Dorset Testimonials
Marvellous price and so handy to everything, thank you!
Harris Family, Australia 30-03-2009
- Review Dorset Apartments
From Dorset Apartments, you can reach all central city activities and must-see sights on foot - take your time to wander and explore the Garden City. Here's a few ideas on what you'll find just beyond your doorstep.
The Arts Centre of Christchurch is a vibrant and exciting venue for a huge range of New Zealand made art and crafts, shopping, education and entertainment. There truly is something for everyone, with highlights including over 40 specialty shops, fine art galleries, world-class theatre, art house cinemas, bars, restaurants and cafes, a bustling weekend Art, Craft and Produce Market, and an array of festivals and special events throughout the year. Once the site of the University of Canterbury, these distinctive Gothic Revival buildings are today a maze of fun, wonder and delight, and form part of our award-winning tourism attraction. Arts Centre Information is open daily 9.30am - 5pm, 7 days (except Christmas Day).
Within the city itself, there are many shops, bars and cafes. Most of the cities bars and shops are within a 3-4 block radius of the central square and the magnificent Christchurch Cathedral! On Fridays a market is run in the Square itself – a great time to sample local fare and maybe find a bargain.
Located next to the Botanic Gardens and Arts Centre, the Christchurch Museum offers a chance to view the history of Christchurch and New Zealand in a spacious historic building. Glimpse how the early European Canterbury settlers lived and stroll through the Victorian Christchurch Street in an interactive display. The museum is open every day but Christmas Day.
Located beside the Avon River and Hagley Park, a 20-minute walk away from Dorset Apartments, the gardens were established in 1863 and are well known for their magnificent collection of specimen trees. Covering 30 hectares and containing a world-class blend of over 10,000 exotic and indigenous plants, the gardens are open daily.
Christchurch’s historic trams, which disappeared in 1954, have been lovingly refurbished to their original pristine condition and are “moving antiques”. The 2.5km track links central city shops and attractions, including The Arts Centre, Christchurch Art Gallery, Christchurch Botanic Gardens, colourful New Regent St, Cathedral Junction, and Cathedral Square. Tram drivers provide a fascinating commentary on the 25-minute trip. Guests are encouraged to hop on and off the trams so they can explore the sights up close. Tickets are valid for two days allowing plenty of time to see and do everything.
Christchurch's central throughfare, running from one side of the city to the other, Colombo St is home to a huge range of shops, restaurants, bars and cafes, and also bisects Cathedral Square. Walk down to Colombo St and Peterborough St corner (just two minutes from Dorset Apartments) and indulge in our favourite Thai restaurant.
The Christchurch Convention Centre is New Zealand's largest purpose-built convention venue. Situated in the heart of Christchurch's CBD, this iconic Canterbury landmark boasts unique and contemporary architecture, including a 10-metre high glass façade. The Convention Centre caters for a huge range of events, conventions and exhibitions to gala dinners and smaller meetings. Just three minutes walk away, Dorset Apartments is your ideal base for Convention Centre events and functions.
The Christchurch Town Hall for Performing Arts is one of Christchurch's premier performance venues. It has been the stage for many of the world’s leading performing artists and cultural groups, hosting everything from major concerts to University graduations. One side of the spacious foyer is a 2,500 seat Auditorium while the other side is home to the James Hay Theatre with 1,000 seats.
The spectacular new Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu is located in the heart of the city’s unique Cultural Precinct, and features a dramatic 90-metre glass and metal façade. The Gallery houses one of the foremost public art collections in New Zealand, including superb Canterbury paintings, prints, drawings, sculpture, photography and applied arts. The Christchurch Art Gallery is open every day but Christmas Day.
Just two blocks from Dorset Apartments is the Christchuch Casino. Open 24-hours a day except Easter and Christmas, the Casino is always humming. Try your hand at Blackjack, Roulette, or the gaming machines. Afterwards, spend your winnings in the Diamond Bar, take in some live music, or have a meal at the fabulous Grand Cafe Restaurant. Smart, neat attire is required at all times. Jeans can be worn but must be of a tidy standard.
Hagley Park has been at the heart of Christchurch since the 1850s and is ferociously loved and protected by the citizens of Christchurch. Today it is by far our most significant central city park. It is renowned for its extensive acreage (161 hectares), its wide-open spaces and mature woodlands. Hagley Park is also a major sporting and cultural focal point. It offers a diverse range of entertainment and recreational opportunites within close proximity to the city centre.
For more than 120 years the Centre of Contemporary Art has acted as one of New Zealand’s most significant arts institutions. The gallery represents established and emerging artists, encompassing painting, printmaking, installation, design, craft and photography, with a commitment to quality and excellence. With exhibitions changing every three weeks, more than 60 exhibitions are held every year. Additional gallery space, the Selling Gallery, features a rotating exhibition of original art. Established and historical works are also featured including Doris Lusk, Olivia Spencer-Bower and Ralph Hotere. Hours: Tues – Fri, 10am - 5pm; Sat and Sun 12pm - 4pm.
Christchurch Cathedral in the Square is the heart and soul of the city. This fine example of English Victorian Gothic church architecture is the most visited church in the country. Anglican by denomination, you will find a warm welcome awaits you within its doors. Join in one of 14 weekly services, from traditional Anglican worship to jazz services. In February, the inside of the Cathedral transforms into a carpet of flowers. Experience the sensational music of the Cathedral boy choristers and Men’s Choir. Hours: every day: Oct – Mar, 8.30am – 7pm; Apr – Sep, 9am – 5pm
The is situated in central Christchurch and it is only a 10-15 minute walk from Dorset Apartments
