Christchurch, Canterbury, is located on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island on the edge of the Canterbury Plains.
Oral Maori history suggests that people first inhabited the Canterbury area about one thousand years ago. These first inhabitants were moa-hunting tribes and these were followed by the Waitaha who are thought to have migrated from the east coast of the North Island in the 16th century. This migration was joined by the Ngati Mamoe and Ngai Tahu and continued until about 1830.
The first European landed in Canterbury in 1815, 45 years after Captain James Cook sighted what he named "Banks Island", later found to be a peninsula. In 1840 the first Europeans settled on the plains and whaling ships were operating out of Lyttelton by 1850. During 1850-1851 the first organised groups of English settlers, the founders of Christchurch, arrived on the 'first four ships' into Lyttelton Harbour.
Christchurch became a city by Royal Charter on July 31, 1856, making it officially the oldest established city in New Zealand.
Canterbury's economy was built on primary products and Canterbury has long been recognised as living "off the sheep's back". Although its economic beginnings were in refrigerated sheep and dairy meats and in other dairy products, Canterbury now has a diversified regional economy with growth across a range of "new economy" sectors.
Today, agricultural products still account for 90 per cent of the region's exports, with viticulture, floraculture, aquaculture and horticulture representing the new diversified land uses seen throughout Canterbury.
The regional economy also has a growing focus on high technology, 'smart' manufacturing, international education, adventure and eco-tourism. Christchurch leads New Zealand in electronics, telecommunications and software development.
Education is a major export earner. Christchurch has excellent education facilities and is the only city in New Zealand with two universities.
Tourism is becoming increasingly important. Christchurch is the hub of tourism of the South Island.
Christchurch is a city of many public and private parks and gardens, and in 1997 Christchurch was named 'Garden City of the World'. The city's relaxed pace of life, close proximity to mountains and coastline, modern cultural and sporting facilities make it a popular place to live and visit.
From art galleries to theatres, weekend markets to museums, there is something unique at every turn. The city has an Arts Centre housing a professional theatre, a ballet company and artists producing unique local art and craft.
The city is known for its many restaurants offering local and international cuisine.
| Kia ora | Hello |
| Kei te pehea koe | How are you |
| Ata Marie / Morena | Good morning / day |
| Po Marie | Good evening |
| Haere ra / Ka kite ano | Goodbye |
| Kia ora/Tena koe(Maori use kia ora for thank you as well as hello) | Thank you |
| Ko ........ toku ingoa | My name is ........ |
| Ae | Yes |
| Kao | No |
| Aotearoa | New Zealand |
| Otautahi | Christchurch |
| Waitaha | Canterbury |