Tuesday, September 15, 2009

The Garden City


The Garden City

Internationally famed 'The Garden City', Christchurch's well-established expansive parks and public gardens owe much to the planning and foresight of the city's founding fathers.
The centrally-located 161 hectare Hagley Park, the Botanic Gardens, the four leafy inner-city avenues, Victoria Square and spectacular gardens such as Mona Vale on the banks of the River Avon bear testimony to this legacy. It is a vision which is embraced and perpetuated today by proud residents right throughout the city.
The Floral Festival held in February each year is certainly one of the most popular festivals on the annual calendar...a time when the city is a blaze of colour.
In 1996, Christchurch was acknowledged as the outstanding garden city from 620 international entries and in 1997, was judged Overall Winner of Major Cities in the Nations in Bloom International Competition to become 'Garden City of the World'!

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

SPRING IS HERE !



Christchurch
Appreciate the vibrant spring blooms on a leisurely punt ride along the meandering Avon River or take time to stroll through the award winning Botanical Gardens. Crisp, clear sunny days greet the visitor at this time of year. Winter's snow fall remains on the mountains with ski areas often open well into October.
Christchurch has an amazing backyard. A short drive north to whale watching in Kaikoura; an hours drive to charming Akaroa - the only French settlement in New Zealand or a drive to the magnificent Aoraki/Mt Cook - Australasia's tallest mountain; ninety minutes' drive to Hamner Springs - New Zealand's premier thermal pools complex; or spend an afternoon or two sipping and savouring the vineyards of North Canterbury.
The province of Canterbury offers a myriad of things to see and do during spring. Enjoy a round of golf in the heart of the city, unwind in natural mineral hot pools at Hanmer Springs, or float tranquilly above the plains in a hot air balloon. Bike or hike your way through the countryside and national parks or take in the scenery with a ride on the gondola.