Aucklanders discover Christchurch’s ‘pockets of awesome’

Take a bunch of sceptical Aucklanders, show them a good time in Christchurch, and leave them eager to come back.

That was the mission for popular Cantabrians, rugby’s Andy Ellis and boy band Moorhouse when they whisked two groups of Aucklanders to Christchurch to discover some of the city’s unexpected ‘pockets of awesome’.

Their guests’ reactions were captured on film by a team from Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism (CCT), in a bid to change perceptions of the city as a visitor destination.

The resulting ‘Pockets of Awesome’ short video series captures Auckland young professionals taking to the streets, bars, beaches, parks and shops of Christchurch to discover why the city is definitely worth a visit.

“This isn’t your typical destination marketing campaign, but Christchurch isn’t your typical destination at that moment,” says CCT General Manager Marketing, Rowan Townsend.

“We hit the streets of Auckland asking people what they thought of Christchurch. Most of it was pretty negative. The best way to change their minds was to put them on a plane and show them Christchurch’s pockets of awesome first hand,” she says.

“Our message to them is Christchurch is different, but it’s a city with a big heart and you can have a lot of fun here.”

While the boys from Moorhouse were treating their group of Auckland women to a tour around the city, Andy Ellis was hosting four guys for the ultimate boys’ weekend.

Moorhouse took the Auckland girls vintage biking, shopping at The Tannery and Re-Start mall, through Botanic Gardens, and out for the nightlife of Strange’s Lane. Andy and the boys experienced climbing high ropes adventure at Adrenalin Forest, jetboating with Jet Thrills, cricket at Hagley Oval, surfing at Sumner beach, and topped it all off with pizza and craft beers from the CBD bar.

One of the girls’ group, Gala Young says Christchurch has been one of the biggest surprises she has had in a long time.

“Before I went I just thought it was a bit of a mess – broken and cold. But I had so much fun. It was perfect weather and the city has a cool urban vibe that I think a lot of young people will really like. I’m actually already going back in February with my boyfriend so we can experience it together,” she says.

Andy Ellis says he was really keen to show a few Auckland sceptics around his city.

“I wanted to show them the great accessibility we have to outdoor adventures, and the central city taking shape and coming to life, changing every week. The boys loved it and we definitely changed their views by the time they left."

Girls' video - http://youtu.be/05qPFV3aLPo
Guys' video - http://youtu.be/5MsJge9xdCw

ENDS

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