Central Christchurch in Christchurch / Ōtautahi is one of the most accessible and attractive downtowns in NZ. The accessibility lies in the layout, established in 1850 as a grid pattern of streets and city squares. The attractiveness arises from the combination of historic buildings and attractive modern developments around the meandering Avon River / Ōtākaro and the parks on the west side of the city grid. Four avenues bound the layout: Bealey, Fitzgerald, Moorhouse, and Deans Avenues, with Cathedral Square at the centre. This area includes Hagley Park and the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, with many bridges over the river to maintain the grid.
Walking around the city's central part takes a day, but a tram makes a regular circuit every 10 to 20 minutes and stops near all the prominent locations. The city's modern centre is Oxford Terrace, which sits at the heart of the post-earthquake redevelopment along the river. There are numerous eateries with outdoor seating, access to the river, and historic parks and sites, including the Bridge of Remembrance and archway.
At the north end of the terrace, you will find beautiful Victoria Square and the stunning Te Pae (meaning the gathering place) convention centre. Look out for the colourful panels near the front of Te Pae. There are some nearby empty spaces and a still-standing derelict high-rise building. The plan is to fill these areas with new hotels as the market improves. After exploring the park, head east along Armagh Street to New Regent Street. This famous, long-established, colourful retail street survived the earthquakes surprisingly well, full of lively cafes, bars, and small shops. Cathedral Square is at the south end of the street and slightly to the west on Gloucester Street.
The Square's main feature is the Gothic revival Anglican ChristChurch Cathedral, built between 1864 and 1904. Although earthquakes damaged it several times, the February 2011 earthquake was much more consequential, with a partial collapse. Today, the cathedral is in the midst of a restoration process with an uncertain end date and funding. In the meantime, other features of the square are in good shape. The stunning Citizens War Memorial is accessible, and there is the adjacent new Tūranga (library). Te Pae also occupies one side of the square.
From the square, take Worcester Boulevard to the west. Cross over the river, and you will see the impressive architectural design of the Art Gallery on your right. It’s free to visit and also has a shop and cafe. Continue along the boulevard after the gallery. On the left is a series of Gothic revival buildings, now the Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora. You can walk around it, exploring courtyards, galleries and shops, with an open-air market on Saturdays. Also, note the historic wooden houses around these streets. Typically, these held up well.
From the Arts Centre, turn north onto Rolleston Avenue. The excellent Ravenscar House Museum is immediately on your right. There is a fee, but it’s worth it! Opposite the museum is a more Gothic revival in the form of Christ’s College. To the south of the college is the main entrance to the superb Botanic Gardens, where you could easily spend a day.
The gardens sit inside a U formed by the river, and Hagley Park surrounds the gardens on three sides. The best part of the park to visit is the north side. It features broad fields dotted with mature exotic trees with edges lined by blossom trees, daffodils and other flowers. A photographer's delight in spring!
