24 February, 2008

Escape to Christchurch for a weekend break

Christchurch’s distinctive heritage and alpine edge are on offer to New Zealanders in a new campaign aimed at enticing them here for a short escape.

Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism’s new advertisements, designed to boost awareness of the beauty and diversity of its landscapes and city, are to be screened on TV and appear in newspapers from today.

The idea, Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism chief executive Christine Prince says, is to showcase the diversity of Canterbury and how much you can do in a short break.

“New Zealanders love to travel and see the world but many don’t realise what there is right on our doorstep,’’ says Christine Prince.

“With an extra week’s holiday and excellent fare deals it’s a great time to visit Christchurch and the surrounding region. Everything’s so easily accessible from the city and airport.”

The alpine spa experiences of Hanmer Springs, sophisticated new city precincts, fascinating historic architecture, and dolphin watching in the historic French settlement of Akaroa are all within easy distance of Christchurch city and airport.

“In this region we are blessed with some of the best natural landscapes in the world and with a very rich cultural heritage. It’s hard for people who aren’t familiar with the region to grasp just how much we have to offer which is why we’ve chosen to use the Europe analogy. What we’re cheekily saying is that you don’t have to go to the other side of the world to have a taste of something European. We want to challenge perceptions of the region and say you can do so much in a long weekend.”

Christchurch mayor Bob Parker is fully behind the campaign and is hoping New Zealanders will take the chance to explore what is on their doorstep.

“As a city we have a rich cultural heritage and can offer visitors some wonderful experiences. There is definitely more to Christchurch and Canterbury than meets the eye. I think visitors will leave with a treasure trove of good memories and eager to come back,’’ Mr Parker says.

Air New Zealand is supporting the campaign alongside many of the region’s key attractions. A series of holiday packages have been launched today (24 February) for visitors wanting anything from a romantic weekend escape to the ultimate girls’ trip away. Bookings can be made online at www.christchurchnz.com.

ENDS

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