Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand with a population of around 300,000. After Auckland and Wellington the third city of the country. Associated with the city is near the port of Lyttelton which is probably a volcanic crater situated on Bank's Peninsular. Lytellon not as important as it once was Timaru further south having taken over the main meat export trade. When I was a boy the link between the South and North Islands was by a ferry from Wellington into Lytellton then taking the train through to the main station in Christchurch. All a great adventure for small boys.

Christchurch is dominated by the Cathedral in the center of the commercial heart of the city. This is a pattern brought over by the original New Zealand Company which sought to bring good settlers to the newly found country around the year 1850. John Robert Godley being the principal agent. The town continues to retain an English feel about it with the Avon River and the fine gardens which distinguish it.. Situated on the Canterbury Plains it the town is very flat and well laid out. Cycling can be important as it was up until my Dad's time there in the 1930s when most men were on their bikes on the way to work. No longer! It is the principal urban and commercial center of a fertile agricultural region producing grain and sheep. Because of its excellent transportation facilities, bountiful water supply, and unlimited hydro-electric power, Christchurch is one of the most important industrial centers in New Zealand. The chief industries are meat packing, tanneries, and the manufacture of woolen goods, furniture, and transport equipment. The University of Canterbury (1873) is here. Christchurch was founded about 1850 by the Canterbury Association, a British colonizing society closely affiliated with the Church of England. Pop. (greater city, 1991 est.) 307,179.