From the 1993/94 Orient Lines Marco Polo brochure and the 1994 Orient Lines
Grand Antarctic Circumnavigation brochure...
Christchurch, New Zealand
Although it is the major city on New Zealand's South Island, Christchurch
seems like a perfectly picturesque English town, complete with a meandering
River Avon running through its center. The city is a major source of supplies
for the bases in Antarctica. We'll be welcomed here by dignitaries from the
New Zealand Antarctic Society, the Antarctic Heritage Foundation and other
organizations.
The lush vegetation of this beautiful "Garden City" may seem somewhat of a
shock after your visit to the Great White Continent. Perfectly manicured
lawns front neat houses with colorful gardens gracing the walkways. The
meandering Avon River runs straight through the city's center and creates a
marvelous park-like atmosphere even in the business district. To celebrate
our successful circumnavigation, the Marco Polo's arrival in Christchurch
will be welcomed with much fanfare. Tonight, a special gala reception on
board will be attended by members of the Antarctic Heritage Foundation, the
New Zealand Antarctic Society, the U.S. National Science Foundation, and
dignitaries from various Antarctic bases.
City Tour
Half-day excursion (Included)
Our route to the city center takes us through the South Island's leading
port, Lyttelton, where wooden houses cling to the steep streets above the
harbor and a quartet of 19th century Gothic churches adds historic interest.
As our coach makes its way through Dyers Pass and over the Port Hills,
panoramic views of the Southern Alps and Canterbury Plains unfold. We
continue on to the "Sign of the Takahe," an historic stone roadhouse, and
then into the central city. Here, we'll get a look at Cathedral Square, the
literal and symbolic heart of the city, viewing the spired Christchurch
Cathedral, Town Hall and Floral Clock. Then on past enormous Hagley Park and
the Avon River to the gardens of Mona Vale.
The highlight of our tour will be a 4 1/2 mile (7250-meter) gondola ride up
Mount Cavendish. From our perch atop the crater rim of the long-extinct
Lyttelton Volcano, we'll enjoy spectacular views of Christchurch, Lyttelton
Harbor, the Southern Alps and the Christchurch Plains stretching to the
Pacific Ocean. En route to Mount Cavendish we drive through the lovely
grounds of the University of Canterbury campus at 11am. We return to the ship
by way of New Zealand's longest tunnel (1.2 miles or just under 2
kilometers).
[End of brochure material.]
Additional information
Michael Witbrock, a native of Christchurch currently at
Carnegie Mellon
University, has more information available about
Christchurch and
New Zealand, including lots of pictures.
Return to the itinerary or the ports of call...