Central City: Christchurch

Although Christchurch and Canterbury were planned by idealists as an ordered settlement - on English lines - the city was actually first inhabited by Maori , and the Scottish Deans brothers. Nevertheless, the 'founding fathers' stamped their ideas firmly on the city by placing an Anglican cathedral right in the centre. To this day, lazy writers continue to call it an 'English city': true many of our old buildings date back to the style of our heritage. Many of us locals consider them as 'of the style of our beginnings' rather than as an English city and 'the square' is a prime example of old and new. hotels overlook the area, and one block west "The Strip" follows the Avon River, full of cafes, and clubbing at night. Taking the tram is an easy and pleasant way to see much of the CBD. this includes the Gothic stone buildings of the Arts Centre, the Canterbury Museum and Christ's College; and the 10-year old Christchurch Art Gallery. The Botanic Gardens, a golf course and various sports fields are all just minutes way from the square and the Christchurch and Canterbury Visitors Centre. Of course this area abounds with shops, offices, transport hubs and visitor attractions too. © NileGuide