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News release
1 July, 2009

Christchurch is the hottest place to be this winter

New York has one. So have London, Dublin, and all the other great winter destinations of the world. Now Christchurch is joining the party.

Cathedral Square will soon be home to an ice rink in the heart of the city in a move that promises to enhance Christchurch's status as a magical, boutique destination for a winter get-away.

Skaters of all ages and abilities will be able to slip, slide, or pirouette their way around the rink, which will be housed under Christchurch's bold new movable landmark, The Ice Dome, for one month from July 23 to August 23.

North Islanders and Australians are making the most of great deals on accommodation and air travel to the Garden City this winter. Two for one deals are being snapped up at www.christchurchnz.com and are available for travel through July and August.

To top it all off - and celebrate the countdown to the launch of the Festival - Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism is giving away a superb Christchurch Arts Festival experience to those who book a winter special online before 23 July at www.christchurchnz.com.

Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism chief executive Christine Prince says there's never been a better time to come to Christchurch. "We're having the best-ever ski season this year, and there are 16 ski-areas and an alpine thermal spa resort right in our backyard."

"The flight and accommodation deals coupled with an excellent exchange rate make our destination the perfect winter getaway for Australians too. There's no absolutely no excuse to stay at home.

"The addition of an ice rink right in the heart of Christchurch city is really the icing on the cake,'' she says. "You really can ski and skate in one day."

The rink will be centre stage at the Christchurch Arts Festival WinterGarden showcasing a world-class line-up of art and performance, and provide yet another reason for visitors to linger in the vibrant city that is at the heart of the South Island's winter wonderland.

"Imagine going for a skate with your friends in Cathedral Square on a crisp winter's day, watching roaming acts and performances and then indulging in a glass or two of mulled wine at a cosy bar before heading to one of the many arts events on around town."

Thursday 23 July, from 5.30pm free entry to the WinterGarden and TV ONE Ice Dome.

Tickets for Arts Festival Events are available at the Christchurch i-SITE Visitor Centre in Cathedral Square. For more information go to www.artsfestival.co.nz
and www.christchurchnz.com.

ENDS

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