Christchurch

 
From Wellington I took a short flight to Christchurch on the south island. 

Christchurch (the Garden City) is the largest city on the south island and the second largest in New Zealand after Auckland. Christchurch became a city by Royal Charter on 31 July 1856, making it officially the oldest established city in New Zealand. I arrived in time to celebrate the New Year.

The New Year celebrations started in Cathedral Square, with the Anglican Christchurch Cathedral, as the focal point.  Nearby is the Chalice, designed by prominent New Zealand artist Neil Dawson. The design of the Chalice features forty-two leaf patterns of different native plants and celebrates the new millennium and the 150th Anniversary of the founding of Christchurch and Canterbury by the Canterbury Association. There was plenty of street entertainment and an excellent firework display.

A great way to explore the city is on the Christchurch tramway. You can get on and off the tram at any of the stops. From Cathedral Square the first stop is Worcester Bridge, where you can take a punting trip on the river Avon. Continuing on, the tram stops at the Christchurch Art Gallery and Arts Centre, Botanic Gardens, Hagley Park and Victoria Square. I enjoyed Victoria Square for the fine statues of Queen Victoria and Captain James Cook.

 

  


 The Anglican Cathedral and the Chalice in Cathedral Square


A Christchurch tram


The Statue of Captain James Cook at Victoria Square