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Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island.
Surrounded
by the Cashmere Hills, Christchurch is the South Island's largest city, and
the gateway to the dynamic Canterbury region. Dubbed the Garden City,
Christchurch enjoys a reputation as the most English of New Zealand's cities
thanks to its many gracious parks and buildings, and the tree-lined Avon
River. Punting on the river is a favourite pastime during summer, with punts
for hire at the old Antigua boatshed and in the central city. The city has a
lively café and cultural scene and is home to the country's largest
community arts centre. Cathedral Square is the heart of the city and a
favourite haunt of local celebrity the Wizard. Sightseeing is made easy by
historic trams that make a circuit around many of the best known sights. The
city's many festivals include the Summer Times Festival, which incorporates
the Festival of Romance and the International Buskers Festival, the
Christchurch Winter Festival in August and Showtime Canterbury in November.
Christchurch has extensive
beaches within a short drive from the city.
Beyond Christchurch is the the beautiful French-influenced town
of Akaroa located on
Banks Peninsula. The port town of Lyttleton that can be reach either by the Lyttleton tunnel or
over the scenic port Hills.
1.5 hours drive from Christchurch is the Mt Hutt skifields and the
beautiful Southern Alps. |