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{{New Zealand}}
{{New Zealand}}
'''Christchurch''' or '''Ōtautahi''' (in [[Ngāi Tahu]]), aka ''The Garden City''. Population: 350,000.


{{City header
|city      = Christchurch
|country    = New Zealand
|areas      =
|toplinks  =
|bwgroup    = 957
|csgroup    = 1162
|wikipedia  = Christchurch
|hitchwiki  = Christchurch
|wikivoyage = Christchurch
|image      =
|imagetext  =
}}
{{TOCright}}


Located on the east coast, '''Christchurch''' is the south island's largest city. For many travelers Christchurch International Airport is the point of entry to [[New Zealand]].
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christchurch Christchurch] ('''Ōtautahi''' (in Maori [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ng%C4%81i_Tahu Ngāi Tahu]), is often called the ''The Garden City''. Population: 375,900.


*On the eastern edge of the city is Pegasus Bay and the Pacific Ocean with safe swimming beaches and good surfing
Located on the east coast, '''Christchurch''' is the South Island's largest city, and the third largest in [[New Zealand]].
*[[Kaikoura]] is 2 hours to the north on SH1.
*[[Dunedin]] is 4-5 hours drive to the south on SH1
*The [[West Coast]] is 2 hours drive to the west over [[Arthurs Pass]]


From September 2010 Christchurch endured in excess of 11,000 earthquakes for a period spanning more than 2 years, from September 2010 until late 2012.  The city is still in recovery but the rebuild is well underway. Thousands of homes were destroyed and many streets have been damaged.


'''CENTRAL CHRISTCHURCH IS CLOSED UNTIL LATE 2011 DUE TO EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE'''


The Central Business District suffered severe damage with devastating loss of life and this area is inside a cordon prohibiting access to the public. Much of the CBD has been reopened however some areas will remain cordoned off until mid-2013.
*On the eastern edge of the city is Pegasus Bay and the Pacific Ocean with safe swimming beaches and good surfing
 
*[[Kaikoura]] is 2 hours to the North
 
*[[Dunedin]] is 4-5 hours drive to the South
'''MANY BACKPACKER HOSTELS IN THE CENTRAL CITY ARE DESTROYED OR HAVE BEEN DEMOLISHED'''
*The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Coast_Region West Coast] is 3 hours drive to the west over [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthurs_Pass Arthurs Pass]
 
Which hostels are available?
 
- Hostels that are open:
*[http://www.oldcountryhousenz.com/ Old Country House]  
*[http://www.jail.co.nz/ The Jailhouse]
*[http://kiwibasecamp.co.nz/ Kiwi Basecamp]
*[http://www.kiwihouse.co.nz/ Kiwi House]  
*[http://www.avoncitybackpackers.com/ Avon City Backpackers]
*[http://www.rucksacker.com/ Rucksacker]
*[http://www.aroundtheworld.co.nz/ Around the World Backpackers]
*[http://www.dorset.co.nz/ Dorset House Backpackers]
 
Hostels that are closed:
*Charlie B's Backpackers
*Celtic
*Coachman Backpackers
*Cokers Backpackers
*Drifters
*Sir Cedric's City Oasis Backpackers
*Stonehurst Accommodation
*YHA Christchurch City Central
*YHA Christchurch Rolleston House


== Hospitality Networks ==


[http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/christchurch-earthquake/4705106/Photos-Before-and-after-the-Christchurch-earthquake Christchurch before and after (the earthquake) photos]
=== BeWelcome ===


[[BeWelcome]] has very few active hosts in Christchurch.


=Hospitality Exchange Community=
=== Couchsurfing ===
==Couch Surfing Community==
* There is a healthy number of active CS hosts in Christchurch and a growing '''CS Community'''. Regular meetings are held each Thursday evening at various venues. Other get togethers, outings, movie nights, indoor climbing, etc, occur on a regular basis. Check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1262 Christchurch] group for info about the next get-together or organise one yourself.


*'''CS Groups:'''
There are over 1,100 hosts and Couch Surf locals in Christchurch and a growing community. [https://www.couchsurfing.org/n/events/weekly-couch-surf-drinks-christchurch--15 Regular meetings] are held every Wednesday evening. Other activities and social events are listed on the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1262 Christchurch group] .


[http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1262 Christchurch]
== Budget accomodation ==


[http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=368 New Zealand]
'''There is a shortage of backpacker hostels in Christchurch following the earthquakes of 2010/2011.''' - Search [http://www.hostelworld.com/ HostelWorld] for the latest availability.


*'''Upcoming CS Social Meetings'''
==Safety==
 
- Hitch-hiking
Check the [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=1262 Christchurch] group for info about regular CS social meetings. The Christchurch CS community is very active.
- Online safety
==Be Welcome Community==
There is no active BeWelcome community and BeWelcome lists only 3 members in Christchurch. ''(as at 11/11/09)''
=Christchurch for the Visitor=


==History==
==History==


*Maori oral history suggests that people first inhabited the Canterbury area about a thousand years ago.
*Maori people first [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Canterbury_Region inhabited the Canterbury area] about a thousand years ago.


*These first inhabitants were moa-hunting tribes and these were followed by the Waitaha who are thought to have migrated from the east coast of the North Island in the 16th century. This migration was joined by the Ngati Mamoe and Ngai Tahu and continued until about 1830.
*These first inhabitants were moa-hunting tribes and these were followed by the Waitaha who are thought to have migrated from the east coast of the North Island in the 16th century. This migration was joined by the Ngati Mamoe and Ngai Tahu and continued until about 1830.
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*Christchurch became a city by Royal Charter on July 31, 1856, making it officially the oldest established city in New Zealand.
*Christchurch became a city by Royal Charter on July 31, 1856, making it officially the oldest established city in New Zealand.


*In 1893 New Zealand women achieved a first in the world when they won the right to vote. This significant event was honoured in 1993 when the Kate Sheppard memorial, a commemoration to Women's Suffrage was unveiled on 19th September 1993.
*In 1893, New Zealand women were the first in the world to win the right to vote. A memorial to Kate Sheppard, who led the Women's Suffrage movement, can been seen on Oxford Terrace, alongside the Avon River at the Worcester Street corner.


*Canterbury's economy was built on primary products and Canterbury has long been recognised as living "off the sheep's back". Although its economic beginnings were in refrigerated sheep and dairy meats and in other dairy products, Canterbury now has a diversified regional economy with growth across a range of sectors.
*Canterbury's economy was built on dairy and sheep products. Canterbury now has a diversified regional economy with growth across a range of sectors.




==Earthquakes==
==Earthquakes==
Christchurch has experienced several serious earthquakes since 4th September 2010 and thousands of aftershocks. The first earthquake of 7.1 magnitude struck at 4:35am on 4th September 2010 and a more devastating 6.3 magnitude quake struck at 12:51pm on 22nd February 2011. The February quake caused serious damage and loss of life in the central business district of Christchurch and serious damage to the eastern areas of the city. The central business district remains cordoned off as around 900 buildings are still to be demolished. Liquefaction in the eastern suburbs caused major damage to infrastructure such as water supply, electricity, sewers and roads.
Christchurch has experienced over [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christchurch#2010.E2.80.932012_earthquakes 11,000 earthquakes and aftershocks] since 4th September 2010. The first earthquake of 7.1 magnitude struck at 4:35am on 4th September 2010 and a more devastating 6.3 magnitude quake struck at 12:51pm on 22nd February 2011. The February quake caused serious damage and 185 deaths, mainly in the central business district of the city.  There was substantial damage to the eastern areas of the city. Much of the central business district was cordoned off for up to 2 years following the quakes but all streets are now open.  More than 900 damaged buildings were demolished or removed. 2015 saw many new developments reaching completion in the CBD with many more to open during 2016. Many former central city businesses and government offices, have relocated to the western suburbs of Christchurch of Addington, Riccarton, Papanui, and Hornby.
Many former central city businesses and government offices have relocated to the western suburbs of Christchurch (eg Riccarton, Papanui, Hornby).  Most backpacker hostels were located in the CBD and are closed or destroyed. A few hostels are open on Bealey Ave on the north side of the CBD but these few hostels are very often full. There is also one hostel in the seaside suburb of New Brighton that is open.
 
Liquefaction in the eastern suburbs caused major damage to infrastructure such as water supply, electricity, sewers and roads. A huge area in the eastern suburbs was designated as 'Residential Red Zone' and all the houses removed - no decision has been made on the future use of this landMeanwhile it is a huge area of grassland and trees.
 
Most backpacker hostels located in the CBD are closed or destroyed. Some hostels are open on Bealey Avenue and Barbadoes Avenue.  Search [http://www.hostelworld.com/ HostelWorld] for the latest availability.
 
Keep up to date with the latest quakes [http://www.geonet.org.nz/ on GeoNet] or [http://quake.crowe.co.nz/ Quake Live].


Keep up to date with the latest quakes at [http://quake.crowe.co.nz/ Canterbury Earthquake Live].
[http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/christchurch-earthquake/ Earthquake related news]


Earthquake related news at [http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/christchurch-earthquake/ stuff.co.nz]
[http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/christchurch-earthquake/4705106/Photos-Before-and-after-the-Christchurch-earthquake Christchurch before and after earthquake photos]


==Attractions==
==Attractions==


[[100 Things To Do In Christchurch]]
===Things to do and see in Christchurch===
 
Check out the page '''[[100 Things to do in Christchurch]]''' for some ideas.
 
* [http://www.CanterburyMuseum.com Canterbury Museum]


*'''[http://www.worldbuskersfestival.com World Buskers' Festival]''' - January each year
*'''[http://www.worldbuskersfestival.com World Buskers' Festival]''' - January each year
* for a comprehensive list of festivals, shows and events (many free) see '''[http://www.bethere.co.nz be there]'''


* [http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g255118-Activities-Christchurch_Canterbury_Region_South_Island.html  Trip Advisor's 134 attractions in the Christchurch and Canterbury Region]


===Eat===
===Eat===


*'''Switch Espresso''', Carnaby Street, New Brighton Mall, New Brighton.  Award winning roasters of excellent organic Fairtrade coffee.  Open 7 days 9am - 5 pm. Good food and NZ's best coffee.


===Live Music Venues===
===Live Music Venues===


*'''[http://www.duxlive.co.nz/ Dux Live]''', 363 Lincoln Road (behind the Mobil Station), Addington, Christchurch 8024
*'''[http://www.duxlive.co.nz/ Dux Live]''', 363 Lincoln Road, Addington, Christchurch


*'''[http://www.pierside.co.nz/ Pierside]''', 3 Brighton Mall, New Brighton, Christchurch 8061
*'''[http://www.wunderbar.co.nz Wunderbar]''', 19 London Street, Lyttelton.


*'''[http://www.wunderbar.co.nz Wunderbar]''', 19 London Street, Lyttelton. Located just out of the city in the harbourside town of Lyttelton. Another great live venue for kiwi musicians, also hold regular poetry nights. Definitely the bar with the best (and most interesting) decor in the Canty area.
*'''[http://www.darkroombar.co.nz/ darkroom]''', 336 St Asaph Street, Christchurch


===Keeping Active===


*'''FOR A LIST OF MUSICAL ACTS, PLAYS AND OTHER ENTERTAINMENT IN VENUES THROUGHOUT CHRISTCHURCH SEE: [http://www.nzlive.com nzlive]'''
*'''[http://www.theroxx.co.nz The Roxx Climbing Centre]''' Corner Waltham Road and Byron Street. Over 100 top rope and lead climb routes; dedicated bouldering area with marked problems.
 
*'''[http://www.ymcachch.org.nz/ YMCA climbing wall]''', 12 Hereford Street, central city.
===Keeping Active===


*'''[http://www.theroxx.co.nz the roxx climbing centre]''' Cnr Waltham road and Byron Street (about 30 mins walk from Square or 10 mins by bus. Over 100  top rope & lead climb routes; dedicated bouldering area with marked problems.
===Internet===
*'''[http://www.ymcachch.org.nz/fitness/climbingwall/ YMCA climbing wall]''', 12 Hereford Street, in the central city.
*'''[http://www.surfsouth.co.nz/ South Island Surfing Company]''' Beach end of New Brighton Mall, New Brighton. Learn to surf with Dave or Trish. Lessons for beginner and intermediate surfers. Summer and winter.


===Browse===
*  One hour of access is around $2 at most paid internet cafes.


* One hour of internet access at an internet cafe usually sets you back NZ$2
* There are free Wifi hotspots around the city on a number of Telecom telephone street boxes.


* Wifi hotspots are limited but are becoming much more widely available.
Most Christchurch [http://christchurchcitylibraries.com/Hours/ Libraries offer free internet] via wifi or bring your computer. Free wifi is also available at Riccarton Hoyts movie theatre, and many cafes, coffee shops and bars.
You can find [http://library.christchurch.org.nz/services/wireless/ free wifi] at all Christchurch City Libraries ([http://library.christchurch.org.nz/Services/ opening times]).  Just bring your wifi-enabled computer and accept the license terms upon launching your browser. Note: Several libraries are closed to earthquake damage or they are inside the exclusion zone.
Similar free wifi services available in the foyer of the Hoyts movie theatre at Riccarton Mall, however, there are no power sockets available so you must run your laptop off battery.
Many of the Esquire Coffee Houses offer free wifi for their customers.
[http://www.esquires.co.nz/store/locator/index Store locator guide]
A lot of pubs and bars offer free wireless internet to patrons. You usually need to obtain the password from the barperson upon buying a drink.


==Getting Around==
==Getting Around==
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Fares:
Fares:
   
   
Cash Fare -  Single Trip  $3.20 - Includes one free transfer within 2 hours
Cash Fare -  Single Trip  $3.50 - Includes one free transfer within 2 hours
 
Metrocard - Single Trip $2.30  - Includes unlimited free transfers for the first 2 hours


All Day Travel Pass (with Metro Card) - $4.60 is the maximum you pay per day for as many trips as you like
Metrocard - Single Trip $2.50  - Includes unlimited free transfers for the first 2 hours


All Day Travel Pass (with Metro Card) - $5.00 is the maximum you pay per day for as many trips as you like


All Metro buses have a bike rack fitted to the front of the bus.  Your bike travels for free.  At the Metro Bus Interchange in the central city there is a bike storage room where you can leave your bike.  There are also lockers available to store your gear. Showers are available in the unisex toilet area.


===Bicycle===
===Cycle===


* Bicycling is a great way to get around within the central city (it being flat as a pancake with biking lanes on most of the main arterial roads). There are numerous mountain biking tracks on the nearby Port Hills and in Bottle Lake Forest at Waimairi Beach/North Shore.
* Cycling is a great way to get around, as the city is flat.  There are biking lanes on most of the main arterial roads. There are mountain biking tracks on the nearby Port Hills, McLeans Island near the airport and Bottle Lake Forest, which commences at North Beach.  Most city Metro buses, have bike racks to carry cycles.  This is handy in inclement weather or to get to Lyttelton, where cycling is not allowed through the tunnel.


==Weather==
==Weather==


===Climate===
Christchurch has a temperate climate.  In summer temperatures range from 15 - 35 degrees Celsius but most commonly between 20 - 25 degrees during the daytime and around 9 - 15 at night. Winter temperatures are above freezing except when there are early morning frosts when it can be down to -5.  It snows in Christchurch only once or twice each winter.
 
Christchurch has a temperate climate.  In summer temperatures range from 15 - 35 degrees Celcius but most commony between 20 - 25 degrees during the daytime and around 9 - 15 at night. Winter temperatures are above freezing except when there are early morning frosts when it can be down to -5.  It snows in Christchurch only once or twice each winter and the snow quickly melts.


===Weather Forcasts===
Forecasts are available from:
 
Updated weather forecasts are available from the following sites:


[http://www.metservice.co.nz/public/localWeather/christchurch.html Christchurch city]
[http://www.metservice.co.nz/public/localWeather/christchurch.html Christchurch city]
Line 170: Line 149:


==Bank's Peninsula==
==Bank's Peninsula==
'''Banks Peninsula''' or '''Horomaka''' is a large peninsula immediately south-east of [[Christchurch]]. It is now officially a part of Christchurch city. When you look at a map of [[New Zealand]] '''Bank's Peninsula''' is the big bump half way down the right hand side of the island. features sheltered bays, sandy beaches, bush clad valleys, rocky coastline and high, wild places. Boating, tramping, a visit to the wineries and the harbourside village of Akaroa are key peninsula attractions. [[Akaroa]] is a beautiful town 1.5 hours drive from Christchurch. A popular holiday town it has a good sized permanent population. Settled for a short time by the French the town plays up to that by having French street names and a faux-Frenchness about just about everything.
'''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banks_Peninsula Banks Peninsula]''', or '''Horomaka''', is a large peninsula on the East of [[Christchurch]] city. The Peninsula is of volcanic origin - Lyttelton Harbour and Akaroa Harbour are old craters. It features sheltered bays, sandy beaches, bush clad valleys, rocky coastline and high, wild hills. Boating, Maori history, tramping/hiking, wineries, cheese factory, Hector Dolphin cruises and the harbourside French village of Akaroa, are some of the key Peninsula attractions. [[Akaroa]] is a beautiful town 1.5 hours drive from Christchurch.   The peninsula has some significant Maori history, including the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Canterbury_Region#The_Capture_of_Tamaiharanui massacre at Akaroa] which focused on [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onawe Onawe Peninsula].
 
There are a few CouchSurfers living on '''Horomaka''' but no easy way of locating them. You can only find them by looking through all the Christchurch CS profiles.


* The Peninsula is of volcanic origin - Lyttelton Harbour and Akaroa Harbour are old craters.  The peninsula has a rugged coastline with many deep bays and the two large harbours. Many beaches ranging from boulder to shingle to sandy.
* Located by the beach in '''Birdlings Flat''' is [http://artnz.blogspot.com/ Wharehapuku art studio and gallery] owned and operated by local CS host [http://www.couchsurfing.com/people/artnz/ Ian Robertson].  Birdlings Flat is a small oceanside community just off the highway to Akaroa from Christchurch - just before you get to Little River.


.


[[Category:New Zealand]]
[[Category:New Zealand]]
[[trash:Christchurch]]
[[hitch:Christchurch]]
[[nomad:Christchurch]]

Latest revision as of 02:50, 30 December 2015

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Christchurch (Ōtautahi (in Maori Ngāi Tahu), is often called the The Garden City. Population: 375,900.

Located on the east coast, Christchurch is the South Island's largest city, and the third largest in New Zealand.

From September 2010 Christchurch endured in excess of 11,000 earthquakes for a period spanning more than 2 years, from September 2010 until late 2012. The city is still in recovery but the rebuild is well underway. Thousands of homes were destroyed and many streets have been damaged.


  • On the eastern edge of the city is Pegasus Bay and the Pacific Ocean with safe swimming beaches and good surfing
  • Kaikoura is 2 hours to the North
  • Dunedin is 4-5 hours drive to the South
  • The West Coast is 3 hours drive to the west over Arthurs Pass

Hospitality Networks

BeWelcome

BeWelcome has very few active hosts in Christchurch.

Couchsurfing

There are over 1,100 hosts and Couch Surf locals in Christchurch and a growing community. Regular meetings are held every Wednesday evening. Other activities and social events are listed on the Christchurch group .

Budget accomodation

There is a shortage of backpacker hostels in Christchurch following the earthquakes of 2010/2011. - Search HostelWorld for the latest availability.

Safety

- Hitch-hiking - Online safety

History

  • These first inhabitants were moa-hunting tribes and these were followed by the Waitaha who are thought to have migrated from the east coast of the North Island in the 16th century. This migration was joined by the Ngati Mamoe and Ngai Tahu and continued until about 1830.
  • The first European landed in Canterbury in 1815, 45 years after Captain James Cook sighted what he named "Banks Island", later found to be a peninsula.
  • In 1840 the first Europeans settled on the plains and whaling ships were operating out of Lyttelton by 1850.
  • During 1850-1851 the first organised groups of English settlers, the founders of Christchurch, arrived on the 'first four ships' into Lyttelton Harbour.
  • Christchurch became a city by Royal Charter on July 31, 1856, making it officially the oldest established city in New Zealand.
  • In 1893, New Zealand women were the first in the world to win the right to vote. A memorial to Kate Sheppard, who led the Women's Suffrage movement, can been seen on Oxford Terrace, alongside the Avon River at the Worcester Street corner.
  • Canterbury's economy was built on dairy and sheep products. Canterbury now has a diversified regional economy with growth across a range of sectors.


Earthquakes

Christchurch has experienced over 11,000 earthquakes and aftershocks since 4th September 2010. The first earthquake of 7.1 magnitude struck at 4:35am on 4th September 2010 and a more devastating 6.3 magnitude quake struck at 12:51pm on 22nd February 2011. The February quake caused serious damage and 185 deaths, mainly in the central business district of the city. There was substantial damage to the eastern areas of the city. Much of the central business district was cordoned off for up to 2 years following the quakes but all streets are now open. More than 900 damaged buildings were demolished or removed. 2015 saw many new developments reaching completion in the CBD with many more to open during 2016. Many former central city businesses and government offices, have relocated to the western suburbs of Christchurch of Addington, Riccarton, Papanui, and Hornby.

Liquefaction in the eastern suburbs caused major damage to infrastructure such as water supply, electricity, sewers and roads. A huge area in the eastern suburbs was designated as 'Residential Red Zone' and all the houses removed - no decision has been made on the future use of this land. Meanwhile it is a huge area of grassland and trees.


Most backpacker hostels located in the CBD are closed or destroyed. Some hostels are open on Bealey Avenue and Barbadoes Avenue. Search HostelWorld for the latest availability.

Keep up to date with the latest quakes on GeoNet or Quake Live.

Earthquake related news

Christchurch before and after earthquake photos

Attractions

Things to do and see in Christchurch

Check out the page 100 Things to do in Christchurch for some ideas.

Eat

Live Music Venues

  • Dux Live, 363 Lincoln Road, Addington, Christchurch
  • darkroom, 336 St Asaph Street, Christchurch

Keeping Active

Internet

  • One hour of access is around $2 at most paid internet cafes.
  • There are free Wifi hotspots around the city on a number of Telecom telephone street boxes.

Most Christchurch Libraries offer free internet via wifi or bring your computer. Free wifi is also available at Riccarton Hoyts movie theatre, and many cafes, coffee shops and bars.

Getting Around

Bus

Fares:

Cash Fare - Single Trip $3.50 - Includes one free transfer within 2 hours

Metrocard - Single Trip $2.50 - Includes unlimited free transfers for the first 2 hours

All Day Travel Pass (with Metro Card) - $5.00 is the maximum you pay per day for as many trips as you like

All Metro buses have a bike rack fitted to the front of the bus. Your bike travels for free. At the Metro Bus Interchange in the central city there is a bike storage room where you can leave your bike. There are also lockers available to store your gear. Showers are available in the unisex toilet area.

Cycle

  • Cycling is a great way to get around, as the city is flat. There are biking lanes on most of the main arterial roads. There are mountain biking tracks on the nearby Port Hills, McLeans Island near the airport and Bottle Lake Forest, which commences at North Beach. Most city Metro buses, have bike racks to carry cycles. This is handy in inclement weather or to get to Lyttelton, where cycling is not allowed through the tunnel.

Weather

Christchurch has a temperate climate. In summer temperatures range from 15 - 35 degrees Celsius but most commonly between 20 - 25 degrees during the daytime and around 9 - 15 at night. Winter temperatures are above freezing except when there are early morning frosts when it can be down to -5. It snows in Christchurch only once or twice each winter.

Forecasts are available from:

Christchurch city

Castle Hill

Ski Field Weather and Snow Reports

Mountain

Bank's Peninsula

Banks Peninsula, or Horomaka, is a large peninsula on the East of Christchurch city. The Peninsula is of volcanic origin - Lyttelton Harbour and Akaroa Harbour are old craters. It features sheltered bays, sandy beaches, bush clad valleys, rocky coastline and high, wild hills. Boating, Maori history, tramping/hiking, wineries, cheese factory, Hector Dolphin cruises and the harbourside French village of Akaroa, are some of the key Peninsula attractions. Akaroa is a beautiful town 1.5 hours drive from Christchurch. The peninsula has some significant Maori history, including the massacre at Akaroa which focused on Onawe Peninsula. nomad:Christchurch