Lyttelton, New Zealand

New Zealand is such a diverse and dynamic country that you must visit a variety of regions to truly get a taste of the wonder that awaits. Christchurch is a glorious location, full of great restaurants, beautiful beaches, and outstanding museums. The gardens and cultural centers are fantastic, and the greater Christchurch area stretches from the Southern Alps all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

The wide array of outdoor activities is one of the best features of Christchurch, and from kayaking to golf, and from sailing to mountain biking, The Mainland has it all. This is the nickname given to the area surrounding the airport, and perhaps the most charming feature of Christchurch is that 20% of the surface land is devoted to nature reservations, recreation facilities, and public parks. This exemplifies the care and concern that the local government and the citizens have for their community. They are a close-knit and respectful bunch, and you will find that the inhabitants of Christchurch are friendly and will assist you in any way they can.

An interesting and amusing aspect of Christchurch is that it is a very English city, one that was once under the rule of England and seems to have stayed that way. The architecture in the city is distinctly southern English, with Victorian-style buildings and quaint little homes.

The streets and stores are cute and homey, and the majority of the time you will feel like you are in a small town in the country. But during the summer, when the weather heats up and everyone heads to the beach, the city really livens up and becomes a hot vacation spot. The air is crisp, the water blue, and the amenities plentiful.

337,000 people live in Christchurch, making it the largest city in the South Island. With all its lush plant life, it is definitely no coincidence that it has been named the Garden City of New Zealand. Gorgeous flowers and trees line the streets, colorful parks are plentiful, and the square in the center of town is radiant with elegance and grace. Sections of Christchurch can become bitterly cold in the winter time, making the other three seasons more favorable times to visit. But no matter when you visit, you are sure to leave energized and inspired.