The soothing harmony of a wide expanse of greenery gracefully checked by the windings of lakes and mature woodlands comprise Hagley Park in the city centre of Christchurch in New Zealand. During the first part of the day the rays of the sun draw their own picturesque paintings on the park, seeping through the bare boughs or leafy foliage and casting dark shadows and mosaics as the sun sets; only to rise the next morning in all flamboyance throwing the park into a vivid glory of leaves, flowers and wavelets on the lakes.
Hagley Park was created in 1855 and with its floor area of 165 hectares stands easily as the largest open urban space in Chirstchurch. Bordered by the graceful windings of the Avon River in the northern section, the park is also limited by roads such as the Moorland and Hagley Avenues on the southern edge. In spite of the spaciousness that is quite obvious the park is subdivided into three sections, the Little Hagley, North Hagley and South Hagley by two separate avenues. It is famous for its wide expanse of ground and lofty trees that have stretched their arms far and wide sheltering the natural and artificial pathways and treks alike. The park indeed is an excellent place for both jogging and cycling and with this intention there is a cycle track plus a 15 station fitness track for fitness freaks.
In spite of being a picture of personified stillness only drowned by the murmur of water across the lakes or the occasional frolicking of the swans who glide across the waters in lazy contentment, the park has its own corners for sports and entertainment. These include the Hagley Golf Club and the adjoining Christchurch Netball Centre to the south corner of the park.
While visiting this heavenly garden, a traveller will feel the need to look for a Christchurch hotel that will be conveniently located close to this neighbourhood. That is just one of the advantages of staying at a premier hotel like the Millennium Christchurch. Grazing the sky and standing proudly in the cathedral square, the hotel is ideal as a central hotel Christchurch as it is within all the major finance and entertainment centres. With its excellent guest rooms that have all modern amenities and the fabulous dining prospects at the restaurant Piko piko – which offers New Zealand’s best culinary experience with its award winning quality – a perfect stay is ensured for the discerning visitor to this city of New Zealand.
