Le Race is a challenging 100km cycling event that is definitely not for the faint-hearted!

Ridden by pros and amateurs alike, Le Race begins with the tolling bells of Christchurch Cathedral and ends somewhere between three and six hours later in the beautiful French-inspired settlement of Akaroa.

Highlights include the uphill ride through Cashmere, the infamous short but sharp ascent 'The Ramp' and the exhilarating, fast downhill finish.

There are plenty of opportunities along the way to provide spectator support and cheer on those who race to win and those who race simply to say 'I did it!'

Christchurch Botanic Gardens
wins Supreme Ellerslie Award

The Christchurch Botanic Gardens has won the Judges Supreme Award at this year’s Ellerslie International Flower Show with a garden of fungi, mould and lichen.

The Convenor of Judges Robert Hillier of England says the exhibit is a real show-stopper.
“The Botanic Gardens exhibit is simply outstanding. They have kept the garden very focused and not over complicated it – the public will be blown away by it.”

Life and Death is a display of the plant kingdom in light, sound, movement and texture, bringing together elements of sensory inspiration. Using plant materials associated with natural decay, the garden demonstrates nature’s ability to reuse and recycle.

He says the message is strong and it is a very clever garden: “The garden has an enormous wow factor”.

In the Starlight Marquee, Life and Death is about challenging Ellerslie visitors to think about the planet and taking care of the environment.

The Judges said it was a “stunning garden taking the viewer into the underworld of root system, fungi and decomposing organisms using a captivating display of lighting and sound effects to enliven this other world in an extraordinary fashion.”

The garden also won Gold and a Gold Lighting Award.

All Black halfback Andy Ellis and his mate Danny Kamo of John Marsh Landscape Architects won the Supreme Award for Design Excellence for The Last Laugh, a serious statement about the impact humans are having on the environment and the planet’s natural resources.

The judges said the elegant garden interprets a challenging message well – that of nature fighting back against human excesses. “It has an uncluttered simplicity and a strong coherent planting design. The tectonics of ground movement are brilliantly represented which was undoubtedly a challenge to build.”

The duo also won Gold for the garden.

Lincoln University graduates Cameron McLean, Desmond Stock and Gareth Ford won the Supreme Award for Construction for Finding Solace in the Sky a 21st Century slice of New Zealand’s quarter acre paradise in the sky.

“The wide range of construction elements in this design presented an opportunity for displaying excellence in workmanship,” the judges said.

“Of note, were the brickwork, timberwork and rendering which was faultlessly executed. Moving elements and suspended lawn areas constructed in steel were cleverly constructed and of a high standard. All components were skilfully integrated with the underlying corrugated roofing.”

The trio also won Silver and a Silver Distinction Lighting Award for the garden.

The NZ Alpine Garden Society won the Supreme Award for Horticulture with their exhibit which the Judges’ said “continued the proud tradition of showing ‘the best of the best’ horticultural specimens”.
 
“Seldom is such an outstanding collection of rare and unique plants seen at a Show. The exhibit was well-designed, delightfully charming and an engaging reminder of gardening’s fundamental pleasure: wonderful plants.

“The subtle joys to be seen are captivating and will keep visitors enthralled. Plus the challenge of growing these species to perfection trumps all other horticultural achievements. This exhibit was an absolute delight to judge and is a huge credit to all involved.”

The Wildfood Festival, based at Hokitika on the South Island's West Coast is an annual celebration of unusual, interesting and innovative food.

Started by local woman Claire Bryant, the first event in 1990 also coincided with the 125th anniversary of the birth of Hokitika.

The festival has grown year on year since its inception - 1,800 people attended the inaugural event, with visitor numbers in excess of 15,000 last year.

New wild foods are included every year, as well as the old favourites such as whitebait fritters or for the more adventurous, New Zealand's very own huhu grub.

Every two years at Easter, stunning Lake Wanaka is the venue for one of the world's most spectacular air shows. 

Warbirds Over Wanaka has its roots back in 1988, when Tim Wallis, an aviation entreprenuer introduced an airshow as part of a country fair.  Over 14,000 people attended and Warbirds Over Wanaka was born.

Now, over 80,000 people make the biennial pilgrimage to be entertained by over 60 aircraft and take in the atmosphere as the lakeside town of Wanaka comes alive.

The next Warbirds will be Easter 2012

The  Brazier Properties Girls on Bikes is a women's only road cycling event. Set in the iconic Canterbury township of Methven the options of a 37km or 76km course will cater for every level of cycling from the absolute beginner right through to the elite athlete with recreational and registered rider categories.

The post event celebrations will begin with the "Girls on Bikes Life Guard Competition" followed by prize giving where loads of fantastic prizes will be given away along with acknowledgement of the place getters.

The evening extravaganza is "The Outrageous Night Out  with Robyn Malcolm" features wine and cheese tasting, fashion show, wine making guru Jules Taylor and of course a catch-up with one of New Zealand's top actresses Robyn Malcolm.
The following day Methven puts on one of its famous "Methven Market Day's "

The award winning Forrest Grape Ride is the biggest road cycling event in the South Island.

Canterbury -
The home of the 127 year old Crusaders franchise

Formed in 1863, the Christchurch Football Club is the oldest in New Zealand; the country's first rugby football union was also established in Canterbury, in 1879.

Canterbury has a proud and passionate rugby history.  It has the most clubs of all New Zealand rugby unions with 47 producing countless All Blacks, including Andrew Mehrtens, who holds the record for the most All Black test points (967 in 70 Tests). Robbie Deans, Wayne Smith, Justin Marshall, Dan Carter and Richie McCaw.

Along with visitors, Australia, England, Scotlant and Argentina will make their base here.

Cathedral Square  will be transformed into Fan Zone, with the World Ruck dome and open-air rugby theatre. The unique Rugby Road pedestrian access from city centre to Stadium Christchurch adds to the special atmosphere. For those not heading to the match, all the action can be viewed on two big screens in the central city.

Christchurch and Canterbury New Zealand is ready to host an unforgettable rugby experience, so make sure you're part of it and don't forget to book your rental car early!!

THE SCHEDULE
Saturday, September 10 - Argentina vs. England
Sunday, September 11 - Australia vs. Italy
Sunday,  September 18 - England vs. Georgia
Sunday,  September 25 - Argentina vs. Scotland
Saturday, October 1 - Australia v Russia
Saturday, October 8 - QF2: W Pool B vs. RU Pool A
Sunday, October 9 - QF4: W Pool A vs. RU Pool B