Christchurch - The Garden City

An October 2000 trip to Christchurch by JuneSmiles

Quote: This journal will give readers and insight into why I fell in love with this charming city as well as hostel and restaurant recommendations.

Christchurch - The Garden City

Best Of IgoUgo

Overview

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After an 11 hour flight I really enjoyed sitting by the River Avon, soaking up the sunshine and watching the punting boats (similar idea to those in Venice) ease their way up the river - Very Relaxing! This city has loads of Internet cafes at reasonable prices. It also has excellent hostels and great places to eat. It is not called the 'Garden City' for nothing - there are many parks and gardens where you can unwind.Quick Tips: I would recommend spending a few days in Christchurch to relax if you are having a whistle stop tour of NZ (like I was!). The Tranzalpine Train journey is one of the most scenic in the world apparently - now I can see why. It runs from Christchurch...Read More

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Vagabond Backpackers

Hotel

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Excellent! Clean, spacious, central, reasonably priced and staff were friendly and helpful - what more could a backpacker wish for? It books up reasonably fast so if you intend staying here - book early.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 23, 2000

Vagabond Backpackers
Worcester Street
Christchurch, New Zealand

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Stonehurst

Hotel

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This hostel is clean and central. The staff are very friendly and helpful. It is also a pick up point for the FREE shuttle to the train station and for the Magic Bus. It has an outdoor swimmming pool and barbeque area for backpackers use (and a piano!!!. Every room (including dorms appears to have a fridge. They do special deals on pitchers of beer if you feel the need...

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 23, 2000

Stonehurst
Latimer Square
Christchurch, New Zealand

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Blue Jean Cuisine

Restaurant

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This place is ALWAYS busy and there is a real buzz about the place. They have a good selection on the menu and the amount of food you get is unreal! The first time I went there none of our group could finish their meals at all, so we made sure we hadn't eaten before we went back. This is a great place!

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 23, 2000

Blue Jean Cuisine
Christchurch
Christchurch, New Zealand

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Caffe Roma

Restaurant

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Overlooking the river Avon, this charming restaurant has a great location. It is also enhanced by having great food. Their bowls of cappucino are worth a try. I ordered pancakes with fresh fruit - WOW! They were HUGE. Absolutely delicious. I am also assured that their fried breakfast was delicious too. If you wake up late and want to have a lovely brunch to spoil yourself - this is the place to go.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 23, 2000

Caffe Roma
176 Oxford Terrace
Christchurch, New Zealand 8001
+64 (0)3 379 3879

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TranzAlpine Experience

Best Of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Tranzalpine Train"

Quote:

This train journey 231km long and takes 4.5 hours. There are 16 tunnels and the highest viaduct is 73 metres. It is listed as one of the world's most scenic train journeys and I can now appreciate why. The views are stunning. A word of advice though - there are many carriages with seats (all passengers are allocated a specific seat) but to take the best photos you need to go up to the viewing car which is open air - get there early because as soon as they announce that there is something worth seeing EVERYONE heads up and you won't get to see anything). Also, wear something warm when heading up there as it gets cold after a while. Arthurs Pass is quite stunning - you reach 737 met...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 23, 2000

TranzAlpine Experience
Departure locations vary
Christchurch, New Zealand
+64 (0)3 3599 133