IEEE SENSORS 2009 Conference - 25-28 October 2009


	About Christchurch Local Attractions Conference Map		Christchurch Gondola - www.gondola.co.nz The Christchurch Gondola is located in the Heathcote Valley, just fifteen minutes from the heart of Christchurch city. Take in the spectacular panoramic 360 degree views, which include Christchurch city, Lyttelton Harbour, Banks Peninsula, Canterbury Plains and the distant peaks of the Southern Alps. The Christchurch Gondola is open daily from 10:00 am until late, 365 days of the year. Each Gondola cabin accommodates four guests and can carry 440 passengers per hour. The Christchurch Gondola ticket can be combined with The Christchurch Tramway for exceptional value for money. Christchurch Tramway - www.tram.co.nz For a truly memorable event climb aboard the Christchurch Trams and enjoy the festivities. From tram robbers demanding your "loot" to competing against teams to win the 'Amazing Tram Race' - be prepared to have loads of fun! History has repeated itself with the return of electric trams to Christchurch that disappeared from the streets in 1954 and has now returned to link Christchurch's central city shops and attractions, eg. the Art Gallery, Arts Centre, Museum, Botanic Gardens, Hagley Park, Victoria Street, New Regent Street and Cathedral Square. The trams have been lovingly refurbished to their original pristine condition and are "moving antiques". The 2.5km track takes about 25-minutes to complete. Tram drivers provide a live comprehensive commentary throughout the journey and tram guests are also able to hop on and off the trams at leisure to explore the sights up close. Punting on the Avon - www.punting.co.nz A punt is a flat-bottomed boat which does not have a keel. Typically, a punt is approximately 21 feet (6 metres) long and 3 feet (1 metre) wide. It should be propelled by means of a pole - about 16 foot (5 metres) long - which is also used to steer the punt. This method of propulsion is known as punting, using a paddle to move along does not qualify! Go ahead and take a relaxing 30-minute Punt ride down Avon River. Antarctic Attraction at the International Antarctic Centre - www.iceberg.co.nz Located next to the Christchurch International Airport and just 15 minutes from the Christchurch City Centre, the Antarctic Attraction is a memorable experience for all ages! Enjoy a Hagglund ATV ride or hang out with the Little Blue penguins in the New Zealand Penguin Encounter. Or spend your stay at the Aquarium with specimens from the Antarctic floor! Ko tane - the Maori Experience - www.kotane.co.nz Welcome to Ko Tane Living Maori Village at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, where maori culture and conservation meet to give a unique glimpse into the way of life of the South Island Ngai Tahu Maori people before the arrival of the Europeans. Experience the thrill of the wero, the traditional challenge to visitors, as you are brought into the sacred precinct of Tane, Maori God of the Forests. Hear the haunting traditional call, the Karanga, performed by a wahine (woman) as the powhiri (ritual of arrival) begins, allowing you to enter our hidden enclave. Listen to a tane (male) explain the customs of the Ngai Tahu tribe as you visit the Living Village and witness an ancient way of life where Maori struggled to survive in the harsh conditions of the most southerly of the Polynesian Pacific Islands. Learn about the coming of the Pakeha (fair-skinned ones), the changes Maori were forced to make from their traditional way of life and how the culture has grown and adapted as a result. Join in the laughter as you take part in a performance of the haka (men) or the poi dance (women), and be entertained by the songs and games performed by our kapa haka (Maori cultural performance) group.