Christchurch Attractions

Christchurch tramway - drive through a building or crash into it

Advantages: Fun way to do a city tour
Disadvantages: Rickety, don't run often, expensive, slow

The Christchurch tramway is a 2.5km long tourist tramway that loops around the city centre of Christchurch in New Zealand. Although vintage trams are used, this is not a historical remnant (the tram networked stopped being used in the 1950s), but were reinstated as a tourist attraction in 1995. Each tram has its own quirks and features, and each driver tells you different interesting stories about the places you are going around. We thought that ...
...found that the centre of Christchurch was so small that once I'd seen everything once, I got a bit bored with the tram and it was generally quicker just to walk places rather than use the tram as transport. So a ticket that lasted two days wasn't much use to me - I just wanted to go once around the loop and the ticket is quite expensive for that. But they do have some special tickets that combine a tram ticket with entrance to other attractions - ...

beckyXX 03.10.2009 · Read full review
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Review of Christchurch Tramway, Christchurch

Christchurch Gondola

Advantages: Brilliant views.
Disadvantages: Make sure weather is nice before you go. Expensive.

...people and after being in Christchurch for a couple of days, quite amazed that we hadn't seen any sheep, that was until we had a ride up the gondola..... The gondola is a 945 mitre ride from the bottom of the port hills (very steep hill that the first settlers walked over on their arrival - i.e. had to get from the port to the flats). 500 meters above sea level. Take a trip to the crater rim of Christchurch famous extinct volcano. At the top you ...
...the clouds... Diamond Harbour/Governers Bay, etc. It's quite expensive to go up - $22 for an adult and $10 for school age kids (family pass - 2 adults and 3 kids $55). I do know at the centre of town they have an offer for a tram ride and gondola (tram ride about $12) and they do a bit of a discount, however, the tram didn't appeal to me. Expensive as at the top of the ride is a cafe (Summit cafe) which with the fare of the gondola is another expense ...

13283 31.05.2007 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Christchurch Gondola, Christchurch

International Antartic Centre Christchurch

Advantages: Good value. Hagalund ride. Plenty of informative displays
Disadvantages: small penguin enclosure

This attraction is very good value for money and highly entertaining. The whole centre is dedicated to life in the Antarctic. The conditions, bases, widlife and history. There are now little Penquins in a small enclosure. It was good to know that they had all been rescued and now were being well looked after. The staff who work there are very helpful and obliging. There is a coffee and souvenir shop. The highlight is the Hagalund ride which is extremely ...

sportals 03.10.2008 · Read full review
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Review of International Antarctic Center, Christchurch

Centerpiece of Christchurch

Advantages: Wonderful view from spire, interesting decor, great central location near other sites, free
Disadvantages: Quite busy

Christchurch is my favourite city in New Zealand. It is modern and happening, whilst still retaining a very refined and serene atmosphere, with its willow-banked river creeping through the city centre, benches in small gardens for people to pass time on, and lovely old buildings. The centrepiece of Christchurch would have to be its gothic-style cathedral. It is located in the attractively cobbled Cathedral Square, which is packed with people enjoying ...
...it is free to enter Christchurch cathedral, and there is only a small fee to climb the tower. I remember it being about 350-steps, so it is not too challenging, and even though the stairwell is snug to pass people climbing in the opposite direction it isn't too clostrophobic. It's all worth it anyway for the magnificent 360 degree view from the top, not only of the busy square, but over the roof tops to the Botanical Gardens, and the city suburbs. ...

VC81 28.09.2005 · Read full review
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Review of Christchurch Cathedral, Christchurch

Orana Wildlife Park

Advantages: Hands on Experience
Disadvantages: Bit out of the way - however, then no fun for the animals !

Brilliant..... Orana Park, set on 80 hectares of park like grounds is nearer to Christchurch Airport than the centre of town. It is about a 25 minute car journey from the city centre. Car Parking is available outside. A bike track (moutain biking) is opposite so another alternative is that you could hire a bike from town, cycle to Orana Park (be about an hours ride) and then have an hours ride round McCleans Island. A shuttle bus is available ...
...Cathedral Square). Anyway, Orana Park is one of the best I have ever visited. Check out; http://www.oranawildlifepark.co.nz $19 for adults, $7 for school age kids but $45 for family (2 adult and 3 kids). Can pay extra for a trip in the lion feeding truck - about $13 each for adults. Open from 10am till 5pm. Get there early so you can follow the feeding time schedule. This is an attraction that is under rated and not widely advertised. On ...

13283 29.05.2007 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Orana Park, Christchurch