CHRISTCHURCH As at Feb  2010 and pre the 2011 earthquake (to be updated in Sept 2012) Christchurch is without doubt the most beautiful city/communal environment in New Zealand. From a city perspective the planning that set up Christchurch over 150 years ago now bears fruit that would be beyond Colonel Lightfoot's wildest imaginations. The name of Christchurch was agreed on at the first meeting of the association on 27 March 1848. It was suggested by John Robert Godley, who had attended Christ Church Oxford. Hence the cultural and culture of the city. The gardens, the arts, period buildings, the cathedrals, the parks, the tramway and the overall beauty are totally absorbing. The Cultural Precinct provides a backdrop to a vibrant scene of ever-changing arts, cultural, and heritage attractions within an area of less than one square kilometre. The Arts Centre, the Canterbury Museum and the Art Gallery are located in the Cultural Precinct Christchurch is not without fault; the pure British heritage has sporned a violent younger class that manifests itself each generation. Skinheads twenty years ago and boy racers in the new millennium. Putting this fact aside Christchurch is magnificent. Tourism is also a significant factor of the local economy. The closeness of the ski-fields and other attractions of the Southern Alps, and hotels, a casino, and an airport that meet international standards make Christchurch a stopover destination for many tourists. From a tourist perspective Christchurch quickly becomes the favoured/preferred and without doubt the city with the lasting memory. Christchurch is that sort of place. A lasting impression is guaranteed. The Christchurch War Memorial has a strong presence in Cathedral Square. Christchurch is now New Zealand’s fourth largest city, recently ceding the third place to Hamilton. That said Christchurch is certainly the capitol of the South Island. Greater Christchurch still holds the third place. The agricultural industry has always been the economic core of Christchurch. The city has long had industry based on the surrounding farming country.  To delight in this great city allow a minimum of four days and include a visit to the Antarctica Centre.