Christchurch

The other large city in New Zealand is Christchurch. Located half way down the eastern seaboard of the South Island, Christchurch is the heart of the Canterbury region. Intended initially as a model Church of England - British Empire City it is a very orderly place. The British feel of the place still survives but only just. The city sits on the edge of a large flat agricultural plain. On the other side of this plain and giving a dramatic backdrop to the city are the Southern Alps including the highest peaks in the country.