With a population of 350,000, Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island. Fondly known as the Garden City, Christchurch is perhaps the most English of all the cities in the country.
The city was named after an Oxford college, and those on holiday in Christchurch will understand why when they see the neo-Gothic architecture and the punting on the gently winding river. The Englishness is however largely skin deep and in recent years the traditional English conservatism has evolved into a lively and youthful city with an explosion of bars, restaurants, night-life, theatre music and street entertainment. Christchurch holidays promise an eclectic mix of historic elegance and contemporary culture. Being the gateway to the South Island, holidays in Christchurch are an easy add on to any New Zealand Itinerary. Those on a Christchurch holiday will discover that there is both plenty to do in the city itself and in the surrounding areas. Holidays to Christchurch usually begin at Cathedral Square which dominates the Metropolitan centre. The square is a large, square cobblestone area with a cathedral adjacent to it. Driving, walking or cycling in the Port Hills is also popular for those on holiday to Christchurch as it offers fantastic views of Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains, Banks Peninsula and Lyttelton Harbour.
