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[edit] AdventureHotels.travel
While still growing and improving, AdventureHotels.travel is already the internet's biggest and most comprehensive Pacific Rim travel and hotel portal, and with good reason. Adventure Hotels offers a new but simple concept in hotel reservations that tremendously benefits both you, the traveller, and the hotel. We have thirty-nine of the internet's most popular Pacific Rim (and other) destinations for you to choose from. Some of our destinations are huge, and very comprehensive, covering areas as large as SouthPacificHotels.travel.
And finally, our specialty! Through a rigid qualifying process of former guest reviews, we have narrowed down your search to the best value-priced, independently-operated, eco-friendly Christchurch hotels available.
[edit] No middlemen
Most internet portals will list any hotel as long as it pays the middleman (a chain hotel central reservation system, or the Global Distribution System (GDS) like hotels.com, travelocity, expedia, orbitz, etc.) a huge 20% to 40% commission for each reservation. All of our qualified and listed hotels pay us only an annual listing fee. We make nothing on your reservation.
[edit] Our hotels need to qualify to be listed
Our hotels need to undergo a rigorous qualification process to be listed on our websites. In fact, only about 15% of all hotels qualify. We don't list a lot of hotels, just the best ones. The four step qualification process includes:
- Pricing: all Adventure Hotels must have average prices under US$200, $150 or $100 (depending upon the location) per night double occupancy, but most are far less. Because good quality hotels in Christchurch tend to be moderately priced, all hotels listed on this site are under US$150, but most are far less. We have determined that there is no need for you to pay more for fine quality, well-located accommodation.
- All Adventure Hotels listed are independently owned and operated which means the owners must personally demonstrate they try harder to satisfy their guests. Often the personal service and advice they offer is worth the price of accommodation alone. Adventure Hotel owners are excited about their hotel and facilities, and it shows. They not only provide excellent accommodations, facilities and services for the price they charge, but also, they have painstakingly put together an attractive, informative website proudly displaying their wonderful hotel (and prices) on the first page (or two) of the search engines. Prices are important and forcing you to contact the hotel to obtain them is annoying. Our hotels do not rely on costly middlemen to send them a steady stream of guests like cattle through a feed lot, making you feel like a statistic (which you are). Adventure Hotels' philosophy is simple. If the hotel doesn't rely mainly on word of mouth, nor have the wherewithall to attract and keep its own guests by providing comfortable, clean, updated accommodations and facilities, and make guests feel welcome and appreciated, then the hotel probably doesn't have the genuine interest to make your stay an authentic, warm, real, and a problem-free experience.
- Former guest reviews: all Adventure Hotels listed have undergone a series of former guest reviews, guests who lay out the truth (as they see it) and the cream hotels that we list have risen to the top positions...don't just take our word on it, trust the opinions of former guests!
- All Adventure Hotels are eco-friendly (to some extent) and must meet minimum requirements of sustainability. Categories include recycling, composting, using renewable energy, conservation of the environment and indigenous cultural promotion, employing local help with chances for upward mobility, buying local produce, reinvesting profits in the local area, informing guests of eco-friendly travelling practises, and generally encouraging visitors to observe, listen, understand and empathize rather than see, hear, take pictures and boast. If visitors prefer the familiar comforts of home, they need to ask themselves why they are traveling?
[edit] Locate the perfect hotel at any destination
From each listed hotel's website, you are able to contact the hotel(s) directly. Ask a real person for multi-night and multi-room, child and senior discount; a quiet room or a top floor room with a view; or to be accommodated close to the pool; extra blankets, towels or pillows; or have them recommend and book a tour or car for you in advance; you can request a romantic bouquet of exotic flowers with a note attached waiting in your room, or a chilled bottle of champagne; or ask questions about the surrounding area, dining, nightlife, laundry services or luggage storage, or a possible early check-in or late check-out. You can't do any of this when you book through a middleman!
[edit] We have done the work for you
Now, confidently make your reservations your way by dealing directly with the hotel, and holding the hotel accountable for what they promised. Though our listed hotels are highly recommended and qualified, if your hotel doesn't live up to your expectations, send us an honest and realistic review, to warn others. However, if it meets or surpasses your expectations, be kind and send us a positive review. These hotels depend on YOUR word of mouth, eliminating the costly middlemen, and saving everyone money. Both you and the hotel win. In fact, the only people that lose are those greedy middlemen.
[edit] Christchurch Crash Course
Christchurch, considered the most British city outside of Britain, is the regional capital of Canterbury, New Zealand. It is the major city on the South Island, the second largest in population and third in area in all of New Zealand. A near-coastal city, it is situated just north of Banks Peninsula, midway down the eastern coast of the South Island.
Christchurch's first name was Ōtautahi, meaning a seasonal home Chief Tautahi of the Ngai Tahu tribe who normally resided in nearby Port Levy. He liked to shelter on the bank of the Avon River where Barbadoes Street Bridge is now located.
English settlers first established Christchurch in 1850, as can be seen in the English-style architecture like the Anglican Cathedral off the Square in central Christchurch. Like its counterpart name in England, the Avon Rivers meanders through Christchurch breaking up the normal grid pattern of streets.
Christchurch has a nickname, the Garden City, and if looking down fro a high building, you will be amazed at the number of trees blocking the sight of buildings, making it look almost rural.
The city's growing tourist arrivals often are Asians coming for an education in English as a second language, or to work in the growing software and electronics industry. Internet cafes are everywhere, particularly around the main square.
It is an extremely organized, clean, proud and civil city, with a population still under four hundred thousand but growing. Being nearest Mount Cook and the most interesting parts of the South Island, Christchurch is the natural stepping-off point for many international visitors.
[edit] History
In 1876 archaeologists discovered evidence in a Redcliffs cave of indigenous artifacts of moa hunters from around 1250. Unwritten Māori ledend orally states the area was inhabited since the end of the first millenium, corresponding to other areas of New Zealand. In the 1500s, the Waitaha tribe from the North Islands east coast, but the tribe called the Ngati Mamoe, also of the North Island, overtook the Waitaha, but they themselves were defeated and absorbed by marriage by the Ngāi Tahu tribe. At the time of European arrival, they were in contol, subjugating the others.
Following the purchase of land at Putaringamotu (modern Riccarton) by the Weller brothers, whalers from Otago and Sydney, a party of European settlers led by Herriott and McGillivray established themselves in what is now the Christchurch area, early in 1840. Their abandoned holdings were taken over by brothers named Deans in 1843 who stayed. Four British ships carrying 792 Canterbury Pilgrims arrived at Christchurch's Lyttelton Harbour in 1850, whose plans were to build a city around a wonderful cathedral and college, similar to Christ Church in Oxford. The name 'Christ Church' was decided by them even before their arrival.
The proper road construction plans linking the sea with Christchurch proved to difficult at the time and a path over the steep hill between the port and Heathcote Valley was used for pack-horses led by their bridle, hence the name, 'Bridal Path'.
Large heavy articles were shipped by smaller vessels an extra eight miles to the Ferrymead Estuary, and New Zealand's first railway was in use by 1863 between Christchurch and Ferrymead. By 1867 however, with the money use from growth of wool exports, a tunnel was bored and blasted through the Port Hills connecting Lyttelton to Christchurch.
In 1856, Christchurch was chartered as a city, the first in New Zealand. You will still notice some gothic architecture of the 1850s era, work designed and erected by architect Benjamin Mountfort.
Christchurch was the seat of provincial administration for the Province of Canterbury.
In 1947, New Zealand's worst fire disaster occurred at Ballantyne's Department Store in the inner city, with 41 people killed in a blaze which razed the rambling collection of buildings.
A road tunnel was constructed between Lyttelton and Christchurch in the early 1960s.
In 1974 Christchurch was host to the Commonwealth Games.
[edit] Gateway to the Antarctic
Statue of Robert Falcon Scott created by his widow, Kathleen Scott.Christchurch has played a significant role in the history of Antarctic exploration. Both Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton used the port of Lyttelton as a departure point for expeditions, and there is a statue of Scott, sculpted by his widow, in the central city.
Christchurch International Airport serves as the major base for the Italian and United States Antarctic programs as well as the New Zealand Antarctic programme. The International Antarctic Centre provides both base facilities and a museum and visitor centre.
[edit] Climate
In winter it is common for the temperature to fall below 0°C at night. Snow falls occur on average once or twice a year in the hill suburbs and about once or twice every two years on the plain. On cold winter nights, the surrounding hills, clear skies, and frosty calm conditions often combine to form a stable inversion layer above the city that traps vehicle exhausts and smoke from domestic fires to cause smog. While not as bad as smog in Los Angeles or Mexico City, Christchurch smog has often exceeded World Health Organization recommendations for air pollution. The city has funding available to upgrade domestic home heating systems, and in order to limit air pollution will likely ban some forms of fire-based heating systems within the next two years.
[edit] Economy
The early local economy was based on the agricultural produce of the Canterbury plains. Early manufacturers processed agricultural produce, especially sheep and dairy products, into finished products. The early presence of the University of Canterbury and the heritage of the city's academic institutions working in association with local businesses have fostered a number of technology-based industries. Christchurch has a number of technology companies offices, including Netconcepts, and SLI Systems. The region now has a range of "new economy" sectors.
Tourism is also a significant factor of the local economy. The closeness of the ski-fields and other attractions of the Southern Alps, and hotels and an airport that meet international standards make Christchurch a stopover destination for many tourists. It is particularly hospitable to Japanese tourists, with signage around Cathedral Square in Japanese, and some local churches being popular for weddings of Japanese couples, followed by honeymoons in Queenstown.
[edit] Getting in
You may need to apply for a visitor visa or permit if you intend to stay temporarily in New Zealand, but you don't intend to study or work. When you are granted a permit, you can stay in New Zealand for up to nine months.
[edit] Visa free countries
People from some countries don't need a visa to enter New Zealand. However, they are still required to provide: travel tickets or evidence of onward travel arrangements, and evidence of funds for maintenance.
[edit] Short visits
If you are visiting for three months or less and are from a country in the list below, you will not need a visa.
Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Uruguay, Vatican City
[edit] By air
The airport is very multi-use as Antarctica's McMurdo Station recieves flights from here, as well as both civilian and military aircraft also use the same runways.
The thirty five minute trip to downtown on regular buses costs NZ$7, leaving every half hour weekdays, and hourly on weekends. The eight passenfer '$5 bus' runs between the airport and Square every twenty minutes or so, and a door to door service anywhere in Christchurch for $12 to maybe $20 per person depending how many people are in your party, and where exactly you want to be dropped off. Taxis cost less than $50 to the city center if you don't want to wait, and of course, there are several car rental agencies at the airport.
[edit] By car
The main north/south highway in New Zealand called State Highway One passes around the western suburbs of Christchurch, by the airport. State Highway 73 runs west over Arthurs Pass and to the western coast of the South Island. Take this if you want to check out the Mount Cook, Hermitage area, for mountain climbing and snow skiing. Hitch hiking here is possible, but I have never had so much competition trying to catch a ride thumbing, everyone does it.
[edit] By bus
There are daily buses north to Picton and south to Dunedin.
[edit] Arriving by train
Trains are timed to meet the ferry in Picton coming from Wellington. If you are southbound, you sail the morning and train the afternoon arriving at 6:05pm in Christchurch, and the opposite if you are heading north, leaving Christchurch at 8:15am.
Christchurch's train station is located in Addington adjacent to the large Tower Junction shopping centre and has few facilities.
[edit] By boat
Lyttelton is the port town closest to Christchurch. To get into Christchurch, there is a road tunnel under the Port Hills. .
[edit] Getting around Christchurch
Because Christchurch is quite flat, many use bicycles on safe, special purpose bicycle paths, along the sides of many streets.
Most of Christchurch is in a grid-pattern so it is easy to navigate, though the Avon river also disrupts the perfect grid. There are several one-way streets, and lanes designated to buses and taxis only.
Buses connect through the indoor Bus Exchange at Colombo and Lichfield Streets, cost $2.50 cash or $1.90 with a minimum $10 purchase and not more than $3.80 fare per day if you use the MetroCard. For a free quick jaunt around the inner city, take the diesel-electric yellow shuttle orbiting every ten or so minutes, nut many find it more convenient just to walk. , but often it can be quicker to walk such short distances.
Christchurch has a restored tramway costing $12.50 for two days running a small loop around the inner city.
[edit] Things to see
- Christchurch Cathedral - found in Cathedral Square, it is open daily to view with services each weekday. It was completed in 1904, and is the city's most outstanding landmark, elegant and stately, and brightening up central Christchurch. Go to the i-Site Visitors' Center in the old Post Office Building, to check for upcoming concerts, protests, bizarre street preachers and the world famous Wizard of New Zealand classified by art galleries and critics as a Living Work of Art, designer of the Post-Modern Cosmology, theorist of the Fun Revolution, founder of the Imperial British Conservative Party, role-model for Post-Feminist men, and Metaphysical Engineer. Craft and food stalls are available during the day time.
- Arts Centre is on Worcester Boulevard, and the information center is open from 9:30am to 5pm daily. The Arts Centre of Christchurch is a vibrant and exciting venue for a huge range of New Zealand made art and crafts, shopping, education and entertainment. There truly is something for everyone, with highlights including over forty specialty shops, fine art galleries, world-class theatre, art house cinemas, bars, restaurants and cafes, a bustling weekend Art, Craft and Produce Market, and an array of festivals and special events throughout the year. Once the site of the University of Canterbury, these distinctive Gothic Revival buildings are today a maze of fun, wonder and delight, and form part of our award-winning tourism attraction.
- Art Gallery is at the corner of Montreal Street and Worcester Boulevard, just a block east of he Botanic Gardens, open daily from 10am to 5pm, and weekends from 10am to 9pm. It is an amazing forty seven million dollar facility first, the biggest on the South Island, first opened in 2003. It has more than five thousand items plus visiting exhibitions.
- Air Force Museum is formerly Wigram Airfield, take the Main South Road, it is open daily from 10am to 5pm. This museum has actual-sized replicas of fighter planes and demonstrates New Zealand's Air Force history from World War One through Vietnam and after. Admission is $15 per adult and $5 per child. The Air Force Museum is a great day out for all the family with 28 amazing aircraft and fun, hands-on displays. Our exhibitions will capture your imagination and our free, guided tours take you exploring behind the scenes of our fascinating restoration projects.
- Botanic Gardens folow Rolleston Avenue, and the car park entrance is on Armagh Street. they open the gates daily 7am to 5:30pm winter, 7am to 9pm in the summer, but check first. Only thirteen years after the British officially settled in Christchurch, the green thumb came out in them, and they decided to turn an area of sand dunes and swamp into the Botanic Gardens, taking in seventy acres of amazing New Zealand indigenous flora, from huge trees a hundred or more years old, to the smallest plants and flowers. The park was dedicated to Queen Victoria’s oldest son, Prince Albert Edward marrying Denmark's Princess Alexandra. The grounds form a majestic background to sweeping lawns and numerous flora collections.
- Canterbury Museum is on Rolleston Avenue at the finish of Worcester Boulevard, with the neighbouring Botanic Gardens. It is open each day from 9am to 5:30pm in the summer, and 9am to 5pm in the winter. It includes colonial, Maori as well as natural history sections, an Antarctic display of exploration, as well as travelling exhibitions. Admission is free to the main exhibits (however a donation is appreciated), and only $2 to enter the Discovery Children's Section. See a moa in a minute or spend hours exploring New Zealand’s rich cultural and natural heritage. Canterbury Museum is in the heart of Christchurch City, within strolling distance of the Botanic Gardens, The Christchurch Arts Centre, Christchurch Art Gallery and Cathedral Square. Canterbury Museum is a treasure trove of riches. Its collections have engaged and delighted visitors from all over the world for more than 130 years.
- Ferrymead Heritage Park is on Ferrymead Park Drive (take Ferry Road east from Christchurch, or grab the 30 Sumner Bus at the Bus Exchange then to Heathcote River Bridge. Open daily from 10am to 4:30pm. It is a recreated Edwardian town with a museum and horse-drawn carriage every day, a tram on weekends and public holidays and a train each first and third Sunday available for rides. There is a Picture Theatre, School House, Church, Bakery, Jail and Railway Station as well as a fascinating array of museum and heritage collections. There are tram rides on weekends and trains running first Sunday of month and every Sunday December to February. When operating, unlimited tram and train rides are included in the entrance price. Because much of Ferrymead is assisted by volunteers, not everything is open every day, and you have to sort of take your chances. ou may luck out with a special event, or view the filming of 'Colonial House', a reality TV show. Admission varies as to what is available that day, but somewhere between $3 and $10.
- International Antarctic Centre, at the Christchurch Airport is open daily from 9am to 8pm in the summer, and 9am to 5:30pm in the winter. It is a world-class Antarctic experience having simulated freezing polar weather, a Hagglund all-terrain vehicle ride, and an excellent little gift shop. For over a century Christchurch has been the gateway to Antarctica. Back in 1901 Robert Falcon Scott's ship 'Discovery' docked at the city's port at Lyttelton. Six years later Ernest Henry Shackleton followed in 'Nimrod', and in 1910 Scott returned with 'Terra Nova' embarking on his ill-fated second expedition. In 1955 a new era began when Christchurch first welcomed the United States planes, ships and crews of "Operation Deep Freeze". This close relationship continues today. Opened in 1990, the International Antarctic Centre was edeveloped to enable Antarctic scientific studies and programs. Inspired by the natural architecture of icebergs, shelves and glaciers, the center is home to the New Zealand, United States and Italian Antarctic Programmes and comprises administration offices, warehousing, a US & NZ clothing store, a post office and travel agency, the Antarctic Passenger Terminal and of course the Visitor Centre, now known as The Antarctic Attraction. $20 per adult, $10 per child.
- Orana Wildlife Park is on McLeans Island Road just ten minutes drive going west from the airport, open daily from 10am to 5pm, with the last entrance time at 4:30pm. This is the biggest wildlife sanctuary/conservation project in New Zealand with many endangered animals coming from everywhere on earth. Orana Wildlife Park allows visitors a close-up look at the animals. Feed a giraffe by hand! Encounter White Rhinoceros face-to-face! Experience the explosive speed of a cheetah! Carress a llama. Take a ride on the feeding wagon traveling with animal keepers through an African lion reserve, viewing close-up how they feed! Visitors love the extensive collection of indigenous species, like the Kiwi, the Tuatara and a number of endemic, endangered birds like the Kea, known as the alpine parrot, one of a kind. Walk through the enclosed aviary seeing and listening to a vast variety of native birds. the A farm yard lets young visitors pet many different domestic animals. Some visitors opt for the free safari shuttle conducted a knowledgable nature expert who provides a commentary. Or walk with an informative guide through the park. They have minimized the use of cages and fences in favour of natural boundaries for the habitats. Admission is $14 per adult, $12 after 2:30pm, and $6 child. They limit the number of participants in the Lion Encounter to twenty per day, wit a minimum height requirement of 1.4 meters, they figure you are too big to swallow at that size!
- Science Alive is at 394 Moorhouse Road in the former railway station building, and sharing the lobby with the Hoyts 8 cinema, open daily from 10am to 5pm. This is a very interactive science center with emphasis on education. There is plenty for visitors to enjoy at the Park with fifteen daily animal feeds, one feed approximately every 40 minutes whilst the Park is open! Different themed-exhibitions are constantly on display changing three times per year. Admission is $10 per adult, $7 per child 5 to 16 years and $4 per child 2 to 4 years.
- Southern Encounter Aquarium & Kiwi House formerly called the Aquarium of Discovery, is at Cathedral Square adjoining the i-Site Visitors Center), open daily from 9am to 4:30pm. There is a walk through aquarium displaying native fish as well as sea animals, plus an interactive rock pool for the kids as well as view nocturnal brown kiwis. We can provide you with an exciting glimpse of what lies within our locally focused attraction. We are committed to the concept of conservation through advocacy and education, and endeavour to bring you closer to the aquatic and terrestrial fauna that makes New Zealand so special.There is a wide range of species displayed at Southern Encounter - come in and check out approximately 150 species of fishy and feathery friends some day soon! Southern Encounter is found within Cathedral Square, in the heart of Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city. Entry is through either the Christchurch Visitor Centre or Pathway Clothing, both of which are located in the South-west corner of Cathedral Square. Southern Encounter Aquarium and Kiwi House is operated as a non-profit organization by a registered charitable trust, the Orana Wildlife Trust, which also runs Orana Wildlife Park in Christchurch. $11 adult, $5 child.
- Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is at 60 Hussey Road just off of Gardiners Road. Smaller than Orana Park, focusing on New Zealand wildlife like the kiwi in its natural environment. Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch is one of the top New Zealand visitor attractions where you will experience New Zealand wildlife first hand and learn about the diversity of this country's natural environment and history. Willowbank prides itself on its conservation and rehabilitation of rare & endangered New Zealand species. We invite you to watch, touch and feed our unique native wildlife, become friends with our farm animals and learn about the introduced pests that have influenced New Zealand's bio-diversity. Your trip to New Zealand will not be complete without seeing the New Zealand kiwi bird - at Willowbank, our kiwis are housed in an open and natural enclosure allowing you incredible viewing. After dark the breeding pairs can be viewed outside under the stars (a world first). "Your Kiwi Guarantee" is our guarantee that all visitors will enjoy a kiwi experience. Kiwi viewing, kiwi hospitality and kiwi cuisine. For those nocturnal, come after dark and experience the Ko Tane Maori Cultural Performance and New Zealand Wildlife Tour at night. Or join us under the sun, for an outstanding day of entertainment and education. Open daily from 10am to 10pm, kiwi viewing starting at 11am. Admission is $16 per adult and $8 per child.
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
- Yaldhurst Museum of Transport and Science, on the Main West Road near the airport, take the first right past Yaldhurst Hotel, open daily from 10am to 5pm. Like you will find all over New Zealand, and made me think of ideas to ship them back to the USA, this is a great collection of over a hundred classic and even vintage vehicles. The Museum complex is set in the grounds of one of New Zealand's early colonial homesteads originally built in 1876 by the founders great grandfather. Since opening to the public in 1968 it has amassed over 100 vehicles plus a replica fire station, penny arcade, printing works, agricultural hall, school house and an exhibit of military paraphernalia. Visitors walk along treelined paths past lawns, outbuildings and a small lake. Many of the exhibits are in their original condition. One can easily imagine the human dramas that have unfolded around them. The atmosphere is overwhelming, capturing the essence of the past. $7.50 adult, $3 child.
[edit] Things to do
- Climb to Summit Road by car, bike or bus then enjoy the walk around. Views of breathtaking proportions over Christchurch, far west to the Southern Alps, look down on Pegasus Bay and the Lyttelton Harbour and the Banks Peninsula, you are so high they all have the same vantage point. This is a must do.
- What a romantic thing to do in the summer, punt along the Avon, departing from Worcester Street and Oxford Tce, you can make your reservation at the i-Site Visitor's Center in the Cathedral Square, slip down the Avon in British-style with an informative uniformed boatperson.
- Antigua Boatsheds, rent a boat at the history-drenched British Boatsheds for a first-hand boating experience. Open daily from 9:30am to 5:30pm in the summer, and until 4pm in the winter. Rates are steep at $7 per hr for a canoe, $12 per half hour for a rowboat, and $14 per half hour for a paddle boat.
- Christchurch Casino found at 30 Victoria Street, open all day and night excpet Christmas, Good Friday and ANZAC Day. Jeans are now allowed, and they feed you a free meal if it is your birthday!
- Christchurch Gondola, starts at 10 Bridle Path Road, to get there take the 'Best Attractions Express Shuttle' leaving Cathedral Square costing $5 per adult and $3 per child, or take the #28 Lyttelton Bus departing from the Bus Exchange). The nearly thousand metre Gondola gently lifts passengers four at a time in little enclosed cabins almost half a kilometer above sea level. Catch excellent 360 views over Christchurch, Canterbury Plains, the Heritage Time Tunnel and the Lyttelton Harbour, on the rim of Christchurch's extinct volcano. Open daily from 10am to late. Like the ride, the rates are a bit steep, $18 per adult and $8 child.At the top is a nice little nature walk, and a restaurant, a full three-course meal will run you $60 including the gondola.
Christchurch Gondola
- Christchurch to Akaroa Walk found at 24 New Regent Street, call 64 3 962 3280. On the first day you start with a gondola trip up to the ridge and view the Heritage Time Tunnel. Now walk nine kilometers south along the summit path and end up at Godley Head. From here, see the Second Worls War gun-emplacements plus the Lyttelton Timeball Station built in 1876 intended to signal the Greenich Time to boats. That nighht your accommodations are at the 1880 Godley House in Diamond Harbour. The next day walk nineteen kilometers along ridge paths with panoramic views of the harbours, inlets and valleys until reaching 'Hilltop' and spend the night at Pentrip Lodge. The third day you walk another eleven kilometers down some winding valley paths looking over Akaroa Harbour, eventually reaching Wainui, where a boat will take you across the water to Akaroa Village. Here you stay the night to celebrate your finishing the adventure with an entertaining dinner at a top Akaroa restaurant. The fourth day you are transported to Christchurch.
- Adventure Ride, Guided offroad motorcycle tours 1-10days All tours include an experienced guide, transport from Christchurch, motorcycle or ATV rental, fuel, insurance, riding gear, lunch and support vehicle. Overnight tours also include twin share accommodation and all meals. 5-10 day tours require a minimum of two riders. Bookings at www.adventureride.co.nz, or phone Grenville, +64 274 510 584 . New Zealand has the best scenery, this is the best way to see it!
[edit] Safely.travel
If you are new to travelling, or even if you have travelled the globe for years, I strongly recommend you check out the following link for some very interesting and informative reading about safe travelling to Christchurch, and the whole planet in general. It is an accumulation of original thoughts and experiences of several worldly travellers, just go to Safely.travel. It was written with the Third World in mind, where travelling disasters are around every corner, and a pre-emptor to what we may all expect someday in the First World as populations increase and desperate people become more brave and sophisticated in their survival techniques. Of course, New Zealand will be on the bhottom of this list as it is certainly one of the most safe countries there is! It will make you aware of all sorts of scams, how to check into a hotel, advice for single lady travellers, advice for single men travellers, rip tides, credit card scams, driving in a foreign land, kidnapping, street people, you name it. It is an essential read for anyone travelling, and the most comprehensive discussion I know of!
[edit] Christchurch hotels
As mentioned above, the following Christchurch hotels had to qualify to be listed here. They must be independently owned and operated, meet minimum eco-friendly requirements, rise to the top after a series of former guest reviews, and their average nightly double occupancy room rate must be less than US$150 per night.
Click on any hotel website we provide, and talk to a real person. Avoid misunderstandings caused by a middleman. Before you make your reservation, you can request a multi-night or multi-room, child or senior discount; a quiet room, or a top floor room, or a room with a view; or if you wish to be accommodated close to the pool; if you want extra blankets, towels or pillows; or have them recommend and book a tour or car for you in advance; you can request a romantic bouquet of exotic flowers with a note attached waiting in your room, or a chilled bottle of champagne; or ask questions about the surrounding area, dining, nightlife, laundry services or luggage storage, or a possible early check-in or late check-out. Play one hotel against the other. You can't do any of this when you book through a middleman, and without the middleman's whopping 20% to 40% commission to pay, a hotel has far more flexibility in satisfying your requests! AdventureHotels.travel makes no commission from any reservation, and only charges a small annual fee to list the hotel on our websites.
It costs you nothing to enjoy the fruits of our labor, and the savings and advantages are up to you when you deal directly with the hotel!
[edit] Our most qualified Christchurch hotels under $150 (in order of value/money)
Christchurch offers a wide range of accommodation.
International quality hotels can be found everywhere. Christchurchers seem to have perfected the art of the top-end homestay. Hosted luxury lodges are the top-end equivalent of the bed-and-breakfast market. Per capita, New Zealand has probably the highest in the world. They tend to be situated away from the center of the city, though some are right in its heart, but can be difficult to get to.
Motels of a variety of standards from luxury to just adequate can be found on the outskirts of Christchurch.
There is a wide range of backpackers accommodation around the country, including a network of Youth Hostels that are members of the Youth Hostels Association.
Bed and Breakfasts are popular with visiting Brits and Swiss as well as homestays, farmstays and similar lodgings — some of which are in the most unlikely places.
For uniquely New Zealand accommodation, there are Maori homestays and tourist-catering marae stays and New Zealanders are also registered on hospitality exchange sites, such as CouchSurfing.
There are a few of commercial camping grounds outside of Christchurch, as well as camping sites within the nearby national parks. One way that many tourists travel around New Zealand is in a self-contained campervan, a motorized caravan or large minibus, that can be driven by anyone who holds an ordinary car driver's license.
If you are travelling into the backcountry, the Department of Conservation has many backcountry huts that can be used under a permit system.
Free camping is also available in many places. Unless there is a "no camping" sign it is common to find a tent or hammock pitched for the night in many picnic areas or in a grove of trees off the road. Cycle tourists especially will rarely need to pay for camping, only for showers and laundry. Multi-day camping in these areas is often frowned upon, and in conservation areas camping outside designated areas may attract a fine.
New Zealand was one of the first countries in the world after the UK to develop a dense WWOOF network. WWOOF is a world wide network where travellers ("WWOOFers") stay as volunteers on farms and receive food and accommodation in exchange for half a days help (usually 4 - 6 hours) for each night they stay. The Nelson Tasman region on the South Island is particularly rich in WWooFing possibilities.
For travelers who want to stay a month or longer, there are a number of furnished flats for rent advertised in the papers. A local company called Urban Rooms has a number of furnished rentals specifically for travelers, ranging from rooms in a shared house to self-contained flats with garages.
[edit] Hostels and Backpackers
Christchurch is very popular with backpackers and there are a large number of backpackers' hostels located in the city. Backpackers tend to be safe, friendly and inexpensive. Motels are a bit pricier, but more private, starting at about $79NZ per night. Try Charlie B's, a centrally-located well-known hostel for years. If you like the personal experience that only a friendly B&B can give, there are many options in and around Christchurch.
[edit] Hotels
- Clonial Inn Motel - The Colonial Inn Motel is privately owned and operated and endeavours to deliver a high quality, personal service. It is a 23-unit complex situated in the heart of Christchurch. It comprises modern, self-contained studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom units featuring Sky TV, microwave and oven, spa bath and telephone. Continental breakfasts available. Wireless Broadband Internet in every room.
- Latimer Hotel - Our tradition of providing guests with quality service and warm hospitality has been a hallmark of the Latimer Hotel for over 36 years. This commitment is now showcased in the outstanding transformation of this Christchurch hotel icon into one of the most respected accommodation and conference venues in Christchurch.
- Gothic Heights Motel - Welcome to Gothic Heights Motel, Christchurch. We offer clean, comfortable Christchurch motel units in a great central city location. Your friendly and helpful hosts will help make your time in Christchurch both memorable and enjoyable by taking care of the small details so you can relax and enjoy your stay. Situated directly opposite the beautiful Hagley Park, we offer affordable, comfortable and spacious Christchurch accommodation with many facilities available to all our guests, to help make your stay at Gothic Heights Christchurch accommodation more enjoyable.
- Southern Comfort Motel - The Southern Comfort Motel is well located for the visitor to Christchurch, New Zealand. Access is easy by car or by public transport from the airport or railway station. Restaurants, bars and shops are 50 metres away from our Motels. The Christchurch City Centre is an easy stroll.Walk to The Convention Centre, The Town Hall or the Casino. A range of apartments are available to suit your requirements. We have a wide range of facilities and are rated as Excellent by Qualmark - New Zealand Tourism's official quality agency. Relax in our swimming pool or heated spa. Walk to a local restaurant or pick up a takeaway. Wander into the Christchurch City Centre from our Motels. Stroll through Hagley Park. You will enjoy your stay at the Southern Comfort Motel in Christchurch, New Zealand.
- Elms Hotel - Elms Hotel is surrounded by award-winning gardens and is ideally situated midway between the airport and the central city. We are the closest hotel to the largest enclosed shopping mall in New Zealand (Northlands). Our facilities include: 88 Studio Rooms, 7 luxury Executive Rooms including king/queen beds & spa baths. Luxury Apartment. Opulent luxury for the discerning traveller. All rooms include bath/shower, colour TV, radio and fridge. 24 hour room service and guest laundry. All rooms are non-smoking. Elms Licensed Restaurant is open year-round. Ample free car parking. Function/Conference facilities. Wireless, high speed internet. Large plasma screen in House Bar.
- Denton Park Motel - Experience the latest in luxury accommodation. Denton Park Motel is modern, offering outstanding levels of quality and service and is right on the doorstep of the Hornby and Dressmart Malls. It is also very quiet - so our guests can work in peace. Each unit features the latest high-tech hushglass sound proofing. 10 luxury units (1 & 2 bedroom studios), all units sound-proofed, wheelchair access units, spa baths, laptop connections, luxury fixtures and fittings, Super King, Double & King Single beds, breakfast available, nearest motel to Hornby & Dressmart Malls, restaurants & takeaways nearby, close to airport.
- Salerno Motel - Salerno Motel Apartments is the first of a new wave of luxury hotel quality accommodation at motel competitive prices to open within the four avenues of Christchurch, New Zealand. Whether you're in Christchurch for business or pleasure, our modern central city motel will gratify your every need. Just a short stroll to 5 of Christchurch's most highly regarded restaurants and all the shopping and entertainment the city has to provide. At Salerno we offer five spacious accommodation options from two or one bedroom apartments with ensuites and double spa baths, to well-appointed studio rooms with spa baths or showers. All rooms feature LCD flat screen TVs, separate data ports with secure high-speed Internet access and five-star quality beds, room accessories and linen. From its grand design and hotel-quality fitout to its central location on Bealey Ave near the Colombo St corner, at the Salerno Motel Apartments, we promise you an unforgettable hospitality experience. All suites are non-smoking. Cooked and continental breakfast available.
- Apollo Motel - Whether travelling for business or pleasure friendly hosts Janet and Kevin at Apollo Motel Christchurch will ensure your accommodation needs are met at very competitive rates. Apollo Motel, in the Christchurch suburb of Riccarton, provides quality four star self contained and serviced accommodation. Apollo Motel is situated close to Christchurch College of Education and is a short walk to the University of Canterbury, Westfield and Bush Inn Shopping Centres. Apollo Motel is approximately 5 minutes drive by car to Christchurch City Centre, Christchurch International Airport, and some wonderful entertainment centres including Westpac Stadium, Riccarton and Addington Raceways, the beautiful Botanic Gardens, Christchurch Art Centre and Wildlife Reserves. An excellent selection of quality restaurants offering a variety of National and International Cuisine are within easy walking distance of Apollo Motel. We pride ourselves on offering you a lovely home away from home atmosphere by providing affordable, spacious double glazed units designed for your comfort. All motel units are cleaned to a very high standard and are serviced daily during your stay. Cooked or Continental breakfasts are available at a very affordable price.
- Sumner Bay Motel - Sumner Bay Motel is new to Sumner Village, Christchurch, New Zealand, and is Christchurch's only premier beach location Motel. Sumner Bay Motel offers a complete holiday destination or short stay location with a difference. Sumner Bay Motel is situated next to Sumner Village with its cafe's, restaurants, boutiques, and local amenities. Behind are the Port Hills for walking, mountain bike riding, horse riding, and paragliding. A minutes walk away are Sumner and Scarborough surfing and swimming beaches, Cave Rock and the promenade. The Motel is new and architecturally designed with comfort, quality, and style, in mind. The complex is high quality with the use of natural stone and cedar paneling. The Sumner Bay Motel Christchurch apartments are double glazed, many with polished wood floors, granite bench tops, quality appliances and furniture. There is a separate cafe to the front.
- Hagley Park Motel - Gail and Murray would like to welcome you to Hagley Park Motel in Christchurch, "The Quiet One on the Park". We offer friendly hospitality and provide top service to all our guests. Hagley Park Motel offers all guests excellent, affordable accommodation close to the heart of the city. Hagley Park motel is situated adjacent to Hagley Park and is within easy walking distance to Cathedral Square, Botanic Gardens, Mona Vale, Museum, Arts Centre, Public Hospital, Christchurch Womans Hospital, Hagley Park Sports Grounds, Tennis, Netball and Golf Course. A good selection of restaurants and Christchurch's largest shopping mall is just minutes away.
- Antonio's Motor Lodge - Your hosts, Cath and Bob welcome you to Antonio's Motor Lodge, Christchurch, New Zealand. This luxury self-contained motel accommodation is situated on Riccarton Road, close to large shopping mall, restaurants, cafes and bars and Christchurch City centre. We offer 1eighteen luxury, well appointed studio, one bedroom and two bedroom units offering travellers the very best in Christchurch motel accommodation at an affordable price. Antonio's Motor Lodge offers a range of facilities to all guests, providing you with complete home-away-from-home. Our luxury Christchurch motel accommodation is situated just a short stroll away to many cafes, bars, restaurants and Westfield Riccarton Shopping Mall.
- Middlepark Motel - These Christchurch motel suites, family units and cottages are set in a park with trees, a children's playground, and room to park your boat or trailer, or to exercise your pet. Middlepark Motel offers first class Christchurch accommodation to business, school/sports groups, and families. This accommodation is ideally situated for tourists going north to south, to Hanmer, Queenstown, Akaroa or the ski fields. The Christchurch motel's quiet 2.5 acre park and garden setting boasts an extensive children's playground, where they can amuse themselves for hours in complete safety and within viewing distance from the motel's units, which surround the playground. Rooms have direct dial telephones, hairdryers available, sky TV, e-mail and fax facilities available, guest separate laundry with washing machines, dryers and lines on site, BBQ available, pets by prior arrangement, tour parties welcome, off street parking and room for boats & campervans, courtesy casino car, long term rates and parking available, outside picnic tables and chairs, bus stops at entrance.
- Camelot Motor Lodge - Here at Camelot Motor Lodge, your hosts Penny and Brian, pride themselves in offering warm, friendly hospitality and first class service to their guests. They share a passion for New Zealand and their unique Christchurch motel accommodation provides guests with extremely spacious units rarely seen nowdays. Camelot Motor Lodge, accommodation in Christchurch, is centrally located on the fringe of the Central Business District and in the heart of Christchurch. We are 5 minutes walk to the Christchurch Casino, Hagley Park and Merivale Village with more than 15 surrounding restaurants and bars and only 10 minutes walk to the Town Hall, Christchurch Convention Centre, Arts Centre, Museum and Southern Cross Hospitals. We offer 34 affordable and spacious, well appointed studios, suites, cottages, deluxe cottages and a lodge, catering for singles, couples, families, corporate travellers and sports groups.
- Airport Gateway Motel -Situated on Memorial Avenue the Airport Gateway Motor Lodge is the closest motel complex to Christchurch International Airport, and only 8 mins to the city. Here we have 40 apartment style units offering discerning travellers and business people professional services and facilities. Our park-like setting is refreshing and relaxing and enjoyed by our guests. It is our aim to make your stay an enjoyable experience. The conference rooms and facilities are popular, offering excellent food, lighting and comfort. Ample parking and airport shuttle service for guests staying with us makes access easy. Enjoy a clean spacious unit, free stretched limousine pick up from the airport from all flights, free park'n'fly - stay one night - leave your vehicle with us until you return, friendly helpful service, park-like setting for your enjoyment, and yet only 8 mins from the city centre, ample parking, internet access through wireless and an internet kiosk, 7 SKY TV channels.
- Kingsgate Autolodge - If you are planning on visiting Christchurch and want superior accommodation that’s easy on the pocket, you can’t go past the Autolodge. In fact the hotel has a well-deserved reputation for value, friendliness and service with both business and leisure travellers alike. You’ll enjoy a choice of accommodation, plus dining in our popular restaurant. What’s more, the central city is only a short walk away. Plus an extensive, free, off-street car park makes the Christchurch Autolodge the ideal choice for those with vehicles.
- Addington Stadium Motel - Addington Stadium Motel provides modern accommodation conveniently located within easy access of Christchurch City's popular attractions. Hosts Bob & Ngarita pride themselves on providing guests with spacious quality accommodation and unsurpassed hospitality. Our fully equipped units offer a relaxing living environment, comfortable queen-size beds, kitchens in all units, each unit boasts a bath and shower, spa bath units, access units, wireless broadband internet available. Ground-floor units have the convenience of car parking directly outside, while the upstairs units offer a private balcony.
- Equestrian Hotel - Just off the Main South Road, leading to State Highway 1, south of Christchurch City. This road leads to tourist meccas like Mount Cook, Queenstown, Milford Sound and the cities of Timaru and Ashburton. It's the only way south. Beds for over 100 persons, 26 executive twin rooms $80-$105, 12 middle-range twin rooms $60-$85, 5 shared facility rooms $35 (backpackers). All of our rooms are well-appointed, spotlessly clean and tidy.
Flower shoppe
- Scenic Circle Cotswold Hotel - The Scenic Circle Cotswold Hotel is just minutes walk to boutique shopping at Merivale and beautiful Hagley Park. Close to Christchurch Casino & CBD, and only a 15 minute drive from Christchurch International Airport. The distinctive traditional Tudor-style architecture of the Scenic Circle Cotswold Hotel reflects Christchurch’s image as the most English of cities outside of England. Enjoy the hotel's spacious grounds and courtyard including our award winning gardens. We have 99 rooms, comprising studios, suites and motor-inn rooms with cooking facilities.
[edit] About the author
By Jim Nealon, a lifelong friend
Canadian Eric Robinson and I lived in the same residence at the University of Waterloo, in Ontario, Canada in 1971. After graduating with a degree in Environmental Studies (BES), majoring in cultural geography, Eric, always a bundle of energy, backpacked around the world in 1974-75. He travelled mostly overland through thirty two countries, including working his way across the South Pacific on a Danish banana boat. He sent postcards and letters back to our group of friends, and we were always excited to read his amazing stories.
Between operating three different hotels in northern Ontario, he travelled (with his family in the later years) throughout much of the Pacific Rim from Japan to Thailand and Viet Nam, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, many South Pacific Islands, Chile, Peru, Columbia and all of Central America and Mexico between 1978 and 1992, compiling information about Third World Eco-Tourism Marketing for his post-graduate thesis at the University of Victoria on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. He finally made San Jose, Costa Rica home-base for himself and his two teenage sons in 1995, operating two more successful hotels, the Hemingway Inn in central San Jose, and presently Adventure Inn in the central valley closer to the airport. Over the past twelve years, Eric has founded three non-profit Costa Rica eco-hotel associations, with a total of over fifty independent hotels strategically located throughout the country. Through his writings, the internet and room, tour and car rental reservations, he has properly advised literally thousands of people with their travel plans, and has built up quite a repertoire of questions that he has direct experience with, or has researched and answered, regarding Third World travel.
Eric's interests, other than writing about his world travels, are his family first, photography, his dogs, establishing litter pick up programs for public school kids in San Jose, Costa Rica, and masters swimming, in which he is a world class competitor. His next competition is the World Championships in Perth, Australia in April, 2008.
Eric believes that honesty in marketing has longevity, telling you both the good and the bad. After seeing the
Though he knows he is often preaching to the converted, he suggests your stay and travels should impact minimally and only positively on the indigenous physical, cultural, economic and ecological setting. We all need to observe, listen, understand and empathize rather than see, hear, take pictures and boast. If we prefer the familiar comforts of home, ask ourselves why we are traveling? With this approach, future visitors will equally enjoy the experience of an exotic Third World adventure.
I hope Eric and I will always stay in touch. Sometimes I feel I live vicariously through him. These days we use e-mails and MSN. It is so refreshing to hear his thoughts, covered in humour, from whatever corner of the world he may be reporting from.
[edit] Adventure Hotels destinations and qualified hotels from around the world
[edit] Asian hotels
- Japan hotels
- Beijing hotels
- Taiwan hotels
- Taipei hotels
- Macau hotels
- Macao hotels
- Hainan hotels
- Philippines hotels
- Manila hotels
- Hanoi hotels
- Bangkok hotels
- Chiang Mai hotels
- Koh Samui hotels
- Phuket hotels
- Jakarta hotels
- Bali hotels
[edit] Australian hotels
[edit] New Zealand hotels
[edit] Pacific Island hotels
[edit] Micronesia
- The Federated States of Micronesia hotels
- Marshall Islands hotels
- Palau hotels
- Northern Mariana Islands hotels
- Nauru hotels
- Kiribati hotels
- Guam hotels
[edit] Melanesia
[edit] Polynesia
- Cook Islands hotels
- Niue hotels
- Samoa hotels
- Tonga hotels
- American Samoa hotels
- French Polynesia hotels
- Easter Island hotels
[edit] Hawaii
- Hawaii in general
- The Big Island hotels
- Maui hotels
- Moloka'i hotels
- Lana'i hotels
- O'ahu hotels
- Kaua'i hotels
[edit] Central America
[edit] Central America hotels
- Guatemala hotels
- Belize hotels
- Honduras hotels
- El Salvador hotels
- Nicaragua hotels
- Costa Rica hotels
- Panama hotels
