Christchurch Tramway
When in Christchurch we decided to take a ride on the rustic trams. They do a circle of the city centre giving you some commentary and stopping at different places so you can get off to see the sights. It is a hop on hop off tram, which means you might not finish your ... Read review
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Advantages: Nice vintage tram Disadvantages: We had rude staff
Christchurch Tramway
When in Christchurch we decided to take a ride on the rustic trams. They do a circle of the city centre giving you some commentary and stopping at different places so you can get off to see the sights. It is a hop on hop off tram, which means you might not finish your journey on the same tram. Your ticket lasts you for 24 hours. The stops are detailed below.
**STOP 1 - Cathedral Square**
...walk took you to the Christchurch casino.
**STOP 9 - Victoria Square**
Avon River was here which you could have walked along. You could have seen historic buildings as you walked along.
**STOP 10 - New Regent Street**
I though this place was so cute with its Spanish Architecture. A full street is constructed in the 'Spanish Mission' style of architecture. Each painted in a different pastel ... more
Christchurch Tramway
When in Christchurch we decided to take a ride on the rustic trams. They do a circle of the city centre giving you some commentary and stopping at different places so you can get off to see the sights. It is a hop on hop off tram, which means you might not finish your journey on the same tram. Your ticket lasts you for 24 hours. The stops are detailed below.
**STOP 1 - Cathedral Square**
This is the heart of the city, here hosts markets, stalls and the information office. The day we were there, there was a art exhibition with different sculptures set up. I'm assuming this is only a yearly thing though. In the centre there is a Cathedral which you can go in and see. You can pay a small donation and climb the spire. To do this you have to climb a small spindly staircase. Up at the top there isn't a great pile of room but it's worth it to see the city from a height.
**STOP 2 - Worchester Bridge**
Most people don't get off at this stop, as it is only a bridge. You can get off and have a walk along the river to see the ducks. The main reason people would get off is to go Punting on the Avon. We done this and even though it was cold I enjoyed it. There is an extra cost to do this option.
**STOP 3 - Art Gallery**
There is an art gallery at this stop, which displays New Zealand art. A shop selling some items is also here if you want souvenirs. A café and restaurant is here if you want to relax and have a bite to eat.
**STOP 4 - Arts Centre**
This is an old university, which has been changed into shops. It is quirky and unique shops selling different things. My favourite was the toffee shop, they had some delicious toffee and chocolate yum yum! Even walking around the old university grounds is relaxing and enjoyable. I am told a craft and produce market and food fair occurs every weekend here.
**STOP 5 - Museum, Botanical Gardens**
Unfortunately we didn't have enough time to go to the museum. It has a ranging collection of exhibits of natural and human histories of Canterbury, New Zealand and Antarctica. Right beside the museum is the botanical gardens. We went for a walk around here, which was very relaxing and beautiful. It has rose and water gardens, native plants, conservatories and also some beautiful water fountains.
**STOP 6 - Hagley Park**
We didn't stop in this area but there are walks here, a golf course, Victoria Lake and Christ's college.
**STOP 7 - Cranmer Square**
It is a 5-minute walk to Victoria Street, which has speciality shops.
**STOP 8 - Casino**
The old Provincial Chambers were here and then a short walk took you to the Christchurch casino.
**STOP 9 - Victoria Square**
Avon River was here which you could have walked along. You could have seen historic buildings as you walked along.
**STOP 10 - New Regent Street**
I though this place was so cute with its Spanish Architecture. A full street is constructed in the 'Spanish Mission' style of architecture. Each painted in a different pastel colour. It is worth while to get off here just to see the buildings up close. All the buildings have boutique shops, restaurants, café and bars.
**STOP 11 - Tram Station **
Here has more shops and to be honest I was bored with shops by the time I got here. I am told there is a mechanical performing time clock to watch out for.
The trams will then loop and go back to stop one.
**OVERALL**
I wasn't overly impressed with this company. A tram seen my partner and I, as well as another couple waiting and he never stopped to let us on. There was definitely enough space for us on the tram, he was just being rude. Instead we had to wait an extra 10-15 minutes to get on the next tram. I didn't feel that the tour was very personal. You were given history and information on Christchurch but there was no-one to ask questions or give you further information if you wanted. Inside the tram was nice and vintage, Each tram varied in standard and I suppose how polite or nice the driver varied as well. It only costs $12.50 for an adult which doesn't cost much but you could have walked most of the circuit yourself. The actual time you were on the tram wasn't very long. It may be a good trip to do if you have little time and children may enjoy the novelty of being in an old tram.
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
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Christchurch Tramway, Christchurch
