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Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, is a tropical paradise with tons of old architecture. With over 350,000 people on the island there’s always plenty to do. Christchurch is known to locals as the Garden City as it has many beautiful gardens and vegetation. The city mainly appeals to tourism and foreign-student education, both of which are very abundant on the island. To get great prices to this island be sure to hit up www.studentuniverse.com.

Christchurch Pictures

Things to do in Christchurch

This place has so much to do! For a nice walking tour of the city see great places like the Christchurch Cathedral, and the Botanic Gardens, both open daily for tours and sight-seeing. For you artsy people try the Art Gallery on Worcester boulevard. The tour is usually free and open daily. Be sure to check out the Christchurch City Bike Tour, New Zealand’s only guided City bike tour. Book tickets early! Christchurch also features it’s own casino, open 24 hours usually. There is a dress code and you get a fee meal on our birthday. Looking for some adventure? In Christchurch, you can also find guided off-road motorcycle tours around the city and surrounding areas. Christchurch is also known for it’s awesome festivals like the World Buskers Festival, Festival of Romance, Christchurch Garden Festival, and the Christchurch Arts Festival.

Nightlife in Christchurch

For a great time hit up “The Strip”, a congregation of bars and clubs on the Oxford Tce by the river. This place has it all, from great music to dancing parties and tons of people to party with. Also try the Dux de lux, an upscale drinking spot in the city that brews their own award winning beer. The nightlife in Christchurch is good and you’ll definitely enjoy your nights out.

Dining in Christchurch

Most of the restaurants you can find right in the city and have a really cool atmosphere. For low cost dining options go to Perry’s Cafe or Osaka, where you can find great food at decent prices. For more mid-range cuisine try the Dux de Lux, Bodhi tree, or Strawberry Fare, all with great menus and atmospheres. For a really great but expensive place to eat try the Sign of the Takahe. This restaurant hosted Clinton’s visit to Christchurch and also was featured in some scenes of Peter Jackson’s film “Heavenly Creatures”.

Shopping in Christchurch

Ballantynes, on the corner of Colombo and Cashel, is a major upmarket department store, with a mix of places to shop and eat. There’s also High Street, a historical shopping street with local designers selling their products. The Dress-Smart factory outlets are located on Main South Street featuring over 60 outlets to shop from.

Christchurch Travel Tips

• There is a lot of smog during the winter.
• Christchurch has a lot of drunk people walking around on the weekends.
• Be careful of street racing in the city.