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.


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