City centre of Christchurch

Settled originally by the Ngai Tahu Maori tribe, the official British settlers arrived in Christchurch in 1850; and it became New Zealand's first city by Royal Charter.You can see the colonial heritage by the tree-filled parks, meandering streams and many stone buildings that makes it very similar to England. In my opinion, Christchurch is well planned out with a fine balance struck between the tranquility of suburban and village life with the metropolitan bustle of a small city.

A person i know keeps saying how similar, or perhaps how Christchurch is better than Scotland. (Having been to Scotland, i could say there ARE similarities but they are both two different parts of the world). Reaching the city, you can see that it was built around a Cathedral, a testament to the city's Anglican heritage; the cathedral square unassumingly taking the role as its centre. Canterbury museum and Chris College showing hints of gothic style architecture; both easily accessed right across the streets of the cathedral.

I mostly enjoyed a walk across Hagley Park, it is the third largest park in the world (yeap!), after NYC's Central park and London's Hyde Park. Tram ride around the city's main sights is a must for a tourist, though most of the locals have never even tried it (due to the fact that the tram route passes through buildings n sites that are all within considerable walking distance from each other).

If ever in doubt of your activities while anywhere in NZ, just head on to the local i-site. I did on my very first day and got 3 days booked on incredible day-tours. :)