Canterbury

Christchurch is the largest city on New Zealand's South Island and the main urban centre of the Canterbury region. Known as the Garden City, it combines English heritage, riverside green spaces and a modern city centre rebuilt after the 2010–2011 earthquakes. Hagley Park and the Christchurch Botanic Gardens form a large green core, while the Avon River runs through the heart of the city.

Landmarks include the partly restored Christ Church Cathedral in Cathedral Square, the Transitional Cathedral made of cardboard, the Canterbury Museum, New Regent Street's pastel heritage façades and the Riverside Market. The city's Māori name, Ōtautahi, reflects its longer history, and Lyttelton Harbour links Christchurch to Banks Peninsula.

Neighbourhoods such as Riccarton, Merivale, Papanui, Addington, New Brighton and Sumner each offer a different character, from shopping and dining to beach life and suburban village centres. The Port Hills provide walking and mountain-biking trails with views over the city, harbour and Southern Alps.

Christchurch is also a gateway to the South Island and a base for Antarctic programmes, with the International Antarctic Centre near the airport. Its technology, engineering, food and agricultural sectors, conference venues and growing events calendar attract business travellers alongside visitors heading to the mountains, wineries and wildlife of the wider Canterbury region.

Leisure travellers come for gardens, markets, street art, nearby beaches and day trips to Akaroa or the Waipara wine region, while business visitors benefit from a compact centre, easy airport access and strong connections to the rest of the South Island.