Cathedral Square

Cathedral Square

Cathedral Square is regarded as the very centre of Christchurch, attached to the historic Worcester Boulevard, the metropolis Colombo St, and sits close to the meandering Avon River.

A visit to the Anglican Cathedral is free, while for a small donation you can climb the 133 steps of the Cathedral's North tower, which formerly dominated the skies of Christchurch.

The Square is the perfect space for public art. Sitting right at the centre is the statue of John Robert Godley, the founder of Christchurch and Canterbury. To commemorate the new millennium and its coincidence with the 150th Anniversary of this foundation, an 18m high sculpture was erected in the square. Forty-two leaf patterns featuring different native plants make up the Chalice, designed by prominent New Zealand artist Neil Dawson.

Food is always close at hand in Cathedral Square, whether your favoured choice is ethnic fast food, sit-down vegetarian, or coffee and a bagel, food stalls are open daily, along with a variety of cafes, restaurants and bars.

Meet new people during a game of giant chess, or get useful advice at the Visitor Information Network housed in the Old Post Office.

Make the most of the daily market in the Square. You will find everything from Possum Fur garments, to affordable backpacker fashions and greenstone (pounamu). There are bargains for the traveller to be found here, but don't be afraid to check with the vendor that a product is made in New Zealand.

Catch a tram from Cathedral Junction, or the Square itself. These historic trams will take you on a loop circuit of the best central city attractions. Your ticket allows you to hop on-and-off at different stops over two consecutive days. The romantic-at-heart can dine aboard in the evening.

Text courtesy of www.christchurch.nz.com/cathedral-square.aspx