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.