Christchurch City
I have to say that I am more impressed with the South Island than the North Island so far. Christchurch is a very pretty garden city. Actually I just found out that is its nickname- “The Garden City” since the 1920s. CC is the second largest city in NZ and the largest centre in the South Island. There are over 748 parks and gardens in Christchurch. It may also be the oldest city in NZ, registered in 1865. They have 6 “sister” cities, Seattle being one of them.
The cathedral makes up a huge part of the center city. Viola “Cathedral Square”.
The Anglican Cathedral:
![IMG_1484[1]](http://static.flickr.com/26/55504578_c5eb7a7cd1.jpg)
Sculpture in the Square with Cathedral in the background:
![IMG_1509[1]](http://static.flickr.com/33/55504577_9c6aca35e8.jpg)
The Sculpture commerated the year 2000 and also 150 years of European Settlement. Not sure how the Maori feel about this.
Most things are in walking distance and there is even a Tramway (tramcar) that will take you to the 11 most popular attractions. I used it today and quickly realized I could have walked it with no problems. I spent some time at the Christchurch Botanical Gardens and Museum and passed by the Avon River.
Scenes from the Botanical Gardens:
![IMG_1502[1]](http://static.flickr.com/26/55504579_8d8229b1a5.jpg)
![IMG_1507[1]](http://static.flickr.com/29/55507460_b60b9b1756.jpg)
An interesting note about Christchurch is that it is the world’s main gateway to the Antarctic. Scientists from all over the world fly to the Antarctic from the International Antartic Centre. Hmmm.
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kris