Tourism New Zealand welcomes the early release of the Lonely
Planet's chapter on Christchurch that states: a visit to the city
is both interesting and inspiring.
In an unusual step, the Lonely Planet has published its 45-page
guide to Christchurch on its website, free for download, eight
months ahead of the full guide to New Zealand's printed
publication, due in September 2012.
The Lonely Planet authors write positively about the region
without glossing over the reality of life on a fault line.
General Manager Public Affairs Suzanne Carter says that Tourism
New Zealand welcomes the early release of the Christchurch
chapter.
"The endorsement and support of Christchurch from Lonely Planet,
an influential and very well known travel guide, sends a clear
signal to potential visitors that the city and Canterbury region
have a lot to offer.
Describing Christchurch as a "vibrant city in transition, coping
resiliently and creatively", the guide outlines places where
visitors to the city can stay, eat, shop and play and the
sight-seeing activities available in post-quake Christchurch and
outer regions.
Earlier in January, following two weeks spent in Christchurch
researching the city in the wake of the earthquakes Lonely Planet
Travel writer Brett Atkinson wrote that Christchurch the city is
one of New Zealand's bravest and most resilient communities.
"If you're heading to the South Island of New Zealand,
definitely spend a few days in the city. There's still plenty to
do, and you'll be supporting the new businesses inspiring
Christchurch's renaissance,'' Mr Atkinson says in the online
article.
Lonely Planet's Christchurch chapter can be downloaded for free
at:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/new-zealand/christchurch-and-canterbury/christchurch/travel-tips-and-articles/76985