Christchurch is the largest city in New Zealand's South Island, and is located halfway up the east coast, between the [Canterbury Peninsula]? and the [Canterbury Plains]?. For other places of the same name see Christchurch. |
Christchurch is the largest city in New Zealand's South Island, and is located halfway up the east coast, in the region of Canterbury between the [Canterbury Peninsula]? and the [Canterbury Plains]?. For other places of the same name see Christchurch. |
The city is named after Christ Church College at Oxford University. The city's Maori name is Otautahi, from the Maori chief Tautahi who had a settlement on the banks of the Avon river. Christchurch is also known as 'The Garden City' because of the number of public parks and gardens throughout the city.
Christchurch has a temperate climate, with temperatures in January ranging from an average minimum of 12°C to an average maximum of 21°C, and from 1°C to 10°C in July. A notable feature of the weather is the nor'wester, a hot [foehn wind]? that is associated with increases in suicide and domestic violence, and occasionally reaches gale force and causes widespread damage to property.
In 1974 Christchurch was host to the [Commonwealth Games]?.
In June 1999, Christchurch city had an estimated population of 324,300. This is expected to grow to 358,000 by 2021?.
Other information to be included:
Christchurch has six [sister cities]? around the world. They are: