The central location of Burbery Apartments means you are spoilt for choice! Restaurants, cafés and fashion shops line the sidewalks right outside the accommodation complex. The city boasts a lively entertainment scene, has a strong cultural heritage, rich architecture and is home to a number of gorgeous parks and gardens. There are a number of great antique and second hand shops and boutique clothing stores right on High Street to keep you busy
A trip to the Arts Centre is certainly essential when visiting Christchurch. The Arts Centre is the focal point of the city's arts and crafts scene. Featuring art galleries, craft studios and shops, theatres, a selection of cafés, restaurants and bars, and the famous Fudge Cottage, you will definitely need a second and third visit! The Arts Centre hosts weekend markets and also has an ethnic food fair, perfect for those wishing to test their taste buds out on something a little different.
Christchurch is known as the 'Garden City'. This is reflected in the number of gorgeous gardens it has, including the Botanic Gardens, situated near the Arts Centre and the Canterbury Museum. The gardens feature rock, water, rose and herb gardens. There is a conservatory complex and a collection of exotic and indigenous plants which are displayed year round. Entry to the Botanic Gardens, the Museum, the Arts Centre and the nearby Art gallery is free. The Botanic Gardens have a restaurant/café and a shop, perfect for purchasing a refreshing drink or ice-cream on that hot summer day!
Punting on the Avon River is the perfect experience if it is relaxation you are after. Sit back and drift through the Mona Vale Homestead, Antigua Boat Sheds and parks, enjoying the peacefulness of the surroundings. Each punt has its own boatperson so all you have to do is enjoy the ride.
Christchurch has a rich architectural heritage strongly evident throughout the city. The Christchurch Anglican Cathedral is the perfect example of this and is definitely worth a visit. Located in Cathedral Square, the Cathedral attracts hundreds of tourists daily. The Roman Catholic Cathedral, also within walking distance of Burbery Apartments, is an impressive classical style building. Our City O-Tautahi is another Christchurch building rich in cultural heritage. Built as the Christchurch City Council's original Municipal Chambers, it is one of the city's finest Victorian Buildings and a good example of the Queen Anne style. Across the Avon River is the original Provincial Council chambers, arguably the finest example of exuberant neo-gothic architecture in the world.
Christchurch's trams offer an unforgettable, unique experience of heritage and charm. The vintage trams follow a loop around the city which includes going past Cathedral Square, The Arts Centre, Punting on the Avon, Victoria Square, and New Regent Street. The tram is available for functions and offers restaurant dining. A proposed extention to the tram route will take the trams past the Burbery Apartments building.
Make sure you don't forget to visit the Christchurch Casino while you are here. The Casino offers twenty four hour gaming entertainment. There are a variety of Table Games including Blackjack, American Roulette, Money Wheel and Caribbean Stud Poker as well as The Racing Game and Live Keno. Christchurch Casino is centrally located and is easily accessible from all inner city hotels and motels.
If you want to explore the attractions outside of the city centre, Christchurch has a number of options to choose from. Visit Orana Park or Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, take a ride in the Christchurch Gondola which offers stunning panoramic views of the city, enjoy a day of golf at Clearwater or any of the other public links within or just outside the city, or visit the International Antarctic Centre. Christchurch is home to the Canterbury Crusaders. Rugby fever is a big part of the city and a game at AMI Stadium should definitely be on the cards when visiting during the season. The stadium is 15 minutes walk from the Burbery Apartments. Day trips to the township of Akaroa or Hanmer Springs are also well worth it if you are planning a longer stay.
