About Christchurch

Christchurch is Canterbury, New Zealand's most famous and populous city. Recognised for its English heritage, the city enjoys multitudes of ethnicity and is a gorgeous tourist location. While it is an ideal vacation spot, you will have to make peace with the fact that the trip to Christchurch will be time-consuming.

Best time to reach Christchurch

Christchurch's proximity to the South Pole makes the winters in the city rather frosty. The temperatures easily dwindle between 11 degree Celsius to 13 degree Celsius during the day and drop to zero in the nights. You can snuggle up for a romantic rendezvous and indulge in some of the winter sports that are possible in this Canterbury region. The months of June to August are only recommended if you wish to engage in the scenic white bliss of Christchurch. The place does give a Narnia vibe so you will feel like you're in a movie. However, for great weather that balances the cold winters and the bright summers, spring is the most ideal season to visit Christchurch. The city's landscape turns into a beautiful expanse of hues thanks to all the flowers that bloom once the winter thaws.

Another wave of season that brings the best of Christchurch is from March to May. Summer is another favoured season that many tourists opt for as the temperatures are high compared to the Christchurch standards. However, it could get expensive as it also brings forth the tourist season. This could lead to unavailability of cheap hotels in Christchurch. To ensure that you don't pay exorbitant prices for a vacation in the city, you should make prior hotel bookings in Christchurch. You might even receive some fabulous online deals for flights and accommodation. Make sure to cover all your travel and hotel expenses before arriving in Christchurch.

Places to visit in Christchurch

The best place to start exploring Christchurch would undoubtedly be the Canterbury Museum. The museum has been part of the city since 1870, which makes it one of the top attractions in Christchurch. You will be passing through the famed Christchurch Botanic Gardens to reach the museum. It would be an ideal time to get close to the natural beauty that the park inhabits. From native to exotic plants, the garden would certainly marvel you and lift up your senses. Christchurch is big on lawns and gardens along with their food culture. You will find many parks in the city aside from the famous Botanic Gardens. North Hagley Park is also an excellent place to visit in Christchurch. It is pristine and has a very soothing and tranquil vibe.

An interesting institution to visit would be the International Antarctic Centre. Basically, this place inhabits the treasured collections of the Antarctic along with a quaint cafe and bar. Located in the centre of Christchurch is the Cathedral Square, an Anglican cathedral that offers quite a fascinating appearance. It is quite intriguing and something you might fancy. The city also has a pretty public art gallery called Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhet?, with exquisite exhibits. Next on the list could be the exquisite T?ranga - Christchurch Central Library, located at the heart of the Canterbury city, basically a haven for bibliophiles. You can also check out the Air Force Museum in the city which was earlier named The Royal New Zealand Air Force Museum.

Things to do in Christchurch

Lake Roto Kohatu is a lovely small lake that is nestled in the city limits of Christchurch. The place is surrounded by lush green grasses which make it an ideal picnic spot. You can always opt to carry a lovely picnic basket along with some fun activity list and head to the lake with family. There are boating facilities also available on the lake, something you can opt for as a tourist. Christchurch's most popular location is the Sumner Beach. Its beauty and serenity with the cold blue waters rushing to the shores makes it quite a spectacle. Not to mention how it also offers a plethora of water and beachy activities that you can take up. Exploring the Tuawera - Cave Rock located on the outskirts of the Sumner beach is also worth exploring. It is known for its unusual formation which is a result of a volcano

Another interesting activity to take up would be taking up Punt rides. With plush seats on the punt and a person rowing it, you can enjoy the scenic views of the Avon River. It is a romantic setting and might go well with you and your partner. You can also opt for canoe riding at the Antigua Boatsheds. The boatshed is actually a famous tourist attraction, and you can also take up boating as an activity. You can also rent a bike and ride up the trails in the Bottle Lake Forest Park. The park has some extraordinary views that would leave your spellbound. While you might have a lot of things to do in Christchurch, do not miss out on indulging in their food culture. The city prides itself on the fabulous slew of food establishments.

Food and restaurants in Christchurch

Christchurch's food culture is fabulous and perfect for foodies. As a coastal city, one would assume that Christchurch is rich in seafood and has multiple joints favouring the same. However, you would be surprised to know that the city actually houses an abundance of international cuisine from Indian vegetarian to European-fusion. An elegant noon with a spread of delectable gourmet food served with piping hot tea paints quite a Victorian picture, yes? Places such as Penny Black Victorian Tearoom, 50 Bistro, Mona Vale Homestead and Pantry, Social Wine Bar and The Tea Rooms are some of the establishments that offer an English ambience teamed with lip-smacking food and top-notch tea.

Christchurch has a soft spot for dumplings and Asian food. They simply cannot do without dumplings in their platter. If you also fall in the same category, then you should visit some of their fine food establishments with Asian cuisine. Zen Sushi and Dumplings, King of Snake, Shanghai Street Dumplings, Pot Sticker Dumpling Bar and The China Kitchen, are some places where you will find some lip-smacking food as well as an authentic Asian vibe. If coffee is what you seek, you should check out Coffee Embassy Espresso Bar, Black and White Coffee Cartel, Underground Coffee Roasters and Unknown Chapter, to name a few.

Not just roasteries but the city also favours breweries with aplenty in the locality. When in Christchurch, you should head to The Institution, Craft Embassy, Dux Central, Welles Street and Smash Palace for the best-crafted beer. While there are lovely food joints and breweries to keep you busy, ignoring your sweet tooth would be a crime. Don't miss the bakeries of Christchurch for they have some exquisite cakes, pastries, and baked goods to elevate your senses. Their bakeries also have a lovely melange of culture from Danish puffs to Dutch apple pies. The city sells culture on a platter which makes it quite an experience. You should head to some classic bakeries such as Copenhagen Bakery, Glamour Cake, Bakermans of Fendalton, Japanz Bakery and Vic's Bakehouse.

How to reach Christchurch

Christchurch airport has brilliant flight connectivity with some of the Indian cities. Although there are no direct flights flying to Christchurch from India, they do have a slew of connecting flights and layovers that make the journey possible. There are only a few dedicated flights flying to Christchurch from India, but they are available regularly. Airlines such as Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Malaysia Airlines, Etihad Airways, Emirates, to name a few, have flights to Christchurch from India. The most popular route to Christchurch often taken by travellers is from Singapore. Since the flight connectivity to Christchurch from Singapore is comparatively good. Not to mention how it has the most number of flights flying to the New Zealand city, it only makes sense to opt for this international route to reach Christchurch. Most of the flights flying to Christchurch from India have layovers in international cities such as Singapore, Auckland, Melbourne, Wellington, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Abu Dhabi, to name a few.

Although there are flights that would reach you in about 19 hours and 10 minutes, the flight tickets to Christchurch with such time duration would be expensive. In fact, it might cost you in lakhs to book a single journey to Christchurch from India, if you opt for the fastest flight. However, the most popular flights considered for Christchurch fall under the price range of INR 47,000 to INR 51,000. These flights to Christchurch will reach you in about 21 hours and five minutes, depending on the connectivity and weather. There is no additional transit visa required to fly to Christchurch from India. Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai are the prime cities where you will find flights to Christchurch. New Zealand, in general, is quite expensive as a country so you will have to ensure that you have reserved enough money for this trip. The flight tickets to Christchurch alone are super costly. If you make prior flight bookings to Christchurch, then you might receive some excellent online flight deals.

  About Nashville

Nashville is a popular getaway for everyone who loves heading to the East Coast and Midwest in the US. It is the perfect place for travellers who are also food enthusiasts. It is also a great spot for people to throw bachelor and bachelorette parties. You can enjoy country music, head over to the nightclubs to party and numerous cafes. The city attracts a lot of tourists every year and for all the right reasons. There are also high chances that you might run into your favourite celebrity in Nashville. Whether you are at a grocery store or a popular restaurant if you are lucky you might even meet your idol here and be assured that they will pose for a picture with you. The city also has some of the best restaurants that serve everything from hot chicken to barbecue. Combine it with a glass of beer or wine, and you will have a full meal for sure. You will never be left empty-handed with no chores to do in Nashville as the city makes sure that none of the tourists is bored. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and Tennessee State Museum are two important landmarks in the city that are worth visiting.

Best Time to Visit Nashville

Nashville is one city that you can visit throughout the year. However, April to October is considered to be the best time to visit the city since the city experiences spring and summer. July is the hottest month while the weather turns quite pleasant in October. The weather conditions in Nashville, however, are unpredictable, and there will be high humidity with increased chances of thunderstorms. Make sure you book your hotels in Nashville several weeks in advance since the prices surge at this time of the year. Book your flight tickets to Nashville in advance to avoid the surge prices. You will also find a lot of tourists heading to Nashville in early spring and summer. The temperature ranges from 8 to 32 degree Celsius. You can attend events like Rock' n' Roll Nashville Marathon and Nashville Comedy Festival in April, Country Music Festival and Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman in June, AmericanaFest and Music City Food and Wine Festival in September.

November to March is the winter season in Nashville, and the temperature ranges from -3 to 16 degree Celsius. Nashville witnesses snowfall from December to February. Make sure you pack your warm clothes. You can attend events like the CMA Awards in November, A Country Christmas at Gaylord Opryland and Music City Bowl in December and Jack Daniel's Music City Midnight: New Year's Eve in Nashville in January. It is not the most popular tourist season, and you might get exciting flight deals to Nashville during this time. The hotel prices also drop during this time, so if you were to head to Nashville in winter, you might get a great deal on accommodation. You can book a hotel in Nashville at the last moment or even plan an impromptu trip to the city and not worry about where to stay.

Places to Visit in Nashville

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Orlando. You will also learn a lot about the history of country music. Ryman Auditorium is yet another tourist spot that you must visit. It first opened in 1892 as the Union Gospel Tabernacle for Samuel Porter Jones, who was a revivalist. It is now a popular venue for live music concerts and seats over 2362 people. Wildhorse Saloon is a popular attraction that offers free line dancing lessons and also hosts live music events and parties. Nashville Parthenon was built in 1897 and is a replica of the 42 feet Athenian replica. It is also an art museum that showcases the works by 19th and 20th-century artists. While you enjoy the vibrant music scene in the city, you can also head to the Arrington Vineyards. It was established in 2003 and became officially open for business from 2007. It is owned by country music artist Kix Brooks, industrialist John Russel and winemaker Kip Summers. They also have a wine club with exclusive membership. Frist Center for the Visual Arts showcases new artworks quite frequently, and you must head over to the centre if you are an art lover.

Belle Meade Plantation is an architectural and historical landmark in Nashville. It was founded by John Harding in 1807 and is spread across 34 acres of land. Tennessee State Capitol is another important tourist attraction in Nashville. It was built in 1859 and inspired by Greek ionic temple architecture. You will find a lot of monuments on the Capitol grounds and opt for a historical tour of the place. If you are visiting cathedrals, you might also want to visit the Cathedral of the Incarnation. This was the third cathedral that was built in the city and has undergone several renovations, but it remains to be one of the most charming places in the city. You can also visit the Tennessee State Museum and Cumberland Park, and both are great places for you to head to with your kids to make the trip a tad more educational.

Things to do in Nashville

Nashville is known for its country music, and if you love the genre, you will love visiting Nashville. You can sign up for a guided tour of the city with a local to cover all the best spots in the city. You can also explore the city on your own. However, if you are visiting the city with your family, it is best to hire a local guide who will not only show you the best spots in Nashville but also tell you all the interesting facts and stories about the place. Head over to Broadway, a vital part of the city with pubs and lounges that also have live music. You can also go bar hopping here since all the clubs are quite close to each other. You can take a tour of the Grand Ole Opry where the country's top performers like Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban and Brad Paisley have also performed. The Belle Meade Plantation is one of the best places in Nashville where you can take a ton of pictures. The mansion is also home to several animals like horses, bison, etc. Sign up for a Jack Daniel's Distillery tour that starts from Nashville, and you will also get to go for the free tastings here. To add more romance to your trip, try the General Jackson Showboat lunch or dinner cruise.

Foods and Restaurants in Nashville

Fried chicken and barbecued pork dominated the dining scene in Nashville earlier, but the city has welcomed all kinds of foods with open arms. You will be happy to hear that the restaurants in the city serve delicious food while making sure that your cholesterol doesn't shoot up. The food here is quite healthy so you will only have to make certain alterations to your diet if you are on one. You will find a lot of Mediterranean, Indian, Italian, Mexican and Cajun cuisines in the city. It is best to sign up for a food tour to get to the best restaurants in the city. Prince's Hot Chicken Shack Bolton's Spicy Chicken & Fish, Hattie B's are some of the popular restaurants where you can try Nashville's hot chicken. You can also sample some delicacies at Black Rabbit and a lot of other Southern food and burger joints in the neighbourhood. Dining at Butcher & Bee and The Treehouse Restaurant is highly recommended. Nashville has an impressive line-up of breweries and distilleries that you must visit. You can also go bar hopping along the Broadway. The Cupcake Collection and Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams are the best places for desserts. You can head over to Five Points Pizza for a delicious Italian meal. Rodizio Grill is also pretty popular for its steak and Brazilian cuisine. If you are in the mood to try some Mexican food, head over to Bartaco.

How to reach Nashville

Nashville International Airport is the nearest on to the city and was built in 1987. The flight connectivity to Nashville from India is quite good. American Airlines and British Airways have frequent flights to Nashville from India with layovers at New York, Chicago, Dallas and London. It is not very easy to get cheap flight tickets to Nashville, and the journey can be a tad strenuous since it is over 20 hours. However, if you book well in advance, you might get exciting flight deals to Nashville online. To celebrate the musical culture of Nashville, the airport hosts live music events for passengers, and there couldn't be a better welcome to the city than this. You will also find premium lounges, restaurants, cafes, shopping areas and children's play areas at the airport. The taxi and car rental service from the airport are convenient and easily accessible, too. You can either pre-book your ride to the hotel from the airport or find one at the airport itself.