Set on the Canterbury Plains, Christchurch is surrounded by mountains and the Port Hills, which has a beautiful coastline and many well maintained parks. Well known relaxation areas are spread throughout the centre and outskirts of the city - take a stroll through the Botanical Gardens and Hagley Park, relax on Sumner Beach or Taylors Mistake, or view the beauty from up high by taking a ride in the Gondola at Mount Cavendish. There are activities abound, from the peaceful and relaxing to the more adventurous, including ballooning, surfing, golf, walking and much more.

In Christchurch Cathedral Square, you will find Buskers and street stalls, or you can listen to our eccentric and famous "Wizard of Christchurch" speak. You may also enjoy the architecture of Christchurch's central Cathedral.

During the winter there are great ski fields within 1-2 hours drive. Porter Heights is just 90 kilometres from Christchurch airport and approximately one hour’s drive from the Garden City, making it the closest ski area to Christchurch.

Akaroa has a unique place in New Zealand's history as the only French settlement in the country. Akaroa is 85 kilometres south east of Christchurch on the Banks Peninsula. The lovely bayside town has many streets with French names and is the oldest town in the Canterbury district. In the centre of the village is the wharf from which boat charters can take you to view the rare Hectors dolphins and picturesque features of Akaroa Harbour.