Located on the east coast of the South Island, Christchurch - just like the rest of New Zealand - is a city of contrasts.
It is a place where its residents continue to enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle amidst a natural environment world-renowned for its beauty. A growing cosmopolitan ambience also adds a touch of excitement without overt flashiness.
Internationally famed 'The Garden City', Christchurch's well-established expansive parks and public gardens owe much to the planning and foresight of the city's founding fathers.
The centrally-located 161 hectare Hagley Park, the Botanic Gardens, the four leafy inner-city avenues, Victoria Square and spectacular gardens such as Mona Vale on the banks of the River Avon bear testimony to this legacy. It is a vision which is embraced and perpetuated today by proud residents right throughout the city.
The Floral Festival held in February each year is certainly one of the most popular festivals on the annual calendar...a time when the city is a blaze of colour.