Christchurch is the South Island's largest city and the capital of the Canterbury region; it is situated just north of Banks Peninsula, midway down the South Island's east coast. Possessing a stable sunny climate, the city’s parks and gardens are a key attraction year round and are renowned for their beauty, especially in spring.
The most English city in New Zealand, The Garden City, boasts beautifully preserved gothic architecture, tree lined avenues and the gentle meandering Avon River. There are art galleries and theatres and bars, cafes and restaurants in abundance.
Central city attractions include the beautiful Neo-Gothic Arts Center and its craft markets, the new Art Gallery, Botanic Gardens, a historic tram route through the city, the International Antarctic Center and the Christchurch Gondola, which offers great views of the Pacific Ocean, city and Southern Alps.
Visit the beautiful unspoiled old French whaling depot of Akaroa and sample the delights of New Zealand wine and cheese, or take a cruise of the harbour and delight in sightings of dolphins, penguins and seals.
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