Christchurch - "The Garden City"
Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island with a population in excess of 360,000.
It is known as ''The Garden City' because of its numerous spacious parks, the tree lined streets and well kept private gardens.
Main attractions include the Museum (Natural History), the Art Gallery, the Arts Centre, a Wildlife Park and Wildlife Reserve and, unique to New Zealand, the International Antarctic Centre.
A tramway makes a 2.5km loop around the city centre. A short trip by gondola to the top of the Port Hills affords the visitor a panoramic view of the City, the Canterbury Plains, the Southern Alps and Banks Peninsula.
During the winter months access to eleven ski-fields, is not more than a three hour drive from the central city.
The city is well serviced by an International Airport and the Port of Lyttelton.
It is a great place for people to enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle.
For further information, visit www.christchurch.org.nz.
From top left to lower right:
1. The Christchurch Town Hall fountains as seen from Victoria Square
2. The picturesque Avon Rover flows through the heart of Christchurch City
3. The Christchurch Cathedral, of Gothic design, is the best known and most visited church in New Zealand
4. A ride on the Christchurch Tram is a unique experience that takes passengers on a circuit of the city's attractions
5. Christchurch Art Gallery is found in Worcester Boulevard. Admission is free and the gallery is open every day except Christmas Day. Exhibitions celebrate national and international art and creative spirit
Photos by Carol Pilbrough