Christchurch

The South Island’s largest city is often called New Zealand’s most English city. While its central core around Cathedral Square and along the Avon River has an English feel to it, the rest of the city is very Kiwi.

Christchurch has a good selection of pubs and cafés, particularly along Oxford Terrace overlooking the Avon River. There are also some excellent parks and gardens including Hagley Park and the excellent Botanic Gardens. It’s also a great place for cyclists since the city is dead flat making it a joy to explore by bike.