Christchurch is bordered by hills and the Pacific Ocean, and is situated on the edge of the Canterbury plains stretching to the Southern Alps. It is centred in an area of tremendous geographical contrast.
Much of the city´s area has been set aside for parks, natural reserves and recreation grounds. It is these, together with Christchurch´s splendid private gardens, which give the city much of its essential character.
The city centre is comfortingly compact and the most delightful central feature is the gently winding Avon river. On its grassy banks lined with poplars and weeping willows, office workers and visitors join the street entertainers, seagulls and ducks for lunch in the sun.
Christchurch´s special character is most obvious in its glorious parks and gardens, which led it to win an International Garden City Award. A huge range of recreation attractions offers a variety of things to do and see, and visitors can enjoy active or more leisurely pursuits the whole year round.

Suitability
Nowhere else in the world can you experience such a variety of heart-stopping thrills in one region. Throw yourself off high bridges with an elastic band tied to your ankles in an exhilarating bungy jump, or mountain bike down “real” mountains. Take a hot air balloon ride, take a small aircraft ride and land on an ice-age glacier, go sky-diving, parapenting or paragliding. The Canterbury region is the capital of ski in New Zealand and has over 10 ski areas all within 2 1/2 hours drive from Christchurch International Airport. There are commercial fields and club fields, or why not try heli-skiing.
Canterbury is rapidly developing a world class reputation as a wine growing region. Either go on your own, or join a planned wine trail and mix your wine with some of the best food and accommodation the region has to offer.
With over fifty golf courses, from inner city to mountain peaks, and a couple of exclusive international golfing resorts, Canterbury is a golfer´s heaven.

Accommodation
Christchurch city offers a full range of accommodation from international-standard hotels to boutique hotels, motels, bed and breakfast and backpacker hostels. Put your feet up. Put your head down. Stay awhile. We´ve got the accommodation in Christchurch and Canterbury to suit. Hotels, motels, luxury lodges, bed and breakfast, holiday parks, camping grounds, backpackers. There´s one that´s just right for you.

Water
Ride the rapids on a whitewater raft on the Rangitata River; travel down the Waimakariri River in a speeding jet boat; cruise the inlets and bays of beautiful Banks Peninsula; kayak your way round clear mountain lakes or along rugged coastal waters.
Combine a fishing trip with a back country hiking experience, or take a charter boat along the Kaikoura coastline. Lake, stream, offshore or deep sea fishing - it is all available in Canterbury. Fish for brown trout, rainbow trout or salmon in one of the braided rivers winding through the Ashburton or Timaru districts.
Relax in the therapeutic waters of Hanmer Springs just 90 minutes from Christchurch.

Shopping
New Zealand is famous for its quality wool, leather, deerskin, excellent outdoor gear and unique blue pearl. Dedicated followers of fashion won´t be disappointed as well known world brands and home grown fashion products are available in the numerous malls and shopping areas. Kathmandu, Snowy Peak and Untouched World are all Christchurch based international clothing brands.
If you´re looking for a unique shopping experience, entertainment, variety or just a quiet coffee in a European style cafe you will find it and more in the central city. You will also find over 300 shops; top international designer labels, world-class New Zealand products, speciality stores and a huge range of duty-free shops.
There is also a first-class array of suburban shopping malls and the South Island´s only factory outlet shopping centre. For unique items and a special shopping experience it´s hard to look past The Arts Centre and the Spanish colonial splendour of New Regent Street.

Entertainment
There is never a dull moment in this very special city. From art galleries to theatres, weekend markets to museums, there is a tempting taste of Christchurch´s unique culture at every turn.
The Arts Centre, Christchurch Art Gallery, and the Town Hall all provide a focus for the lively arts and entertainment scene, whilst a leisurely tram ride through the city´s historic heart, a hot air balloon flight, or a trip on the Gondola will reveal Christchurch in a whole new light. And because having fun is such a priority, there is a host of varied and exciting attractions: Air Force Museum, Science Alive, Ferrymead Heritage Park, Southern Encounter Aquarium and Kiwi House, and the International Antarctic Centre are the ultimate in fun learning experiences, whilst for animal lovers, Orana Park and Willowbank are a must. For a change of pace, try a relaxing game of golf, then visit one of the excellent cafe bars and restaurants or experience exclusive shopping in the city centre. Finish off with an evening at the popular Christchurch Casino and you will have captured the essence of Christchurch.

Eating
There´s a reason why Canterbury lamb has a worldwide reputation...It´s a reason shared by crayfish (lobster) from Kaikoura...And also by succulent fresh vegetables and herbs from Canterbury gardens... And what about the wines ... aaaaah - the wines! The reason is simple - Taste! Pure, fresh, incomparable, unbeatable taste.
Christchurch and Canterbury - where gourmands and gourmets, gastronomes and gluttons gather!

Public Transport
Christchurch has one tram route and an extensive bus network, but most people find the city compact enough to walk around.
Although Christchurch is a pretty easy city to walk around, you may need to take a bus or two if you want to get across town or go to the train station, airport or the good hitchhiking spots. Christchurch´s public transport system is surprisingly efficient and most services run every 10 to 15 minutes.

Excursions
Experience unique and spectacular scenery on a South Island train ride. The Tranz Alpine train, rated one of the top six journeys in the world, travels daily from Christchurch to Greymouth (on the West Coast) through the magnificent Southern Alps. The Tranz Coastal travels daily between Christchurch to the port of Picton, where it connects with the Inter-Islander. The journey travels along the rugged Pacific Ocean on one side and the steep mountains on the other. Both trains have huge panoramic windows and an open air viewing platform. Enjoy spectacular Canterbury scenery by one of dozens of different tours, by road, rail, or four wheel drive.

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

Position
East Coast, South Island, New Zealand
Area: Christchurch City: 45,240 Hectares

Contact Information
Website: www.christchurch.org.nz

Serving Airports
Airport: Christchurch International Airport
Airport Code:
Flight Time from the UK: 26 hours