CHRISTCHURCH
Christchurch is the capital of the region of Canterbury and is the largest city on the south Island of New Zealand. It is known internationally as the garden city due to its oneness with the earth and its numerous public gardens and parks that give the city a natural feel. Developed as an Anglican outpost and taking its name from an Oxford college, it is no wonder the city has the ambience of an English university town that lolls in neo-gothic style around the slow flowing river Avon. And in some ways it plays on this image. School boys still wear striped blazers at Christ's college and punt along the Avon. Do not be fooled by the first impression, Christchurch is a lively city of multi cultured fusion with its own distinct identity, kiwi of course. The city has a youthful exuberance and a contemporary style that gives it an exciting undercurrent. The city is full of continental cafés but with a kiwi slant on things and an underground evening scene to compete with the best. Because of its position along the main road and as part of the railway that runs down the east coast, Christchurch makes a great base from which you can take in banks Peninsula or wander in the vineyards of the Canterbury plains or have the city as your springboard from which to embark on the many sporting activities accessible from Christchurch. So while it makes a great base from which to explore the south island, the city itself merits some investment and time.
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