Less than 5 minutes walk from Dorset House is Victoria Street. Many cafes and bars line either side of the street as well as a selection of specialty shops. If you are feeling lucky, follow Victoria Street to the Casino, today might be your day!
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 15-minute walk away from Dorset House, 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.
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.
The Cultural Precinct of Christchurch is an area centrally located in the city. Attractions in the area include: the Museum, Arts Centre, Botanic Gardens, the Tram, Centre of Contemporary Art, and the Library. Walking around the precinct is a wonderful way to get a feel for why Christchurch has been described as one of ‘the most English cities outside of England’!
Hagley Park has been at the heart of Christchurch since the 1850s and is today by far our most significant central city park. It is renowned for it's 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. All this almost on the door step of Dorset House!
Frank and Gwen live just over the fence, and are a wonderful, friendly, older couple. Dorset House is situated in a residential zone and respecting our neighbours’ privacy and lifestyle is of most importance, we value their friendship. You may see Frank drop off the mail just before 10 in the mornings, which he is kind enough to do for us.
