Christchurch city and the Canterbury region are in full swing
for 2012 hosting international buskers, golfers and
garden aficionados this summer, with plenty more to come.
Described by the Lonely Planet as a "vibrant city in
transition, coping resiliently and creatively," Christchurch is
showing off its vibrancy with new developments popping up all over the place.
Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Kevin Bowler says the city
of Christchurch will take time to recover, but the resilience of
the tourism industry is phenomenal.
Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism Chief Executive Tim Hunter
says as the city approaches the one year anniversary of the
February earthquake, the sense of optimism in the region is
strong.
"Christchurch and the Canterbury region have continued to
welcome visitors to the area over the past year. There is a vibrant
range of tourism activities and experiences for visitors to enjoy
during their stay both in Christchurch and the surrounding
regions.
"As a result, for the year ending September 2011, 47 per cent of
all visitors have continued to spend a night in Canterbury as part
of their New Zealand stay, against 56 per cent a year
before."
The year ahead:
Christchurch is looking forward to the arrival of some of the
world's best women's golfers at the 2012 ISPS Handa New Zealand Women's Golf Open,
February 17 - 19.
The city is also hosting the Ellerslie International Flower Show in March
and the region's Crusaders Rugby Team will square off against
the Cheetahs on March 24 at a specially
revamped temporary stadium. Rugby World Cup 2011 winning All
Blacks will also play Ireland in Christchurch in June.
There are many surprises in the rebuild with some new innovations and unique ideas in the
pipeline.
There are even plans to temporarily replace the Christchurch
Cathedral with a cardboard cathedral.
A small area central city business district is cordoned off from
the public as demolition and rebuilding continues. The cordon is
shrinking on a regular basis.
Visit www.christchurchnz.com for specific information
relating to local activities.
For more information on what's popping up in Christchurch, read
the city blog www.popupcity.co.nz.