By Tayloe M. Dubay
The Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. It not only boasts breathtaking scenery, including vast plains of sheep-spotted farmland back dropped by the snow-capped Southern Alps, but it is home to one of the South Island's most historic and metropolitan cities, Christchurch. Christchurch is an ideal place for many tourists to begin and end their tours of the South Island.
The Facts
The Canterbury region is the hub of New Zealand's South Island. It has a population of just under half a million people, the majority of which live in the city of Christchurch. The region stretches along the northeastern coastline of the Pacific Ocean. It is dominated by flat stretches of the Canterbury Plains to the east and the rugged Southern Alps mountains to the west.
History
The Canterbury region was originally settled by English gentry in the 1850s and utilized for its flat, fertile farmland. With the establishment of Christchurch as the region's major city in 1862, the door was open for new industries. Migrants and tourists alike have based themselves out of this particular city ever since due to its prominent and picturesque location.
Significance
Canterbury is one of the most important regions to visit in New Zealand because it is home to the city of Christchurch. Known not only as the hub of the South Island, Christchurch is New Zealand's most English city. The city is lined with Gothic architecture, tranquil gardens and the charming Avon River. Canterbury is also home to New Zealand's highest mountains--Mount Cook, Mount Tasman and Mount Sefton.
Geography
Along Canterbury's western reaches lies the magnificent Southern Alps range. The mountains trap most of the moisture traveling west from the Tasman Ocean, making Canterbury one of the driest and flattest regions in New Zealand. The region extends from Oamaru in the south to Kaikoura in the north. Canterbury possesses some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, from Arthur's Pass National Park to Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and the Banks Peninsula.
Features
Some of the region's highlights include visiting the glaciers of Mount Cook National Park and marveling at the azure waters of Lake Tekapo. Exploring the Banks Peninsula, which is about 1 hour's drive south of Christchurch, is also a must-do. While there, visit the charming French fishing village of Akaroa. Another excellent tourist destination is the breathtaking mountainscapes of Arthur's Pass, which is located 2 hours west of Christchurch.
Expert Insight
For more detailed tourist information, contact the Christchurch and Canterbury visitor's center (see link in References). If you are in Canterbury, stop in the visitor's center in Cathedral Square, located in the heart of downtown Christchurch. There are coffee shops and Internet cafes nearby, and the visitor's center staff is helpful and friendly.
About the Author:
Tayloe M. Dubay is a writer, editor and communications director based in Flagstaff, Arizona. She freelances for regional and national magazines, edits children's books, and is the editorial director and co-owner of Higher Ground Communications, LLC. She is an experienced outdoor adventurer, traveler and music enthusiast.
