| If you're planning to visit the South Island of New | | | | along the way. |
| Zealand, a stay in its largest city is a must. A | | | | If you want to go exploring there is plenty to see, as |
| Christchurch hotel is a great place to park yourself as | | | | long as you are happy to leave the confines of your |
| you take some time to explore the region. This city isn't | | | | Christchurch hotel. This includes taking a day's trip out |
| called the Garden City for nothing - it's a place that | | | | to Akaroa, where you can catch a cruise and enjoy |
| begs you to slow down a little and unwind before you | | | | sighting the Hector Dolphins and the Blue Penguins as |
| travel on. Even if you're travelling there for business | | | | well as soaking in the natural beauty of the area. |
| you're sure to find a few little diversions to make your | | | | Coming back you can stop and look out over the bay. |
| trip more pleasant. | | | | The gondola, situated just out of the city is a perfect |
| If you need to go for a walk, besides using it as a | | | | place to stop and take a break, looking out across the |
| perfect excuse to check out many of the fashionable | | | | city and over the plains to the alps, then turning around |
| boutiques and cafes on High St and beyond, you can | | | | and getting a clear view of Lyttleton Harbour and |
| also wander around enjoying some of the architecture, | | | | beyond. The sheer flat landscape of the city means |
| particularly in the Arts Centre and some of the places | | | | you get an unhindered view of this lovely city. |
| close by. Of course if you are at the Arts Centre you | | | | If you've got enough energy at night, pop out to one of |
| may as well cross the road and enjoy the botanical | | | | the many ethnic restaurants (the city's eateries do |
| gardens where you'll be able to stroll around the | | | | great Thai and Japanese in particular) or to the Strip |
| beautifully cared for gardens. | | | | where several well regarded cafes are open. Catching |
| Of course if you want to see the city, but don't want | | | | some theatre at the Court Theatre may be the |
| to walk, catch a tram instead. A pass will give you two | | | | perfect end to the night, allowing you to go get some |
| days unlimited travel and it takes a scenic route | | | | sleep at your Christchurch hotel before starting all over |
| through the city, allowing you to stop at several points | | | | again the next day. |