Attractions of Christchurch

• Learning activities

Tourism as a cultural process involves the development of a pattern of phenomena including attractions both natural and cultural. Tourism development results from the interactions of the elements including natural elements, economic elements, political elements and cultural and social elements.

Natural attractions may result from the interaction of natural elements, such as coastal scenery including the wildlife, with social and cultural elements, such as the European tourists desire to interact with wildlife in its natural habitat. Similarly, interactions between cultural elements and economic elements produce cultural attractions.

Note: Multiple responses obtained. Percentages do not total 100%

In Christchurch the most visited attractions by those surveyed were located in the central city such as Cathedral Square (80%) and the Botanic Gardens (67%).

The most popular places to visit in Canterbury outside Christchurch are Akaroa and Aoraki Mt. Cook.

References
Sleeman, R. and Simmons, D.G. (2003). Christchurch and Canterbury Visitor Profile and Forecasts. Tourism Recreation Research and Education Centre (TRREC), Lincoln University, Report No. 30.

Learning activities

1. Evaluate the attractions listed in Table 1. Classify each as natural or cultural.
2. Which are predominant natural or cultural attractions?
3. Suggest reasons for your answers to Questions 1 and 2.
4. Classify the attractions as public or privately funded attractions.
5. Which attractions (that are available at other New Zealand destinations) are not found in Christchurch? Give reasons for your answer.