New Zealand's South Island

Christchurch

Between the jagged ridge of snowy mountains and the tattered remnants of two conjoined volcanoes find the wide, flat Canterbury Plains. Upon this landscape pressing out into the Pacific Ocean, discover a patchwork of fields, crossed by several glacier fed braided rivers, and the silvery city of Christchurch.

Nestled on the western edge of this peninsula known as the Banks Peninsula, Christchurch offers spectacular views of the Southern Alps, the Kaikoura Mountains and Mt. Cook. The Canterbury Association, the British organization responsible for the settlement’s development, founded Christchurch for a planned Church of England community, and set aside land for Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens, which continue to draw visitors for their casual beauty. Along the streets, admire the eclectic array of trees from around the world, another gift from the Canterbury Association and root of Christchurch’s moniker, The Garden City.

Throughout the city, view the unique architecture, churchlike in style and ornate in design. Visit the Arts Centre and Canterbury Museum, both built in a Gothic Revival style, which give this city its charming English feel. Outside the city, discover the fertile Canterbury Plains, where some of New Zealand’s finest pastureland rolls for miles, as well as the up and coming leader in wine, Waipara Valley.