichfield Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011
Bacon Bros, Shaka Bros – Riverside Market, 96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011
Sampan House – 168 Gloucester Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011
Chong’s – 101/119 Cashel Street, Christchurch City Centre, Christchurch 8011
Mumbaiwala – BNZ Centre, 120 Hereford Street, Christchurch 8011
Dosa Kitchen – 96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011
Little High Eatery – El Fogon Grill – 255 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011,
Rollickin Gelato – 35 New Regent Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011
C-One Espresso – 185 High Street, Christchurch 8142
Cafe Stir – 27 New Regent Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011
Tramway Cafe – Cathedral Junction Body Corporate 115 Worcester Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011,
Little High Eatery – Paleta Bar – 255 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011,