Showbiz Christchurch has been thrilling local audiences with modern Broadway musicals for over 60 years. Drawing entirely on local talent, this semi-professional organisation stages two entertaining seasons each year--one in April-May, the other in August-September. Their repertoire has included Les Miserables, 42nd Street and A Chorus Line. Performances are currently held at the St James Hay Theatre at the Christchurch Town Hall.
Enjoy a myriad variety of activities with Canterbury Leisure Day Tours. Whether you want to go on a wine tasting tour at the Waipara Valley, head to the seaside town of Kaikoura renowned worldwide for its marine reserves and for allowing visitors to observe magnificent sperm whales and swim with dolphins in their natural habitat, or simply enjoy a scenic ride on board the tranzalpine train, you can be rest assured that Canterbury Leisure Day Tours has something in store for you. Exploring the Akaroa Harbor while on a cruise ship or indulging in farm activities like sheep shearing are also some other experiences the tour company offers. Half day tours are also organized for those short on time. If you are in the mood for a memorable adventure, certainly book yourself on a tour with Canterbury Leisure Day Tours.
Explore the city's historic sights, gardens, food markets and culinary delights by bicycle or on foot with Christchurch Bike Tours. Tours include: the Original Christchurch Bike Tour, the Farmers' Market Tour and the Gourmet Bike Tour if you are in the mood to cycle around the city. Since Christchurch is flat and has many purpose built cycle-ways, it is not only perfect for biking but it is also makes tours by Christchurch Bike Tours suitable for all fitness levels. Comfortable retro style bikes are used, each with a basket on the front for your bag and camera. Modern helmets are also provided. As for the walking tours, patrons can choose between either City Walking Tour or the Gourmet Walking Tour where a friendly and entertaining local guide will lead you at a relaxed pace around the city’s top attractions. If you wish to explore the city at leisure, then certainly participate in one of the informative tours by Christchurch Bike Tours. Call on +64 800 73 3257 for more information.
Bordered by the graceful Avon River, the Botanic Gardens truly reflects Christchurch's reputation as the garden city of New Zealand. It boasts of the finest single collection of exotic and indigenous plants in the country, with spectacular year-round displays and more than 51.89 acres (21 hectares) of walking tracks, majestic trees, sweeping lawns, feature gardens, conservatories and woodland areas. The botanical gardens visitor center, herb garden, central rose garden, heritage rose garden, the Cuningham House, Townsend House, Gilpin House, and Garrick House are where some of the site's most exquisite and exotic displays are kept. The specimens here are well labeled and sure to delight even the most reluctant gardener.
This rail crossing, from Christchurch to Greymouth on the West Coast, is one of the world's most spectacular alpine trips. The TranzAlpine rushes west along the Canterbury Plains, then weaves its way through the stunning Southern Alps. It climbs along cliffs high above the Waimakariri River and crosses five viaducts; the highest is 147 metres long and 73 metres high. The highest point on the line is 737 metres above sea level and in winter snow can lie alongside the track.
At a height of 945 meters (3198 feet) atop the Port Hills, the Christchurch Gondola is a panoramic location offering spectacular views of Canterbury. To the west, one can view Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps. To the east and south one can see the banks of the Peninsula, with Lyttelton Harbour and Lake Ellesmere further afield. To the north, you can see across the Pegasus Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The Gondola complex itself sits on the crater rim of Christchurch's now calm volcano. Along with an observation deck, the complex houses a multimedia Time Tunnel, a cafe and restaurant, as well as a souvenir shop.
"Awesome" is the word here. Interactive models and exhibitions challenge visitors to solve problems, explore the properties of science and enjoy simulated rides and experiences. Learn about bugs and dinosaurs, motors, energy and atoms. An exciting place for kids, here learning is fun. Special school holiday and weekend programs keep them coming back for more. Science Alive also hosts special events such as birthday parties and corporate promotions. Check website for full details.
Overlooking farmland, and with a view of the Port Hills, Owen Mitchell Park is an example of a more modern, less formal park than many of the other more established parks around Christchurch. Small stands of native trees and plants grow randomly, a reminder of how the area would have looked prior to the arrival of Europeans. Situated in the outer Christchurch suburb of Redwood, about 15 minutes drive from the city centre, the park has a children's fort and an area of open field. The park is a great place for picnicking, jogging or walking.
Built in the areas which were earlier hit by the earthquakes, this resurrected art studio displays a range of contemporary artwork. Owned by local artist Beverly Frost, this gallery holds its own exhibitions where upcoming artists and art lovers can share their work and discuss art. The works include themes of Realism, Abstract, Impacto, Symbolism, German Expressionism, Emotions and Landscapes among others. The studio also hosts music concerts that the attendees get to enjoy. Having rebuilt itself after the disastrous earthquake, the Art Box Studio has become a symbol of creative resurgence.
Tanks for everything located in Christchurch gives you a chance to see as well as drive actual military vehicles. These vehicles range from simple Jeeps to huge tanks weighing tonnes. The experience includes a guided tour providing a close look at the vehicles, as well as safety instructions regarding how to drive the vehicles and move the guns on the tanks. Besides tours, Tanks for Everything also provides cars on rent, several team building activities as well as gift vouchers. Suitable for all ages, a visit to Tanks for everything is an exciting outdoor experience for friends and family.
Discover Christchurch like a local with trusted guides from Cantebury Trails in the city. They provide various tours depending on the location such as the mountain or beach side. A few trails one could enroll in are Akaroa Day Tour, Christchurch City Tour, Heliski Day Tour and Akaroa Cruise Ship Day Tour. On a larger scale the tour operator also provides tours with their trusted guides all over the country.
If you have an eye for all things beautiful and mighty around you then discover the scenic photographs at Waihora Gallery. The pictures are shot on professional cameras which depict the wilderness and enormous landscapes from the lands of New Zealand. One can also purchase the works so they could decorate their house. They also conduct workshops on photography that would help develop one's skills at the trade.