Canterbury
There is something different to see and do within one or two hours'drive of Christchurch, in any direction.
To the east lie the open ocean and Banks Peninsula, featuring sheltered bays, sandy beaches, bush clad valleys, rocky coastline and high, wild places. Boating, tramping, a visit to the wineries and the French settlers' harbourside village of Akaroa are key peninsula attractions.
To the west, past fertile plains and braided rivers, are forested foothills and lakes. Beyond them lie the tallest mountains in Australasia, the Southern Alps, strung out parallel to the coastline. Mountain passes with delightful alpine villages break the almost impenetrable divide and deliver the traveller to the west coast. There is a choice of western routes and plenty of ski areas on the way.
A journey north reveals green rolling hills, forests and long, empty beaches, with the whale-watching centre of Kaikoura about 2 hours' drive away, whilst an excursion to the south passes through farmland and crosses two more of Canterbury's pristine rivers, ideal for fishing in, whitewater rafting or kayaking down. Mt Hutt, the premier commercial ski area close to the city, lies to the south west. A day off-piste here gives opportunity for jet boating, fishing, horse riding or a round of golf.Clearly visitors are spoilt for choice and residents have a superb outdoor lifestyle at their doorsteps.
Statistics and DemographicsFacts, statistics and figures about Christchurch City.
Location
•Latitude: 43° 31 Mins, 48 Secs South
•Longitude: 172° 37 Mins, 13 Secs East
•East Coast, South Island, New Zealand
•Area: Christchurch City: 45,240 Hectares
Climate
Temperature:
•Mean Daily Maximum: Jan 22.5 °C, July 11.3 °C
•Mean Temperature: 12.1°C
•Mean Daily Minimum: Jan 12.2°C, July 1.9°C
•Mean Annual Maximum: 32°C
•Mean Annual Minimum: -4°C
Sunshine
Mean average bright sunshine: 2,100 hours per annum
Rainfall
Average rain days: 1mm or more; 85 per annum, Average annual rainfall: 648 mm
Frost
Average days of screen frost (minimum air temperature less than 0°C) 36 days per annum
Wind
Average number of days with gusts reaching 63 km/h or more: 54 per annum
Relative Humidity
Average Relative Humidity: January: 3am 83%; 3pm 57%; July: 3am 88%; 3pm 70%
Population
New Zealand′s resident population is approximately 4 million. The population of Christchurch is estimated to be 344,100 (June 2004)
Ethnic Groups
• European: 275,085 (83%)
• NZ Maori: 21,960 (7%)
• Pacific Island: 7,617 (2%)
• Asian: 17,535 (5%)
• Other: 2,046 (1%)
• Not Specified: 8,883 (3%)
Employment
Total number of employees in 2004: 168,590. Manufacturing 17%, Retail Trade, Accommodation, Cafes and Restaurants 20.1%, Property and Business Services 12.3%, Health and Community Services 12.5%, Other 38.1%. (Source: Statistics New Zealand Business Frame Update 2004).
More Info About History Of Christchurch