Hotels

From the Port Hills the city spreads out below, radiating from the central greenery of Hagley Park. A civic green thumb earned Christchurch the moniker "the Garden City," which it still displays; each spring numerous public and private gardens are open for viewing. But the genteel facade of the city is being infused with energy from the arts, technology, and a growing immigrant population. The Māori community, although still below the national average in size, is growing. Ngai Tahu, the main South Island Māori tribe, has been investing in tourism ventures. Old wooden bungalows are making way for town houses, the arts scene is flourishing, and the city's university attracts cutting-edge technology companies.