Christchuch
Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island & has a Victorian, neo-Gothic feel to it from its earlier European settlers. It's located on the edge of the Canterbury Plains, which extends west toward the Southern Alps, and a short bus ride to the Pacific Ocean in the east. When looking west, it looks much like Denver with the Rocky Mountains behind it. Although, one of the most noticeable geographical features of this flat region, is the Banks Peninsula. It's an enormous volcanic land mass rising from the land & projects outward into the sea like a large thumb. Banks Peninsula is where you'll find many outdoor enthusiasts.
Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island & has a Victorian, neo-Gothic feel to it from its earlier European settlers. It's located on the edge of the Canterbury Plains, which extends west toward the Southern Alps, and a short bus ride to the Pacific Ocean in the east. When looking west, it looks much like Denver with the Rocky Mountains behind it. Although, one of the most noticeable geographical features of this flat region, is the Banks Peninsula. It's an enormous volcanic land mass rising from the land & projects outward into the sea like a large thumb. Banks Peninsula is where you'll find many outdoor enthusiasts.
In the city of Christchurch, the Tramway covers a 2.5km track & allows people to tour the downtown area.
The Christchurch Cathedral, in the background, is probably the city's best known landmark.
The Cathedral Square is located in the center city, & you can often see some street performers working to make some cash.
New Regent Street was close to where I stayed for a couple of nights, & there were some great breakfast places here. The Tram also passes through this street.
Some of the Victorian style buildings downtown.
On a clear day, the Southern Alps are clearly visible in the distance. This was taken from a viewpoint on the Banks Peninsula.
There are many small towns on the Banks Peninsula & a couple large harbors. This one is overlooking a small section of the Lyttelton Harbour. To the right of the picture is an incomplete view of Quail Island. Roughly 212 acres in size, the island was used to quarantine lepers from 1907 -1925.
Downtown Lyttelton has a comfortable feel to it.
Back in Christchurch, the Avon River winds its way through town.
Punting down the Avon.
A friendly winter game of chess in the Cathedral Square. I didn't wait my turn to play, but have had the opportunity to play on a board this size before!
As I left Christchurch & headed south, I was able to take a photo from the bus to capture a glimpse of the scenary.
