Christchurch South Island   The Garden City   Christ Church Cathedral and punting  on the River Avon

Christchurch’s well-established expansive parks and public gardens  were recognized when in 1996 Christchurch was acknowledged as the "outstanding garden city "form 620 international entries. The centrally-located 161 hectare Hagley Park, the Botanic Gardens, the leafy inner-city avenues, Victoria Square and spectacular gardens such as Mona Vale on the banks of the River Avon reflect the title of the Garden CIty.
 

The English city is how many people see Christchurch. The town square is dominated by the Christ Church Cathedral, very English. You will see the school children in English school uniforms and then there is the River Avon.  Punts are going up and down the river a scene reminiscent of many English movies. 
 

Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island and a ferry runs nightly between Wellington and Christchurch carrying cars and people back and forth.  This is the major entry point to the South Island and some international flights come into Christchurch. Most flights come from Australia rather than from the US mainland.  People fly into Christchurch to make a connection into Fiordland and Queenstown. 
 

The highlights of  Christchurch are visiting the Cathedral and taking a wander in the gardens along the River Avon and the Botanic gardens.  You might consider doing a tour here that will take you to a sheep farm or something else of special interest.   Another interesting addition to Christchurch is the Antarctica Center.  http://www.iceberg.co.nz/

Here you can experience the "cold room" (parkas supplied) and also take a trip on the vehicles the use to get around the Antarctic at the research stations.

The Banks Peninsula is an area that is often visited.  This is a very scenic area of valleys, harbors and bays. Well worth a visit.

Akaroa Is a beautiful small town that still has many hallmarks of the French who started a colony here in the mid 1800’s.  Only 85 Kilometers away from Christchurch the tiny village with colonial architecture, craft shops and delightful restaurants is a lovely place to visit.  Tours run to Akaroa or you can also rent a car it is an easy drive.