Christchurch, bordered by hills and the Pacific Ocean, is situated on the edge of the Canterbury plains  stretching to the Southern Alps. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is a place where the residents continue to enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle amidst a safe and natural environment. Its population of 400,000 people comes from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds, making this multi-cultural city a vibrant and exciting place to live, work and study. From the centre of Christchurch you can be walking on the hills in less than 10 minutes, swimming at the beach in 25 minutes, or skiing in the mountains in 1 1/2 hours.

Much of the city has been set aside for parks, nature reserves and recreation grounds. It is these, together with Christchurch's private gardens and historic buildings, which give the city much of its essential English character.

Cathedral Square	Christchurch Art Gallery	Taking a tram ride	Learning to ski	Punting on the Avon River