Christchurch is the the second largest city in New Zealand and the largest in the South Island with a population of around 337,000. From it's humble beginnings as a huge area of swampland, it has become a major international tourist attraction and is cosmopolitan in its outlook.
The area was originally settled mainly by Middle Class English immigrants who worked hard to drain the swamplands and create a little piece of home. Even today with it's Gothic revival architecture (see left above, Canterbury Cathedral, Christchurch Town Centre), and beautiful parks and gardens, it's considered to be the most English city outside England.
Worcester Blvd
Nestled in the Canterbury Plains, Christchurch is a cyclists haven, with flat terrain throughout the region. It's English charm and heritage also lend a certain atmosphere to the city, combine this with an ever growing adventure tourism industry and it may be why Christchurch has been judged one of the top 25 cities in the world by leading travel magazines.
The people of Christchurch can be reserved at times, but they are friendly and polite when approached. However, if you were to visit Christchurch on a day when the provincial rugby team, the Canterbury Crusaders, are playing, and you might see a different, passionate side to the city!!
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One of the places to visit in Christchurch is the Arts Centre. Housed at the site of the old Canterbury University, it provides a creative outlet for local artists and crafts people. A market is held everyday attracts people from far and wide. There are also many cafes and an International food hall with every type of food imaginable! |
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Christchurch is the last port of call for many personnel from many countries who work in Antartica, and the city has its own Antartic Centre. There you can discover first hand what conditions are like on the ice in the specially designed and atmospherically controlled 'Snow and Ice' room |
Canterbury University
The University was originally situated at the site of the present day Arts Centre. However, it quickly outgrew it's surroundings and moved to the suberb of Ilam where it developed into the sprawling campus we have today. Some notable gradutes from the University include Lord Ernst Rutherford (the first man to split the atom), Sir Apirana Ngata (New Zealand's first Maori graduate) and Helen Connan (New Zealand's first female graduate). The University has it's own website which gives details of fees, courses and information for international students.
Famous People
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Although not currently residing in Christchurch, Margaret graduated from it's University and went on to publish over 100 childrens books on an international scale. She has been the recipient on two occasions of the Carnegie Medal of the Library of Great Britain. |
Famous crime writer. Ngaio wrote 32 novels in her lifetime and the New York Times described her as New Zealand's best known literary figure. In recognition of this she was awared an MBE and made a Dame Commander. |
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Keri Hulme Author of 'the bone people' and winner of the Booker Prize in 1985. |
Christchurch's very own Wizard! |
