Christchurch

Travelers' Takes

Rates and Deals

Christchurch--"Art Before Carpet"!

A May 1997 trip to Christchurch by akakd

Hadleigh HomesteadMore Photos

Read on to learn about a wondrous B&B, sites around Christchurch, and recommended eating places! Find out why Christchurch is dubbed "the most English city outside England".

  • 5 reviews
  • 1 story/tip
  • 1 photo

Christchurch--"Art Before Carpet"!Best of IgoUgo

Overview

Christchurch, New Zealand is quite a place! Activities abound! Whether you want romantic time to stroll leisurely along the Avon River, have a desire to see fine works of art, or are interested in historical sites--Christchurch has something for everyone! Christchurch, Seattle's Sister City, enjoys the title "Most English City Outside England". Gothic buildings, London-style buses, English gardens--all speak to the fact that Christchurch is as English as Dunedin is Scottish. (If you're curious why I titled this 'Art Before Carpet', read the accommodations section.) :)

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

You'll likely enjoy strolling along the Avon River. City trams are convenient and a great way to see the sites.

Hadleigh HomesteadBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

Hadleigh Homestead
For fabulous accommodations, stay at the Hadleigh Homestead B&B. Our host family, Dave and Libby, have lived in the home for 30 years. The home was built in the late 1800's and is magnificent! Our room was huge, with a sitting area, fireplace, and beautiful antiques. Dave and Libby's motto when they were first married was 'art before carpet' and the home is full of spectacular art pieces, including several originals. We had a small kitchen and dining area upstairs. Dave cooked us a wonderful breakfast. The den, library, and pool table downstairs are also available to guests. Ask Dave to show you their private kitchen!
Remarkable!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by akakd on October 24, 2000

Hadleigh Homestead
6 Eversleigh Street Christchurch, New Zealand
(03) 355 7174

Boulevard BakehouseBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Great for a quick lunch while browsing thorough the fabulous Arts Centre, the Boulevard Bakehouse offers delicious baked goods and sandwiches in an outdoor dining atmosphere.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by akakd on October 24, 2000

Boulevard Bakehouse
Arts Centre Christchurch, New Zealand

PastarellasBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

We thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience at Pastarellas on Bealey Street, not far from the Hadleigh Homestead where we stayed. The food was superb and the service was wonderful! We would definitely return.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by akakd on October 24, 2000

Pastarellas
Bealey Street Christchurch, New Zealand

WalksBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "around town"

We enjoyed strolling along the Avon River, walking through the Botanic Gardens, viewing works of art in the Robert McDougall Art Gallery, spending time at the Arts Centre (an experience in and of itself), taking a tram to Victoria Square, climbing 133 steps up the 120 foot tower of Christchurch Cathedral, and seeing the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament for its classic revival architecture.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by akakd on October 25, 2000

Walks
Arts Centre and Beyond Christchurch, New Zealand

The Wizard - notBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

The Wizard of Christchurch is a colorful character who shows up weekdays at noon to speak to gathering crowds in front of Christchurch Cathedral. He will speak on any topic and is said to be a very learned individual. We were so looking forward to seeing and hearing The Wizard, but Alas--it was not to be. While we waited deligently for him to appear, we were finally told that he would not appear that day. It was the Queen's birthday, and he was undoubtedly out celebrating!

About the Writer

akakd
akakd
Arizona, United States

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