New Zealand's Unique Flora
The isolation of the New Zealand islands has allowed unique ecosystems to develop.
Experience:
- Our unique alpine plant species and learn how they survive the harsh conditions of their environment.
- Our lush fern glades that dominate the wetter regions of our country.
- New Zealand divaricating plants, and learn why they have developed a tangled growth habit.
Christchurch New Zealand - The Garden City
Christchurch is New Zealand's second largest city, situated on the Canterbury Plains of the South Island.
It was founded by English settlers in the mid-1800s and - as such - the city is renowned for its English architecture and beautiful gardens. Christchurch is a vibrant city with restaurants, cafés, bars, golf courses and a host of other attractions and things to do. Within 1.5 hours drive of Christchurch is the old French settlement of Akaroa, the mountains of Arthurs Pass, vineyards of Waipara and the thermal springs of Hamner Springs.
Stay a few days with us and take the time to experience the diversity in Christchurch and the Canterbury region:
- Christchurch Cathedral (Earthquake damaged)
- Christchurch Tram (partial re-open in October)
- Christchurch Casino
- Christchurch Museum
- Christchurch Arts Centre (EQ repairs underway)
- Riccarton Rotary Sunday Market
- Botanic Garden and Hagley Park
- Avon River - enjoy a punt ride or paddle a canoe
- Hot air ballooning and paragliding
- Jetboat rides
- International Antarctic Centre
- Air Force World
- Ferrymead Historic Centre
- Yaldhurst Museum of Transport & Science
- Orana and Willowbank wildlife parks
- Port Hills Gondola, Time Tunnel and Cafe
- Lyttelton Harbour and Banks Peninsula
- New Brighton and Sumner beaches
- Canterbury and Waipara vineyards
- Hanmer Springs - thermal pools, jet boat rides
- Akaroa French village and harbour
- Tranz Alpine scenic rail journey
- Adventure Tours
- Nature Cruises
Christchurch Activities
There is so much to see and do in Christchurch and the Canterbury region. The Links below may help you plan your stay with us in Christchurch.
- Christchurch, The Garden City
Maps to explore Christchurch and guides to help you discover the region's most popular attractions and activities as well as the huge changes the recent earthquakes have wrought.
- BeThere - Christchurch and Canterbury Events online
A calendar of festivals & events in Christchurch and Canterbury, and other useful links.
- Akaroa and the Bays
Events calendar and information on activities available in Akaroa and the Bays.
- Alpine Pacific Triangle
Activities, attractions and accommodation in Hanmer Springs, Waipara Valley & Kaikoura
- Travel Times and Distance Calculator
Distances and times from Christchurch to South Island destinations
- Christchurch Art Gallery
Exhibitions and happenings at the Art Gallery. (Currently closed for eartquake repairs. See the outdoor exhitits all over the central city)
- The Arts Centre
Your guide to the cultural centre of Christchurch. "The Arts Centre is a vibrant and exciting venue for a huge range of New Zealand made art and crafts, shopping, education and entertainment". (The Arts Centre is currently undergoing earthquake repairs. The Registry building is the first to be completed and now available for new tenants.)
- Antarctic Centre
Information, attractions, what's on. Experience Antarctica in the Indoor Attraction, the Penguin Experience and the Hagglund Ride.
- Christchurch Casino
Gaming Floors, 24-Hour Dining, Functions, Events.....why not have a little flutter while in Christchurch. A win could end up paying for your stay at Sherborne Motor Lodge......and much, much more!!
- Jet Thrills
Jetboat the Waimakariri River for the thrill of your life. Free shuttle from the city, or just 15 minutes drive from Sherborne Motor Lodge.
- Shuttle to Christchurch Attractions
Best Attractions Bus - "The easy, enjoyable, convenient way to see the very best Christchurch has to offer."
