Christchurch is South Island's largest city but has been given the title of 'the garden city' because of its parks. In 1849 the Canterbury Society was formed with the objective was to create an Anglican Utopia in New Zealand. Four ships arrived at Lyttelton Harbour in 1850 carrying English settlers - the 'Canterbury Pilgrims'. Many consider this to be one of the most English cities outside England itself - with traditional punting on the River Avon you can see why! The first trees were planted in the city's extensive Botanic Gardens in 1863.

Christchurch Cathedral took 40 years to build and was completed in 1904. This building and many others throughout the city are built in a neo-Gothic style. Many of the city's sights are best taken in by riding the restored 1905 trams. Christchurch Accommodation

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