Christchurch

Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand & the third largest in New Zealand. It is known as the 'Garden City'. Christchurch is named after a college at Oxford University in England and is widely considered the most English city in the world outside of England.

Population: 414,000

Airport: Christchurch International Airport [CHC]

Attractions: There are so many beautiful places to see and things to do in Christchurch here are just a few of them: Sumner Beach, Christchurch Botanical Gardens, Lyttelton Harbour, Akaroa, Christchurch Tramsway, Cathedral Square, Christchurch Gondola, Dolphins, World Busker's Festival [January].

Transport around city: The Christchurch Tram is a popular way to see the sites of inner city Christchurch. You also have other choices such as hiring a car or walking.

Recommended Restaurants: Maddison's Restaurant (Christchurch Central), Patterson's(CBD), Dux de Lux (CBD), The Brickworks (Cashmere).

Recommended Bars: Chambers Bar (CBD), Speights Ale House (CBD), All Bar One (CBD), The Boulevard (CBD).

Recommended Hotels: Millennium Hotel, Heritage Christchurch, Crowne Plaza.

Climate: Christchurch has a temperate climate with hot summers & cold frosty winters.

Culture: Christchurch is a predominantly European city with strong British heritage. The city has a lot of old English styled architecture which can be seen in the many churches and cathedrals in the city region. The city is often compared to Oxford in England.

Best time of year to travel: January- March