Range of Attractions and Facilities in Christchurch

Christchurch is regarded as a cultural and entertainment centre for both the South Island and New Zealand and possesses numerous attractions and facilities to offer visitors and City residents. Some of these are unique in national and international terms.

Examples of attractions within Christchurch include:

• Museums and Art Galleries: Canterbury Museum, Wigram Air Force Museum, Robert McDougall Art Gallery, Ferrymead Historic Park, Yaldhurst Transport Museum.
• Historic Buildings: The Anglican and Catholic Cathedrals, Arts Centre, Provincial Chambers Building, Riccarton House, Mona Vale and the Sign of the Takahe.
• Open Space: Hagley Park, Cathedral Square, Victoria Square, Botanic Gardens, and Deans Bush.
• Sport and Recreation: QEII Park, Lancaster Park, Pioneer Stadium, Cowles Stadium, Sumner and New Brighton beaches, Avon River and surrounds, city and coastal walks, Bottle Lake Forest and Port Hills/Summit Road.
• Entertainment: Mt Cavendish Gondola, Science Alive!, the International Antarctic Centre, Court Theatre, Christchurch Casino.
• Wildlife: Orana Park, Willowbank.
• Marae: Nga Hau E Wha Marae.

The Annual Survey of Residents shows that Christchurch residents continue to be active users of the many facilities and recreation areas the City has to offer (Table 1.18).

 

This year 77 percent of respondent to the survey said that they had visited the Botanic Gardens or Mona Vale in the previous twelve months and 67 percent had visited Hagley Park. Many residents had visited the Canterbury Museum and the Town Hall. While the City beaches and large parks were also popular.

 

Table 1.18 Proportion of Christchurch Residents Who Visit Selected Major Attractions and Facilities, 1991-1996
	1991	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996
Botanic Gardens or Mona Vale	73	71	67	77	79	77
Hagley Park	47	58	52	66	68	67
A Library	66	68	66	60	64	65
McDougall Art Gallery	40	42	36	38	36	37
The Canterbury Museum					49	45
The City Centre	95	95	93	92	95
The Civic Offices, Tuam Street	32	36	31	33	35	29
A Council Service Centre	40	41	48	52	48	47
A Major Council Stadium	34	36	34	37	34	33
Town Hall	60	56	52	63	64
Town Hall Auditorium				45	49	45
Parks or Reserves on the Port Hills				38	39	36
Large City Sports Parks (other than Hagley park)				25	24	24
Other Large Parks like the Groynes or Spencer Park				50	50	52
One of the City's beaches				69	69	65
Source: Christchurch City Council Annual Survey of Residents 1991-1995

 

---

Top of Page ~ Update 96 Contents