Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island.

Surrounded by the Cashmere Hills, Christchurch is the South Island's largest city, and the gateway to the dynamic Canterbury region. Dubbed the Garden City, Christchurch enjoys a reputation as the most English of New Zealand's cities thanks to its many gracious parks and buildings, and the tree-lined Avon River. Punting on the river is a favourite pastime during summer, with punts for hire at the old Antigua boatshed and in the central city. The city has a lively café and cultural scene and is home to the country's largest community arts centre. Cathedral Square is the heart of the city and a favourite haunt of local celebrity the Wizard. Sightseeing is made easy by historic trams that make a circuit around many of the best known sights. The city's many festivals include the Summer Times Festival, which incorporates the Festival of Romance and the International Buskers Festival, the Christchurch Winter Festival in August and Showtime Canterbury in November.

Christchurch has extensive beaches within a short drive from the city.

Beyond Christchurch is the the beautiful French-influenced town of Akaroa located on Banks Peninsula. The port town of Lyttleton that can be reach either by the Lyttleton tunnel or over the scenic port Hills.

1.5 hours drive from Christchurch is the Mt Hutt skifields and the beautiful Southern Alps.