Archive for the 'Canterbury' Category

Christchurch and Canterbury Want You To Visit!

Posted by Ruth Atherley on May 14, 2012 at 12:47 pm

The Christchurch and Canterbury region is spectacular. And, true to the resilient and creative Kiwi character, Christchurch has taken their earthquake challenges and turned them around into some great opportunities for visitors.

They have exciting redevelopment plans for the quake-damaged Central Business District (CBD), which has been given the green-light by the New Zealand Government – and there is a commitment to have them blue-print ready for the rebuild by July. Under the blueprint, the CBD will be transformed into a green, mostly low-rise, resilient, safe and sustainable place with distinct precincts, each with its own character and feel.

Christchurch is taking a creative approach to rebuilding – the pop-up malls have been a big hit. For those who haven’t seen it yet, the pop-up malls are bars, restaurants and boutique shops that are housed in funky, colourful shipping containers that are grouped to create a small retail community. In fact, The Re:Start development showcases almost 30 retailers in a colourful labyrinth that is very popular with locals and visitors. So cool.

Also very cool – Christchurch is getting a “cardboard” cathedral. Yep, that’s right – a cathedral made of cardboard. Designed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, the cardboard cathedral is a new symbol of hope for Christchurch. It’s intended to last well over 20 years and will be made of cardboard tubes, timber beams, structural steel and a concrete pad. It will have a seating capacity for 700 people.

For Canterbury, there is some exciting news that is expected to happen soon. The people of the region are waiting to hear whether its bid to have part of the Mackenzie basin turned into the Southern Hemisphere’s first internationally recognized starlight reserve will succeed.

The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) is considering establishing the Aoraki Mackenzie Starlight Reserve, centred on Canterbury University’s Mt. John Observatory, at Tekapo, where you can observe 50 million stars on a clear night. We have our fingers crossed for our friends in the Christchurch Canterbury region.

Christchurch is a vibrant, picturesque city surrounded by natural wonders – the sparkling Pacific Ocean, majestic Southern Alps and an ancient volcanic peninsula. Discover Canterbury’s lush vineyards, pristine glacial lakes, world-class natural wildlife experiences and Mount Cook National Park – all part of this region of remarkable contrasts.

From penguins to paua, from encounters with dolphins and albatross to whale watching cruises, Christchurch and the Canterbury region are well-known for their special marine environment and opportunities to view and interact with wildlife.

Experience an amazing up-close encounter with New Zealand’s largest glacier, the Tasman Glacier. Explore the fascinating glacial landscape and the ever-changing ice face of the glacier. The lake is dotted with icebergs and the boat passes by so close you can almost touch them.

There are endless things to see and do in Christchurch, from city attractions to national parks. Your challenge is in choosing how to make the most of your time in the heart of the South Island.

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Something for Everyone at Terrace Downs Resort

Posted by Paul Holman on May 8, 2012 at 1:01 pm

I was fortunate to be able to chat with the people from Terrace Downs and to learn a little more about their beautiful resort.

Terrace Downs offers in-house and casual visitors a unique one-stop New Zealand getaway destination, within an easy hour’s drive of Christchurch International Airport. And although they are in close proximity to the Christchurch airport, they have been largely unaffected by the quakes. Perched on the edge of the spectacular Rakaia River, the resort boasts stunning views up to Mt. Hutt and is close to various ski fields.

Terrace Downs is a family-friendly resort. In combination with Mt. Hutt’s “Kid’s Ski for Free” promotion, kids under 12 stay for free in existing bedding and can dine for free with their parents off the kids menu.

Catering to guests of all ages, the resort features deluxe one-to-four bedroom accommodation, three on-site dining options, and a selection of resort-operated leisure and adventure activities to choose from. Terrace Downs makes for an exciting and memorable day trip into Canterbury’s High Country. It is an all-seasons leisure retreat, and offers the ultimate conference, team building and wedding venue. Resort activities include an 18-hole championship golf course, a day spa, jet boating, on-site horse treks, clay pigeon shooting, archery, and fishing off the beautiful river shores. Helicopter rides, mountain biking, a rugby field, a soccer field and tennis courts are also available.

Terrace Downs now has executive suites and a family suite. There is something for everyone at Terrace Downs Resort.

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