Christchurch is one of the beautiful garden citiesin New Zealand’s east coast, part of Canterbury Plains. One can see Flat-bottomed punts that glide peacefully on the Avon River, which runs through the city center. The river banks are lush green and has well-kept paths to stroll along. United Nations population reports tell that the city had 367,700 population in 2011. This is among country three large populous cities. Quite differently, the Canterbury Association namedthe city as agreed during its first meeting of the association back in 1848. One John Robert Godley had suggested this name because of his history with Christ Church, Oxford being proud of it. Old name of Christian Church was Ōtautahi meaning the palace of Tautahi. This used to be the name of a fire station of the area. The palace of Tautahi used to be the seasonal living place of old days area elder NgāiTahu chief TePotikiTautahi.
Local New Zealanders abbreviate country name as Chch. Using Sign Language of New Zealand , people name city name by forming their hand into a C shape signing twice and calling “Christchurch".Avon River passes through the city and that makes green urban park along its banks.
Christchurch owns a long history of many expeditions as it happened in various coastal cities. The Canterbury Museum holds the exhibits of many historic artifacts and the stories of Antarctic exploration of old times. International Airport of Christchurch serves as the main base for the New Zealand together with Italian and USA Antarctic programs. The International Antarctic Centre serves the base facilities and manages a museum focusing on the current Antarctic activities.
Christchurch owns a long history of many expeditions as it happened in various coastal cities. The Canterbury Museum holds the exhibits of many historic artifacts and the stories of Antarctic exploration of old times. International Airport of Christchurch serves as the main base for the New Zealand together with Italian and USA Antarctic programs. The International Antarctic Centre serves the base facilities and manages a museum focusing on the current Antarctic activities.
Christchurch International Airport holds IATA Code as CHC opened in 1940, is located just 12 kms from the city center. It is in the suburb of Harewood. Thisis the second busiest airport after Auckland with respect to passengers and aircraft movements also has capacity to handle Boeing 777 as well as 747aircrafts.
Christchurch Railway Station is in New Zealand's South Island, part of the Canterbury region. It is located on the Main North Line and is the only passenger railway station remaining in the city. In 1970 the authorities cancelled suburban passenger trains due to lack of demand. This station is the end point of the South Island’s long-distance trains named the Coastal Pacific and TranzAlpine .