Christchurch

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 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.Everywhere there is an understated elegance that speaks of times gone by and promises a future where anything is possible.

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.

The city itself has a relaxed and cosmopolitan centre with historic trams rattling along the streets of the downtown area, a lively pub and restaurant scene, theatres, cafes, museums and art galleries.

Christchurch is great city for a sporting gap year. It is a nice size – as New Zealand’s second largest city and the commercial centre of the South Island, there are a multitude of activities on offer to keep visitors entertained.Christchurch is however very manageable and has an excellent public transport system making it easy for people to travel around the city.People playing sport in Christchurch are therefore able to get from their accommodation to their club’s training and matches quickly and easily.

Canterbury, of which Christchurch is the main city, has a fantastic reputation for sport.In rugby, for example, the Canterbury Crusaders have dominated the Super 12 and Super 14 competitions.  The Crusaders won the Super 12 five times (1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2005) and the Super 14 comepetitions in 2006 and 2008.  The current All Blacks squad includes the following players from Canterbury – Dan Carter, Richard McCaw, Leon MacDonald, Rico Gear, Chris Jack, Aaron Mauger and Reuben Thorne. In other sports, Canterbury have performed extremely well, particularly in domestic netball, cricket and hockey competitions. Christchurch is therefore a fantastic place for any aspiring young sports person to spend time working on their game.

In terms of travelling in New Zealand, Christchurch is a gateway to the beautiful South Island.  To the east lie the open ocean and Banks Peninsula, featuring sheltered bays, sandy beaches, bush clad valleys, rocky coastline and high, wild places. Boating, tramping, a visit to the wineries and the French settlers' harbourside village of Akaroa are key peninsula attractions. To the west, past fertile plains and braided rivers, are forested foothills and lakes. Beyond them lie the tallest mountains in Australasia, the Southern Alps, strung out parallel to the coastline. Mountain passes with delightful alpine villages break the almost impenetrable divide and deliver the traveller to the west coast. There is a choice of western routes and plenty of ski areas on the way. A journey north reveals green rolling hills, forests and long, empty beaches, with the whale-watching centre of Kaikoura about 2 hours' drive away, whilst an excursion to the south passes through farmland and crosses two more of Canterbury's pristine rivers, ideal for fishing in, whitewater rafting or kayaking down. Mt Hutt, the premier commercial ski area close to the city, lies to the south west. A day off-piste here gives opportunity for jet boating, fishing, horse riding or a round of golf. Visitors to Christchurch are spoilt for choice and residents have a superb outdoor lifestyle at their doorsteps.

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Play in Christchurch
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