The Garden City - Christchurch

Christchurch is the second largest city in New Zealand and is known as the garden city which rich with its natural beauty.

History mentions that Christchurch began inhabited since 1000 AD (BC). Beside European immigrants who arrived the island on December 1850, the area is actually inhabited by Ngati Mamoe tribe, Ngai Tahu and Waitaha who emigrated from the North Island on the 16th century.

Today, the city which has tranquility in appearance, but messy in terms of weather, was inhabited by various nations. Beside the European descent people, Christchurch is also inhabited by the Maori and Asia with an overall population amounted to 344.100 persons. In geographical terms, or Christchurch in the Maori language is called Otautahi facing the Pacific Ocean.It is located in the south of Pegasus Bay, between Banks Peninsula and the Canterbury Plains. Christchurch also often referred to as the gateway to the South Island.

Something that is most clearly, if you visit Christchurch, you'll find English traditional strong touch on the architectural. The Cathedral and many old buildings here were built with touches of neo-gothic architecture. In fact, the name itself is after a Christchurch College at Oxford University.

If you want to see the landscape of Christchurch, you can visit the Christchurch Cathedral. Urban landscape which is decorated with 740g garden across River Avon will sure amaze you. Gardens in Christchurch were creatively built and often received international recognition. It always become the location of several festivals and carnivals such as the Festival of Romance, The International Busker Festival, Lyttelton Lights Festival, Ellerslie International Flower Show and the Winter Carnival.

Sightseeing in Christchurch is very attractive if you use the tram or intermediaries bus. With fares charged NZ $14.00 (RM32.60) per person, your joutrney will take only 25 minutes using 2.5 kilometers along the route. You will be taken to view the Cathedral Square, Art Center, Botanical Gardens, Avon River and Cathedral Junction.

Attractions in Christchurch did not just stop in the city just because you can enjoy the nature beauty and the remnants of volcanic activity millions of years ago in the Port Hills. Mountain range located south of Christchurch, is part of Banks Peninsula with height between 350 to 500 meters above sea level.

Port Hills is formed from the excess of evolcanic eruptions erosion, about 6 to 12 million years ago. Hence, mountain landscape of hills and make it valley and become the mainrecreational center in Christchurch. In this area there are also 39 reserved forest in which 31 of them operated by the Christchurch City Council. Besides Ports Hills, a volcanic crater erosion also became part of the attractiveness of the Christchurch landscape which is Lyttelton and Akaroa Port which is now already submerged in water.

The questions about halal food is not difficult here because Christchurch is the location of the meeting various people and cultures. What is important, you must ask and check tourist brochures that can be taken once landed at the airport. If you want to go shopping for souvenirs brought for home, the main location is concentrated in the High Street, Castle Street, Bridge Street, Church Street, Wick Lane, Saxon Square Shopping Center and Bargates. In that area you can choose various clothing design by local designer besides souvenirs, chocolate and books. To get more cheaper goods and can bargain, the Friday market in Saxon Square can be visited. Besides fruits and organic vegetables, you can buy cheese made in New Zealand other than local crafts.

How to get there?

- Malaysia Airlines offer flights from Kuala Lumpur to Auckland and from Auckland, you can continue your flight to Christchurch with Air New Zealand.

- For 10-hour direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Christchurch, you can choose Singapore Airlines. * Distance between Auckland and Christchurch is as far as 762 kilometers and it takes 16 hours, 43 minutes if you drive or train.

- Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane also provide aviation services to Auckland before your continue flight to Christchurch, the journey will take about three hours.

  

Christchurch Info

- Inhabited since before 1000 AD (BC)

- Population amounted to 344.100 involving the descendants of European, Maori and Asian

- Almost all architecture in Christchurch gets the old neo-gothic touch

- Christchurch name was taken from one of the colleges at Oxford University -Referred to as the garden city, Christchurch has 740 parks throughout the province.

Abel Tasman National Park

Situated in the stunning Nelson region, Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand’s smallest national park, but one of the most popular.
Golden beaches surround the lush green forests, and the coastal tracks are world-famous for their breathtaking beauty.

Location
At the top of the South Island, Abel Tasman is nestled between Marahau (to the south) and Totaranui (at the northern end). These small settlements are the entrance and exit points to the park, and can be reached from either Motueka or Takaka. Transport from Nelson is also available.

Getting to Abel Tasman National Park
Following State Highway 60, Abel Tasman is located around 85 km north west of Nelson. The journey by car takes between 1.5 and 2.5 hours, depending on your entry point.

Walking & Hiking Tracks

There are two main walking tracks in the park.The Abel Tasman Coastal Walk is the easier of the two – and is also one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. It offers spectacular coastal scenery and ample opportunity to enjoy the golden sandy beaches and warm water.

The Inland Track is the more difficult and tracks through the hilly centre of the park.

Several short walks are also found near the road ends of the park – perfect for day-trips to the region.

Another popular alternative is to kayak Abel Tasman. Tours and rentals can be arranged – a spectacular way to enjoy this stunning coastal park.

Abel Tasman Climate

Abel Tasman enjoys a mild climate – meaning it is perfect all year round. Rain is not uncommon however, so remember plenty of wet weather gear.

Abel Tasman Wildlife

Bird and marine life are both found here.

Indigenous forest birds are found in abundance, as well as wetland species such as Pukeko.

Where To Stay

There are 8 huts located within the park – 4 along the Coastal Track and 4 on the Inland Track.

Remember to bring your own cooking equipment (including portable stove).

A hut booking system runs through 1 October and 30 April. Bookings can be made online

here.

Fiordland National Park

Location
Fiordland National Park is located in the southwest corner of the South Island.

Getting To Fiordland National Park
The town of

Te Anau is the gateway to the park, and also a great place to arrange transport and tour options.
Te Anau is 170kms from Queenstown and 160kms from Invercargill.

Walking & Hiking Tracks in Fiordland National Park
Three of New Zealand’s Great Walks are located here – the Kepler Track , Routeburn Track and Milford Track.
These outstanding walking tracks are extremely popular with hikers and trampers, so it is essential to pre-book in the busy summer season.
Other popular walks include the Hollyford and Hump Ridge Tracks – not as popular as the three Great Walks, but just as beautiful.

Fiordland Climate

Fiordland is known for its high rainfall – so wet weather gear is essential! Because of its geographical location (in the southwest corner of New Zealand), temperatures can drop in a short amount of time. It is not uncommon for the park to become cut off during the winter, when heavy snowfall and avalanches block the main routes.

Wildlife

Fiordland’s extraordinary isolation means that it is home to over 700 plants found nowhere else on earth.
Also home to an array of rare indigenous birds, Fiordland is especially associated with the takahe – a plump flightless bird. The takahe is so rare that it was thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered in 1948.
Many other forest birds make their home here – filling the extensive forests with their distinctive calls.

Accommodation in Fiordland National Park

Accommodation is available in

Te Anau - gateway to the park. Many people also choose to stay in Queenstown, visiting the area on day-trips or organised tours

Inside the park itself, huts are available on all the main tracks – in the summer months bookings are essential!

Aoraki Mt Cook National Park

New Zealand’s premiere alpine park, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is where you will discover the highest mountains, largest glaciers and most breathtaking alpine scenery. Part of the So

uthwest New Zealand World Heritage Area, the park is a significant ecological location. With over 40% of the park comprised of glaciers, this is also one of New Zealand’s most unforgiving national parks. An awe-inspiring 19 of Mt Cook National Park's peaks exceed 3000 metres, with New Zealand’s highest peak – Aoraki Mount Cook – the most stunning.

Location Aoraki Mount Cook National Park carves its way down the centre of the South Island, deep in the heart of the mighty Southern Alps. The closest entrance points to the park are Twizel and Aoraki Mount Cook Village.

Getting to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park A sealed road leads from Twizel to Aoraki Mount Cook Village, which lies below the terminals of the Hooker and Mueller Glaciers. Regular bus services run to Aoraki Mount Cook Village, and a small airport is also located there.

Walking & Hiking Tracks in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park There are 10 short or day walks around Aoraki Mount Cook Village and the main valleys. The most popular are to Kea point and the Hooker Valley. More experienced trampers can embark on the three alpine routes – which traverse the Mueller, Copland and Ball Passes.

Skiing, Mountaineering & Scenic Flights Skiing is available within the park for skiers of intermediate to advanced skill. Guided ski tours are available, taking in the Tasman Glacier.

Mountaineering for experienced climbers is also available. Aoraki Mount Cook is one of the most unforgiving mountains in the world and should only be attempted by advanced mountain climbers.

Scenic flights and flightseeing are available for those who wish to view this stunning park from the air.

Aoraki Mt Cook Climate Alpine moderated, summers are hot and winters extremely cold. Avalanches occur in the winter when heavy snowfalls occur.

Equipment Appropriate mountaineering clothing is necessary, as well as boots and specialised equipment. Warm clothing, sunscreen, rain gear, hats and gloves are also necessary. Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is an unforgiving environment – tramping routes in the park are not for the inexperienced!

Where To Stay in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park Accommodation is available in Aoraki Mount Cook Village, and in surrounding centres such as Twizel and Tekapo. 17 huts are located inside the park on mountaineering routes (for experienced climbers only).

Arthur’s Pass National Park

Situated in the centre of the South Island, along the pass between Canterbury and the West Coast, Arthur’s Pass National Park is the third oldest national park in New Zealand. At the heart of the Southern Alps, alpine recreation defines this national park.

Location Arthur's Pass Village lies at the centre of Arthur's Pass National Park and is a 2 hour drive from Christchurch (on the east) and 1.5 hours from Greymouth (to the west).

Getting To Arthur's Pass National Park The main road between Christchurch and Greymouth (State Highway 73) travels straight through the centre of the park. One of the world’s great train journeys – the TranzAlpine Express – also passes through the park, offering dramatic views of the mountains and plains. Regular bus services also run between Greymouth and Christchurch.

Hiking & Walking Tracks in Arthur's Pass 

• Short Walks:
  Devil's Punchbowl Waterfall – 1 hour return
  Bridal Veil – 1.5 hours return
  Dobson Nature Walk – 1.5 hours return
  Bealey Valley – 2-4 hours return
  Old Coach Road – 30 minutes return 
  Cockayne Nature Walk – 30 minutes return
  Millenium Walk – 10 minutes return

• Day Walks :
  Carroll Hut – 6 hours return
  Otira Valley – 1 hour each way
  Temple Basin – 1.5 hours one way
  Coral Track – 2 hours one way
  Cons Track - 6 – 8 hours return
  Bealey Spur – 4 – 6 hours return
  Mount Aicken – 6- 8 hours return
  Mount Bealey – 6-8 hours return

Longer Hikes Many overnight hikes are available in the Arthur’s Pass National Park. See the

Department of Conservation website for route guides and details. In summer, overnight hikes are suitable for hikers of average fitness and experience. In winter, more skill is required as conditions can be difficult.

Arthur's Pass Climate Weather through the pass is often unpredictable, with heavy snowfall and mud slips often blocking the trails. In the summer, bring hot weather gear (hats, sunscreen, shorts) but also come prepared for a sudden drop in temperature or rain. In the winter, snow and rain apparel is essential.

Wildlife Common indigenous birds are found all over the park, including bellbirds and fantails. Look out for the cheeky green alpine parrot – the Kea. These inquisitive birds are infamous thieves, and will try to steal anything that takes their fancy! Kiwi can also be found in the park, though their nocturnal habits make them hard to spot.

Plants Plant life differs greatly depending which part of the park you are in. On the west, thick beech forest carpets the hills, and podocarp species are also prolific. Above the bush line alpine plants grow, with some fascinating examples found a short distance from the main road.

Accommodation in Arthur's Pass National Park Accommodation can be found in Arthur’s Pass Village. On the walking tracks there are 30 backcountry huts, linked together by the extensive track system.

Outdoor Activities

New Zealanders love the outdoors and there are plenty of places to cycle, walk, swim, ski, bungy jump, fish, play golf or go rafting. Because the country has a low population density and spectacular scenery, you are never very far from an outdoor activity, whether an organized adventure or a peaceful walk in the bush. The opportunity to participate in so many activities at low cost in some of the world’s most beautiful locations is a major tourist draw card , and local tourism operators have risen to the challenge by meeting this demand with a high level of professionalism and, equally important, safety.

BUNGY JUMPING

Developed in the 1980 by New Zealand adventure A.J Hackett and Henry Van Ash, this exhilarating experience of throwing oneself off a high platform with a large rubber-band attached to the large rubber-band attached to the ankles has become world famous. The famous bungy jumping is at Kawarau Bridge

ROCK CLIMBING

Rock climbing has experienced a phenomenal growth in New Zealand. There are now lots of indoor climbing walls in towns and cities, rock climbing clubs and excellent terrain to discover throughout country. Some of the best rock climbing areas include Wharepapa, south of the Waikato which has more than 700 climbs and the Canterbury area which has more than 800 climbs. FISHING From October to April, New Zealand’s tranquil waters attract anglers from all over the world. One in four New Zealanders goes fishing, but there are plenty of fish to go around. The best places for trout fishing are lake Rotorua and Lake Tarawera. In the Nelson Lake District, in the north of the South Island, a guide will help you find eels weighing 20 kilos and brown trout up to 50 cm in lengthz.

RAFTING/JET- BOATING

Wild, unnamed rivers and spectacular scenery provide the perfect backdrop for New Zealand’s numerous wild-water rafting expeditions. Jet-boats, which are fast, manoeuvrable and skim the surface of the water, were invented by a New Zealand farmer. Some of the best places for this activity are Queenstown’s Shotover River, Kawarau River both in Queenstown and the Kaituna (Rotorua)

WHALE/DOPLHIN WATCH

You can get close to whales at Kaikoura, on the east coast of South Island. Here, huge sperm whales swim barely 1 km (1/2 mile) off the coast between April and June; orcas can also be seen during the summer, and humpbacks put in an appearance during June and July. In the Bay of Islands, you’ll encounter bottlenose dolphins, orcas and sperm whales. Some trips also allow you to get into the water to cavort with the dolphins.

KAYAKING

With so much water around, both along the coast and on the lakes, this sport is enjoying a veritable boom in New Zealand, particularly in Marlborough Sounds and the Bay Of Island. You can hire kayaks for guided or independent tours lasting one or more days.

SKYDIVING

If launcing yourself into the air from a mountainside is too passé for you – try jumping form plane. Tandeem skydiving has made this thrill accessible to all. Attached to an experienced skydiver by a special harness, there is little you need to do except follow the instructions and keep control of your fear. Operators are found throughout the country, but especially in Queenstown and Wanaka.

GOLF There are around 400 golf courses in New Zealand, with an average green fee of around NZ$15, and equipment for hire at low cost. The finest courses are in the Bay of Islands(Waitangi), near Taupo (Wairakei International Gol Resort), in Auckland (Titirangi) and in Arrowtown (Millbrook Golf and Country Resort.

Accommondation

New Zealand provides a vast range of accommodation options to suit every traveller's preference. From five-star hotels, to friendly bed and breakfasts, to affordable backpacker accommodation.

Hotels & Motels International standard hotels are found in all large cities, in many provincial cities, and in all resort areas frequented by tourist. In smaller cities and towns, more modest hotels are the norm. Motels are prolific throughout the country and are generally clean and comfortable, with facilities that are ideal for family holidays. Many offer full kitchens and dining tables, making it possible for guests to prepare their own meals. At some motels, a cookedbreakfast is available, and the units are serviced daily. The New Zealand tourism industry uses Qualmark as a classification and grading system to help you find the best accomondation and shopping. There are five levels of grading from one star (minimum to five stars) (best available). Participation in the Qualmark system is voluntary so if a motel or hotel does’t have a grading, the location of the accomondation and the tariff will usually give a reliable indication of what to expect. Travel agents are good sources of information and will be able to give details of concessions that are generally available for children. International hotel chains that operate in New Zealand’s main centres and resort areas include Flag, Ibis, Quality, Rydges and Novotel. Room rates range from NZ $150 to NZ$500 per night.

Farmstays, Homestays And Bed & Breakfast More and more New Zealanders are opening their homes to visitors each year, whether in the form of a B&B, Homestay, farmstay, Barnstay or Vineyardstay. There are a large number of B&B properties in New Zealand cities, towns and rural locations, ranging from historic and heritage buildings to boutique B&Bs, guesthouses and inss. For farmstays, visitors may share the homestead with the farmer and his family, or, in many cases, may have the use of a cottage on the farm. This has been one of the fastest growing forms of holiday in New Zealand over the past decade and is an excellent way for visitors to see the real New Zealand, which has been dependent on farming since the earliest colonial days. Farming families are usually excellent host. Farmstays are also the best way to get to meet local people and hear real New Zealand stories. Depending on the farm, you may get the chance to share homecooked meals with your hosts, join in with milking of farm animals, sheep shearing, lambing, kiwifruit harvesting and other farm activities. If you are on a limited budget, free, working farm stays are a cheap way of getting to know the countryside and the people. Over 180 farms offer free accommodation, meals and friendly hospitality in exchange for four hours of light work a day, doing tasks such as gardening, chopping firewood and feeding the animals. It is also possible to to work flexible hours so that you have time to explore the area. Contact reginal visitor information centres for listings, or check websites in ‘Homestay Contacts’ box below.

Hostels The Youth Hostel Association offers an extensive chain of hostels to members througout New Zealand. Details of their location and membership of the organisation can be obtained from the Youth Hostel Association of New Zealand. P.O.Box 436, Christchurch, New Zealand, tel: 03-3799970 or 0800-278 299 (New Zealand only);

http://www.yha.org.nz/

Motor Camps Most motor camps (caravan parks with tent sites as well) offer communal washing, cooking and toilet facilities. The camper is required to supply his own trailer or tent, but camps in largest towns and cities have cabins available. Motor camps are licenced under the Camping Ground Regulation (1936) and are all graded by the New Zealand Automobile Association. It is a good idea to check with the Association on current standards withing the camps. In summer, you would be well advised to book ahead, as New Zealanders are inveterate campers.