Christchurch

Canterbury stretches from ocean to the Alps, a land of plains and peaks.

It is a place of variety and innumerable attractions where, within two hours of an international airport, you can ski, play golf, bungy jump, go whitewater rafting, mountain biking, wind surfing, whale watching, and visit world-class vineyards and gardens. Where else in the world can you do that?

A must-see is New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki Mount Cook. Go hiking in Arthur’s Pass National Park or just wander around the picturesque bays and villages of Banks Peninsula. And then there’s New Zealand’s second-largest city, Christchurch known as ‘The Garden City’. In February 2011, Christchurch was hit by a huge earthquake. Much of the central city with its classic neo-gothic architecture was destroyed. But it remains a beautiful city, a city where you can cycle alongside the river, stay in good hotels and indulge in fine sophisticated dining, and a city where, just 15 minutes from the centre you can scramble up mountain bike tracks or ride a wave at a surf beach. The buildings may have been damaged but the soul of the city and the welcoming spirit of the people remains very much intact. Don’t miss visiting Christchurch.

When it comes to golf courses in Christchurch, you are spoilt for choice with four high quality golf courses located in and around the city. The best of these is Christchurch Golf Club, also known as Shirley which is currently ranked number 16 in New Zealand's top 50 golf courses by Australian Golf Digest. Clearwater is another favourite in the region, coming in at #23 whilst Pegasus (#29) and Terrace Downs (#44) all feature in the top 50. Each course offers something a little different from the idyllic Christchurch Golf Club to the resort-style Terrace Downs.

Christchurch is a wonderful city to explore and with no shortage of golf courses to choose from in the area, it's easy to spend a few days in and around the Garden City and squeeze in some golf at the same time.