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Christchurch has never been busier with back-to-back conferences including some of the biggest for the industry, all taking place in the Garden City this winter. Christchurch & Canterbury Convention Bureau manager Annette Pendergast says with TRENZ in June followed closely by Meetings 2006 in July, plus a host of other conferences and events, the city has been non-stop.
“It’s a very busy time for Christchurch. We do tend to have a surge of events coming through in the middle of the year which is fabulous,” Mrs Pendergast said.
“It’s wonderful to have had TRENZ (New Zealand’s biggest annual tourism industry tradeshow) back. We’ve had it now for three years and it’s great because we can showcase the whole of the South Island.”
She predicted Meetings 2006, its second time in Christchurch after alternating with Auckland last year, will be an extravaganza of events.
“I can’t elaborate but two years ago when Christchurch did the inaugural hosting of the event outside Auckland we managed to show off Christchurch… and it’s going to be very different but just as spectacular.”
Mrs Pendergast said it’s not necessarily just conferences or the convention centre keeping the city busy either.
“Christchurch is the city that attracts the largest events to the country. We don’t have as many conventions as Auckland, but as far as the larger ones go, that is where Christchurch comes to the fore.”
Meanwhile the industry continues to grow in the city with Accor Hotels in the middle of constructing the first internationally-branded hotel to be built in Christchurch for more than a decade. The eight-storey, 155-room Hotel Ibis Christchurch is being built on Hereford Street, just off Cathedral Square.
The $20 million hotel is due for completion in early 2007 and will also feature a café, bar, parking and a variety of retail outlets as part of the development. The arrival of Ibis Christchurch will come at a time when Christchurch International Airport is undergoing major expansion and experiencing record passenger movements.
At the airport, the International Antarctic Centre attraction is also undergoing construction on the New Zealand Penguin Encounter, due to open on September 23, 2006. This state-of-the-art enclosure will house up to 26 little blue penguins in a naturally themed Banks Peninsula environment. The Penguin Encounter will be accessed on two levels with an ‘above ground’ platform, an auditorium with a three metre high window and underwater portholes which will not only complement the existing world-class attraction but offer a unique and interactive dining option for groups. The Penguin Encounter has been three years in the planning and is being built in partnership with the Christchurch International Airport Company.
The design of the enclosure has been undertaken with advice from local bird experts and in partnership with the Department of Conservation and local iwi. Supporting it will be comprehensive audio visual displays covering penguins’ biology, environment, habitat, conservation and cultural issues. The Penguin Encounter will also increase awareness of the danger that all penguins face today in the wild and what can be done to protect these birds in their natural environment, according to the International Antarctic Centre group marketing manager Wendy Smith.
“The $2.5 million enclosure is a significant new investment in tourism for the region and will encourage local interest and significantly increase people’s knowledge not only of the little blue penguin, but also the other 16 species of penguins that live in the Southern Hemisphere.”
The International Antarctic Centre was built in 1992 and today attracts more than 215,000 visitors a year. It has twice been judged the best attraction in New Zealand.
Another new product being launched in July by the Christchurch Tramway Limited is The Amazing Trace Race. Designed around the successful television programme The Amazing Race, teams will compete in a variety of mental and physical tasks while travelling on the heritage trams around the inner city of Christchurch. The Amazing Trace Race is intended for corporate groups looking for an exhilarating team-building event, according to Christchurch Tramway functions manager Gaynor Dyet.
“It is a great way for groups to experience the historical and cultural part of Christchurch in a fun, exciting and innovative way,” Ms Dyet said. The Christchurch Tramway also offers guests a number of other functions, including the Great Tram Robbery, cocktail packages and the Christchurch Tramway Restaurant.
 Heritage Hotels
Heritage Christchurch and Heritage Hanmer Springs offer luxurious accommodation both in the city and outside. Heritage Christchurch combines past and present with the old world charm of the Old Government Building and the more modern Tower Wing. The OGB features 40 suites and the Tower offers 135 deluxe rooms and penthouse suites. The property is home to four purpose-built conference rooms, with the largest capable of holding 125 theatre-style. At Heritage Hanmer Springs, 90-minutes drive from Christchurch in the spa resort of Hanmer, the former lodge has been restored to its original Spanish design. It features 38 rooms while the landscaped gardens house 27 suites and villas. The hotel’s Palm Lounge can hold 150 delegates theatre-style. For more information on Heritage Christchurch telephone (03) 377 9722 or for Heritage Hanmer Springs telephone (03) 315 7021.
Terrace Downs High Country Resort
A 50-minute scenic drive through the Canterbury foothills from Christchurch, Terrace Downs is set on a world-class golf course with an endless array of high country activities and outdoor pursuits. The perfect rewards venue, Terrace Downs’ clubhouse has stunning panoramic views across the back nine holes and up toward the mountains, as well as a superb restaurant and bar facilities, making it ideal for meetings and conferences. Accommodation includes hillside studios, golf villas, terrace villas and fairway chalets with up to four bedrooms. For details telephone (03) 318 6943, email info@terracedowns.co.nz or visit www.terracedowns.co.nz
Outrigger at Clearwater Resort
A golfing resort set on 465 acres, Outrigger at Clearwater Resort features chic rooms, suites and apartments all with tranquil water views. The resort boasts The Lakes Restaurant & Bar, and features an 18-hole golf course which is home to the NZPGA championship. It also has a driving range, tennis courts, extensive walking trails, and onsite fly fishing. All this combines to make Clearwater an ideal venue for incentives and it’s just seven minutes from the airport and 15 minutes to the heart of Christchurch. For more information telephone (03) 360 1009, email clearwater@outriggernewzealand.com or visit www.outrigger.com
Hotel Grand Chancellor
One of Christchurch’s more popular properties for meetings groups, Hotel Grand Chancellor is centrally located in the city on Cashel St. Following a refurbishment two years ago the hotel now has 176 rooms. The four-star property features a dedicated conference floor on level 14, which has four rooms that can combine to hold 1200 delegates theatre-style. The room, which features views, natural light and vehicle access, can be broken down into four separate rooms. The hotel also features The Exchange Bar. For more information telephone (03) 379 2999 or visit www.ghihotels.com
The Christchurch Convention Centre & Town Hall
Purpose-built for meetings and events the Christchurch Convention Centre features a large, pillarless main hall that can seat 1200 for dinner with drive-in access. It has seven breakout rooms, pre-function areas and meeting rooms which can accommodate 2000 people. The Christchurch Town Hall is connected by a glass walkway where an auditorium and theatre are available for keynote speakers and entertainment. For details telephone (03) 366 8899, email jo.robinson@vbase.co.nz or visit www.convention.co.nz
Chateau on the Park
Christchurch’s only resort style hotel the Chateau on the Park is set in five acres of beautifully landscaped gardens with 193 guest rooms. Located between Hagley Park and the beautiful historic home and gardens of Mona Vale the hotel is just a short stroll to the city’s central business district. Three main function rooms make up the conference facilities at the hotel including The Tower Room, The Ballantyne Room and The Great Hall, which being the largest can hold 300 banquet-style. There is also a poolside marquee. The Chateau on the Park features two restaurants offering contemporary fine dining as well as an al fresco dining experience in the hotel gardens. For more information telephone (03) 348 8999, email enquiry@chateau-park.co.nz or visit www.chateau-park.co.nz
Crowne Plaza Christchurch
The 298 guest room Crowne Plaza Christchurch is linked to the Christchurch Convention Centre, right in the heart of the city beside the Avon River. The hotel has five meeting rooms including First Edition, which offers an intimate, stylish setting overlooking Victoria Square, with space for up to 200 cocktail-style or 120 banquet-style. Other function rooms include four gallery spaces which can be combined to cater for between 20 classroom-style or up to 100 theatre-style. For more information telephone (03) 365 7799, email meetings@crowneplazachristchurch.co.nz or visit www.crowneplaza.co.nz
The George
Overlooking Hagley Park and the Avon River, The George is described as an intimate luxury boutique hotel with an international reputation. The hotel features 55 rooms including eight suites and one studio. Its meeting facilities include seven spaces, the largest one – Parkview – can hold 140 theatre-style and is a combination of two rooms. The property features the outstanding 50 on Park Restaurant & Bar, and Pescatore, both superb dining venues. For more details telephone (03) 371 0255, email conferences@thegeorge.com or visit www.thegeorge.com
Millennium Hotel
In the heart of Christchurch city the Millennium Hotel features 179 rooms and 17 suites. The hotel can cater for up to 200 delegates and has five rooms to choose from, the biggest of which – the Cathedral Room – can hold 140 banquet-style. Restaurant Piko Piko offers New Zealand cuisine while Bar Sante outlooks Cathedral Square. Telephone (03) 365 1111, email millennium.christchurch@millenniumhotels.co.nz or visit www.millenniumchristchurch.co.nz
International Antarctic Centre
Featuring an indoor snow and ice experience, Hagglund all-terrain vehicle ride and award-winning indoor exhibit of Antarctic themes, the Antarctic Centre is located at the Christchurch International Airport. Twice voted ‘Best Attraction in New Zealand’ the centre also includes unique Antarctic shopping, a café and bar and snowphone audio-guides for multi-lingual commentary. The venue is also suitable for meetings and conferences. For more information telephone (03) 353 7798, email info@iceberg.co.nz or visit www.iceberg.co.nz
Akaroa Harbour and Christchurch Wildlife Cruises
Cruise the Akaroa Harbour, home to the world’s smallest and rarest Hector’s dolphin, the white flippered little blue penquin and other sea birds. Or join the Christchurch Wildlife Cruises for a similar view in Lyttelton Harbour. Akaroa is a historic French village about 90 minutes drive from Christchurch while Lyttelton is 15 minutes by car. Both cruises depart daily and last two hours. For more information on the Akaroa cruise, telephone (03) 304 7641 or for details on the Lyttelton cruise telephone (03) 328 9078.
Christchurch Casino
If you’re looking for a slightly classier night out, try the 24-hour Christchurch Casino located on Victoria St. Unlike other casinos, the boutique Christchurch Casino sets a dress standard including no jeans, sportswear, jandals, work boots, t-shirts or tracksuits. Punters can enjoy all the usual games of other gambling outlets, fine dining at The Grand Café, or a drink at one of the casino’s elegant bars. There’s also a mezzanine level from which visitors can view the gaming floor. For more information telephone
(03) 365 9999, email marketing@christchurchcasino.co.nz or visit www.chchcasino.co.nz
Punting on the Avon
Sit back and relax in one of Christchurch’s custom-built punts as your boatman guides you past the sights of the central city. Punting along the Avon River is a great way to weave through the central business district taking in the tranquility of the city’s parks, historic buildings and tree-lined avenues. Punting operates daily weather permitting, leaving from the Avon River bank by Worcester Boulevard Bridge. For more information telephone the Christchurch Visitor Centre on (03) 379 9629.
Skiing and snowboarding
Canterbury offers some of the best skiing and boarding in New Zealand with more than 10 ski areas all within two-and-a-half hours drive from Christchurch. From the ever-popular Mt Hutt to Fox Peak, Mt Dobson and Ohau, there are plenty to choose from and a range of ways to come down the mountain. From just plain skiing to snowboarding, or for the more adventurous try a spot of heli-skiing. For more information on where to ski and how to get there, visit www.christchurchnz.net/canterbury/SkiDetails
Christchurch Gondola
The Christchurch Gondola offers unique views of the city, the Canterbury Plains, Banks Peninsula and Lyttelton Harbour. The 945m ride gently lifts visitors in the comfort of four-person passenger cabins, almost 500 metres above sea level. Located at the summit is the crater rim of Christchurch’s famous extinct volcano. Diners in the Summit Café enjoy stunning views by day or the romantic beauty of the sunset and Christchurch lights by night. For details telephone (03) 384 0703, email gondola@gondola.co.nz or visit
www.gondola.co.nz
Christchurch Tramway
Christchurch Tramway is a quality inner city tour experience that combines the heritage of the trams, attractions and historic buildings with the culture of the Garden City. For something a little different, experience unique a la carte dining onboard the Christchurch Tramway Restaurant. The Restaurant Tram departs the Cathedral Square tram stop every evening at 7.30pm – reservations are essential. For details telephone (03) 366 7830, email enquiries@tram.co.nz or visit www.tram.co.nz
The Arts Centre of Christchurch
The Arts Centre is one of Christchurch’s most significant cultural attractions. Located in the historic buildings of the original Canterbury University College, The Arts Centre offers specialty shops and craft studios, as well as galleries, cinemas, theatres, bars and restaurants – all open seven days a week. On the weekend The Arts Centre market is home to artists, craftspeople, organic produce, international food stalls, musicians, and buskers. For more information telephone (03) 366 0989, email info@artscentre.org.nz or visit www.artscentre.org.nz
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