Getting Oriented

Getting Oriented

Canterbury is a roughly rectangular province, with a natural boundary formed by the Main Divide (the peaks of the Southern Alps) in the west and stretching from near Kaikoura in the north down to the Waitaki River in the south. This chapter focuses on the section of Canterbury near the main city of Christchurch, including Banks Peninsula, the Waipara wine country, the ski town of Methven, and the alpine resort town of Hanmer Springs, north and west of the city, plus the towns sprinkled on the plains to the south. The chapter also includes Arthur's Pass National Park, a few hours northwest of Christchurch by car or train and a great mountain day trip from the city.

Christchurch. From the Port Hills the city spreads out below, radiating from the central greenery of Hagley Park. A civic green thumb earned Christchurch the moniker "the Garden City," which it still displays; each spring numerous public and private gardens are open for viewing. But the genteel city is being infused with energy from the arts, technology, and a growing immigrant population.

Arthur's Pass & Canterbury. Arthur's Pass and Hanmer Springs are alpine regions; Akaroa is a seaside village tucked under high hills; and the southern areas around Geraldine and Timaru are the center of large, fertile farming areas. The Waipara Valley, just to the north of the city, is known for its excellent pinot noir, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, and Rieslings.