Rugby

Canterbury fans are as rugby-mad as the rest of the country. In fact the first match ever played in New Zealand took place in 1862 in Cranmer Square, in central Christchurch. This is the home of the Crusaders, and the breeding ground for many famous All Blacks. Every Saturday in winter you can catch little All-Blacks-in-the-making playing games in Hagley Park and suburban parks.

AMI Stadium. Canterbury's professional rugby union team, the Crusaders, have won the most titles in the history of the Super Rugby competition, played between teams from South Africa, Australia, and NZ. So they're not a bad team to watch if you get the chance to cheer them on at their home turf. Their home turf is now a temporary stadium in Addington built in 100 days, after the original stadium was damaged beyond repair. The season goes from February through September. 95 Jack Hinton Dr., Addington, Christchurch, Canterbury, 8024. 03/379–1765; crusaders.co.nz.

Dunsandel Store. If you've left Christchurch a bit late for breakfast, about 30 minutes south, stop at the Dunsandel Store. It's a fascinating mix of local store, deli, and café with excellent food. The cabinets are stuffed with tasty quiches, panini, and baked goods. They have a good range of breakfasts, and for an afternoon treat try the chocolate-and-almond cake with raspberries served with cream or yogurt. There are tables indoors and out, surrounded by a courtyard full of fruit trees and vegetables. 3414 Main South Rd., Dunsandel, Christchurch, Canterbury, 7682. 03/325–4037; www.dunsandelstore.co.nz. Daily 7–5.