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About Christchurch
Located on the east coast of the South Island, Christchurch - just like the
rest of New Zealand - is a city of contrasts.
It is a place where its residents continue to enjoy a healthy, active
lifestyle amidst a natural environment world-renowned for its beauty. A growing
cosmopolitan ambience also adds a touch of excitement without overt flashiness.
Everywhere there is an understated elegance that speaks of times gone by and
promises a future where anything is possible.
Internationally famed ‘The Garden City’, Christchurch’s well-established
expansive parks and public gardens owe much to the planning and foresight of the
city’s founding fathers.
The centrally-located 161 hectare Hagley Park, the Botanic
Gardens, the four leafy inner-city avenues, Victoria Squ are and spectacular
gardens such as Mona Vale on the banks of the River Avon bear testimony to this
legacy. It is a vision which is embraced and perpetuated today by proud
residents right throughout the city.
The Floral and
Romance Festival held in February each year is certainly one of the most
popular festivals on the annual calendar...a time when the city is a blaze of
colour.
In 1996, Christchurch was acknowledged as the outstanding garden city from
620 international entries and in 1997, was judged Overall Winner of Major Cities
in the Nations in Bloom International Competition to become ‘Garden City of the
World’!
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About Auckland
Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, with a wider metropolitan population of
over 1 million.
Auckland offers urban and outdoor living
Auckland is a city renowned for offering the attractions of both urban and
outdoor living. While the city and its suburbs offer a variety of options in
entertainment, dining and shopping, it also has beautiful parks and stunning
beaches that are only a short drive away.
Arts and entertainment in Auckland
Auckland is a centre for the arts and entertainment. The Aotea Centre,
Town Hall and many other venues regularly play host to world class performances
of music, dance and theatre. The University's own Maidment Theatre also offers a
wide variety of professional performances.
The city also hosts an enviable number of art galleries. Recognised as New
Zealand's leading art museum, the Auckland Art
Gallery's unrivalled New Zealand holdings trace the development of New
Zealand art from Cook's voyages to the present day. The famous Maori portraits
by the great nineteenth-century artists Goldie and Lindauer are permanently on
display, and are complemented by works by other New Zealand and international
artists.
Outdoor living in Auckland
Also known by many of its inhabitants as the "City of Sails", Auckland's harbour
is home to many islands: some are settled, and others are parks and wildlife
sanctuaries. Auckland is an ideal place to pursue water sports, from swimming to
kayaking.
Auckland is also known for the many volcanic cones that dot its landscape.
The majority of these are now dormant, and are popular visitor destinations.
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