Christchurch

Christchurch is the South Island's largest city. With its cathedral square and elegant grey stone 19th century buildings it is a reminder of an English cathedral town. Christchurch was planned as a Church of England settlement and its founders intended that it should reflect English society. The town's flat site allowed for a grid of organized streets bounded by wide tree lined avenues and the distinctive stamp of English architecture has survived in its beautiful buildings, statues, parks and squares.

It is the South Islands cultural center with many art galleries and the Canterbury Museum.

Other popular Christchurch attractions include the International Antarctic Center, African wildlife at Orana Park, Air Force World, Christchurch Casino and the Christchurch Gondola, the Christchurch Trams. Hot air ballooning is also a very popular tourist activity in this region.

Christchurch also makes a good base from which to explore the Hanmer Springs area with its mountain walks, skiing, bungy jumping, jet boating and the relaxing thermal pools complex.