Christchurch, the oldest city and ski paradise of New Zealand

Christchurch is the oldest city in New Zealand. It ranked the 3rd biggest cities among top 5 biggest cities in New Zealand and the third most populated cities after Auckland and Wellington. It is the biggest city in the South Island and the city that hit most by earthquakes. The city center was moved to outskirt of the city because it was hit twice by the earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. It is still under re-construction. You can still see debris and remains left from the quakes. The media has it that Christchurch is famous for its gardens and parks that made it a special place to visit in Spring and Autumn. Sadly, I have been to Christchurch twice but both time it was in Winter!

The view back to the city

 Me at Mount Hutt Ski field in 2015

Christchurch is home to two top universities such as the University of Canterbury and Lincoln University. 

Christchurch is a touristic town which you can spend more than a week there. There are so many things to do and see.

What to see in Christchurch? The city has so much to offer ranging from skiing experience to botanical aspects.

• Canterbury museum
• Hagley Park, huge park
• Christchurch botanical garden
• Christchurch Gondola & Port Hills hike
• Cathedral Square, visit the ruined Cathedral, the giant chess  and ride on famous tram for leisure, a giant chess square
• International Antarctic Centre
• Willowbank wildlife reserve and Orana wildlife park
• Canterbury skiing: Mount Hutt ski area, Hanmer Springs ski area and Hurunui, , Selwyn - six superb ski areas that offer both commercial and unique club field experiences (Porters ski area, Broken river ski area, Mt. Cheeseman,  Mount Olympus, Craigieburn), Aoraki/Mount Cook Mackenzie

Nearby attractions, day trip from the city center

• Akaroa: a historic French and British settlement 75 kilometres, you can spot dolphin and if you’re feeling adventurous, go on a four-wheel drive tour around Flea Bay – home to the region’s largest penguin colony
• Kaikoura: 2.5 hour’s drive to Kaikoura will enable nature lovers to encounter whales, dolphins, fur seal colonies and albatrosses as they explore the seaside
• Arthur’s Pass: Steep gorges, rushing rivers, lavish waterfalls, rocky mountains and lush forestry are some of the attractions you’ll get to see on a single visit
• Hanmer Springs: 1.5hour from Christchurch and is particularly renowned for its namesake thermal pools
• Oxford: 45mns drive, an English-style rural village: popular tracks and reserves include Pearson Park, Ashley Gorge Park and the Ryde Falls Track
• Methven: 1h drive along the way to Mount Hutt Skill field. It is a good place for a day spa, golfing, hot-air balloon rides, or an adrenaline hit with a jet boat ride down the Rakaia River.
• Geraldine: 2.5h drive from Christchurch, it has so much to offer from the township’s unique arts and crafts scene, to its highly regarded vintage car museum and a star observatory
• Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park: world-famous for being New Zealand’s highest peak – the best place for Boralis Australis or Southern light view.

For a record, compared to other cities in NZ, Christchurch might make you feel a bit discriminated if you are not Kiwi or white, but it is very small percentage. It is very safe compared to other countries. After all, New Zealand is the safest country in the world. I have never felt unsecured living two years in NZ. Furthermore, If you want to feel English (NZ is still under the leadership of Queen Elizabeth of UK), they said you should come here to feel it!

Me at 360 degree restaurant at Christchurch Gondola & Port Hills hikeThe view back to the city

Me at the tram, in front of the Cathedral and museumMe at the park and in the museum

Mount Hutt Ski fieldMount Hut, CanterburyMe at Mount Hutt Skifield

Me and the Chalice SculptureMount Hutt Ski field (Canterbury, Christchurch)

Past articles on different cities:

• Auckland (most populated city)
• Christchurch (oldest city in NZ)
• Wellington, won the "coolest little capital in the world". It has only 442sq kilometers.
• Queenstown "Paradise for adventurers"​​(the most beautiful town)