Christchurch is a fascinating destination with a beautiful coastline and countryside. This relatively small borough packs in a lot of attractions, such as:

Priory ChurchThe construction of the Priory Church began in 1094 and has been a place of worship and pilgrimage since then. The beautiful building and its architecture can be best enjoyed appreciated through a guided tour. The church also hosts a large number of concerts and events all through the year.

Highcliffe Castle:This mansion house in cliff-top grounds was built in the 1830s by Lord Stuart de Rothesay. The information about the intriguing history of the castle can be accessed at the Heritage Center that also features an year round programme of events, exhibitions and concerts.

Adventure Wonderland and Wild Thing:This theme park is an ideal fun destination for children aged between two to fourteen. From the Alice in Wonderland games and story to thrilling adventure rides, this all inclusive park packs in fun features that keep the children enthralled for an entire day. The Hedge Maze in the park is the largest in the region.

Regent Centre:Located in the High Street, the Regent Center is a great showcase of diverse music of all kinds. Featuring more than 400 events annually, one can enjoy film and dance, along with spectacular presentations by small to mid-scale touring theatres from all over the country. Art and craft exhibitions are also held in the foyer from time to time.

This genteel looking city is an adventurous land that is a dream destination of travelers from around the world. Travelers to Christchurch are treated to a wide range of accommodation options that range from luxurious hotels to modestly priced guest houses and hostels. The best areas to stay in the city include:

City Center:The heart of Christchurch boasts of a wide range of hotels that offer superior accommodation amidst top city attractions. The best options here include Millennium, Heritage Christchurch, Weston House, Holiday Inn City Centre and Crowne Plaza Christchurch. Students looking for a decent hostel accommodation can choose the New Excelsior Backpackers.

Cathedral Square West:The west side of the Cathedral Square boasts of some of the top places of tourist attraction, along with the best hotels and lodges to accommodate the visitors. You can choose from a wide range of accommodation options, such as Sudima Hotel Grand Chancellor, Commodore Hotel, Chateau on the Park and Riccarton.

Cathedral Square North:The accommodation options in the south of Cathedral Square are set amidst hordes of trendy eateries and shopping complexes. Few of the great options located near the Christchurch Casino include Camelot Motor Lodge and the Pavilions Hotel.

All nationals intending a visit to New Zealand must possess a valid passport.

Visa is not required to enter New Zealand by the nationals of UK, USA, Canada, Australia and other EU nations. UK nationals can stay in NZ for a period of up to 6 months, whereas Australians can stay indefinitely without a visa.

Christchurch is an all season destination and can be visited any time of the year. The average summer and winter temperature differ by not more than 10 degree celsius over most of the country. This `Festival City` of New Zealand hosts free classical music concerts and other activities from New Years until late February. Winters in Christchurch are the best time to visit this city as the temperature tend to be fairly mild and the weather is suitable for all kinds of indoor and outdoor activities.

Christchurch experiences a dry and temperate temperature with least number of rainy days amongst the major cities in New Zealand. The summer climate ranges from warm to extremely hot whereas winters are mild. Winter days are clear and cold with night temperature often falling below freezing point. Though snow is a rarity, rainfall and smog is quite common during winter months.

Currency:Currency used in Christchurch is the New Zealand Dollar. Though ATMs, banks and exchange bureaus are available throughout Christchurch, it is advisable that you have some New Zealand dollars with you before entering the city. You can easily transact at the airport where the exchange rates are at par with the banks. Added bonus is that they deal in a wide range of currencies, many of which might not be available with your local bank.

Language:New Zealand has 2 official languages: English and Maori, which became an official language in 1987. Sign language is also an official language of the deaf people in New Zealand.