Christchurch

Located on the east coast of the South Island, Christchurch - just like the rest of New Zealand - is a city of contrasts.

It is a place where its residents continue to enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle amidst a natural environment world-renowned for its beauty. A growing cosmopolitan ambience also adds a touch of excitement without overt flashiness.
Everywhere there is an understated elegance that speaks of times gone by and promises a future where anything is possible. It really is the 'city that shines'.
Internationally famed 'The Garden City', Christchurch's well-established expansive parks and public gardens owe much to the planning and foresight of the city's founding fathers.

The centrally-located 161 hectare Hagley Park, the Botanic Gardens the four leafy inner-city avenues, Victoria Square and spectacular gardens such as Mona Vale on the banks of the River Avon bear testimony to this legacy. It is a vision, which is embraced and perpetuated today by proud residents right throughout the city.

The Floral and Romance Festival held in February each year is certainly one of the most popular festivals on the annual calendar...a time when the city is a blaze of color.
In 1996, Christchurch was acknowledged as the outstanding garden city from 620 international entries and in 1997, was judged Overall Winner of Major Cities in the Nations in Bloom International Competition to become 'Garden City of the World'!

There is something different to see and do within one or two hours drive of Christchurch, in any direction.

To the east lie the open ocean and Banks Peninsula, featuring sheltered bays, sandy beaches, and bush clad valleys, rocky coastline and high, wild places. Boating, tramping, a visit to the wineries and the French settlers harbourside village of Akaroa are key peninsula attractions.

To the west, past fertile plains and braided rivers, are forested foothills and lakes. Beyond them lie the tallest mountains in Australasia, the Southern Alps, strung out parallel to the coastline. Mountain passes with delightful alpine villages break the almost impenetrable divide and deliver the traveler to the west coast. There is a choice of western routes and plenty of ski areas on the way.

A journey north reveals green rolling hills, forests and long, empty beaches, with the whale-watching center of Kaikoura about 2 hours drive away, whilst an excursion to the south passes through farmland and crosses two more of Canterbury's pristine rivers, ideal for fishing in, whitewater rafting or kayaking down. Mt Hutt, the premier commercial ski area close to the city, lies to the southwest. A day off-piste here gives opportunity for jet boating, fishing, horse riding or a round of golf.