With about 344,000 people Christchurch is the third largest city in New Zealand after Auckland and Wellington. The city is flat and easy to navigate because of the grid like layout which was planned in the UK. Thanks to plenty of employment options, excellent schools and a vibrant cosmopolitan feel it's remained a favourite place for emigrants. With punting on the river Avon, formal blazers and straw hats of schoolchildren and strong Anglican roots 'The Garden City' is widely recognised as the most English city outside of England – except by the English living there!

How does the climate compare? With an average temperature of 53°F (11°C) Christchurch is milder than Auckland and Wellington. Winters can be cool but the city itself rarely sees snow. In spite of the temperature Christchurch actually has more sunshine hours than the other two major centres with an average of 2079 hours a year (compared to less than 1500 for London).

So what's there to do in Christchurch? With large areas of green space such as the 161 hectare Hagley Park, a number of spectacular gardens, open air concerts and popular sports such as cricket, rugby and golf, Christchurch residents enjoy spending time outside. That's not to say there's a shortage of indoor cultural events with venues such as the modern Christchurch Art Gallery showcasing the thriving art scene. The city has also fostered a diverse array of top class restaurants.

What about employment and schools? The local economy is diverse with horticulture, agriculture, wool and timber being important contributors to the area. Tourism, IT, electronics, the airport, the deep harbour port and education also significantly contribute to the economic well-being of the city and surrounds. Christchurch is also a major centre for Research and Development thanks to its two well respected universities – University of Canterbury and Lincoln University – and a number of research institutions. Many state and private schools in Christchurch have an excellent reputation and are amongst the best in the country.

How much does it cost to rent or buy? With such a spread out city costs vary greatly but expect to pay about $280 (£100) a week for a 3 bed house in Christchurch central. The average price for a 2 bed central apartment though is around the $325 (£115) mark. In Christchurch City the median price for property is now around the $285,000 (£101,000) mark according to the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand.

David Boyd runs NZ Property Finders, which assists people to relocate and invest in New Zealand. Notes to the Editor:

This article was written by David Boyd, Director of NZ Property Finders, and published in the Oz NZ Magazine on 1st April, 2006.

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For more information please contact:

David Boyd, Director

NZ Property Finders

Tel: 020 8755 5853

Email: enquiries@nzpropertyfinders.com

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