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Christchurch Cathedral is the social, tourist, and religious centre
of the city. The beautifully maintained building is the focal point of the city centre. 134
steps in a circular stairway lead to viewing balconies of the church tower from which the
city and surrounding countryside can be seen.
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| Cathedral Square is the hub of the city in many ways. The Visitors
centre is located in the beautiful building with the clock tower. Around the square are
tourist shops, internet cafes, pubs and restaurants. The square is host to artisan and
snack booths, a giant chess board, free speech enthusiasts and all forms of gawkers. The
tram starts its loop here and other city buses pass by. At noon each day
the town crier announces the activities of the day. |
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Inside the cathedral stone columns rise majestically into the air.
A very interesting organ in one corner has pipes sticking out horizontally as well as the
more normal vertical variety. This Reiger organ is probably the finest in New Zealand and
concerts are a regular feature of the cathedral activities. The cathedral also supports a
choir school. The carved wood eagle lectern on one side contrasts with
the ornate stone pulpit on the other. |
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Close to the Cathedral Square is a block of unique buildings of a strong
Spanish influence called Regent Street. Originally this area was occupied by a coliseum.
When the old structure was torn down, this block of pastel coloured buildings replaced it.
The Christchurch City Loop Tram runs through the boutique and cafe lined street. It's
an expensive way to see the city centre at $10 but worth it if you're going to use it for
several days as one ticket is good for a year! |
| The Avon River winds its way through the downtown core crossed by many streets
over ornate bridges of stone or iron. The tranquil river is home to ducks and assorted
punts, canoes kayaks and paddleboats. Pubs, bars and restaurants overlook
the river. A park along both sides makes this a great city to stroll in. There are many
commemorative statues of local heroes and of battles fought a long time ago in far away
places. |
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Next to the new hospital, is the Nurses Chapel, a simple and charming church
that commemorates the dedication and hard work of New Zealand nurses.The interior is a
peaceful refuge from the busy goings on in the surrounding city and contains some fine
stained glass windows.. |
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Canterbury Museum is dedicated to showing New Zealand natural and human
history. Antarctic exploration figures prominently, as well as New Zealand fashions, a
Christchurch city street at the turn of the 19th century and a large display of New
Zealand birds, stuffed of course, but nevertheless very informative. There are several
bird dioramas and the photo on the left is probably as close as we will ever get to King
Penguins. Among the examples of birds that we may not see in the wild are
Kiwis, Albatrosses, and Mollymawks. (But stay tuned, because we actually do get to see all
three!) |
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Brown Kiwi from Stewart Island |
Kiwi sitting on a very large egg in its burrow. |
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Albatross on the wing, all 8 feet of wingspan! |
Diorama of a white heronry |
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TETHYS