Arts Centre

Frommer's Review

You can't go to Christchurch and not visit the Arts Centre. Originally home to Canterbury University College from 1873 to 1975, it begs leisurely exploration. Quite apart from the lovely Gothic architecture, it presents a rabbits' warren of over 40 retail outlets selling New Zealand-made arts and crafts and heaps of things to interest kids, including great food stalls. You'll find some rather bizarre goods, but overall the standard is high. There are excellent buys in leather, wool, wood, and crafts. It's best to visit on weekends when it's much busier and around 80 stalls are open.

Court Theatre is housed in the original Engineering Building and Hydraulics Lab, the Academy Cinema is in the old Boys' High Gym, and the Southern Ballet now occupies the Electrical Engineering Lab and the Mechanical Engineering Lab. There are several good eating spots (Dux de Lux, Le Café, the Boulevard Cafe, E-Caf Internet Café, and Annie's Wine Bar & Restaurant are all popular). Buskers and performers add color to the weekend market, and you can take an NZ$8 (US$5.70/£2.90) tour daily or by appointment (tel. 03/363-2836).

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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