New Zealand's South Island

New Zealand’s South Island

The South Island is world renowned for some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery, with stunning landscapes including the Southern Alps mountain range. Mountains, rivers, lakes, beaches, forests, fiords, glaciers and hot springs are just some of the natural landscapes to enjoy around the island. 9 of New Zealand’s 13 national parks are located in the South Island, along with the largest number of New Zealand’s Great Walks. The Canterbury region of the South Island is also home to unlimited outdoor adventure , from skiing, surfing, world class hiking, kayaking, sailing and mountain biking to dolphin and whale watching.

Why study in Christchurch?

• Christchurch is the South Island’s most central city and major hub, positioning it as the gateway to the South Island. Its central location offers unparalleled access to the wider South Island.
• Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island and New Zealand’s second largest city overall. A vibrant city ranked as one of the top 100 student cities in the world (QS), Christchurch is home to over 900 cafes, restaurants and bars. The city is renowned for its many parks and gardens, with the beautiful Hagley Park in the centre of the city one of the largest central city parks in the world.
• Surf and ski in the same day! Christchurch is located right on the coast with 6 swimming beaches a short drive from UC and 5 skifields within one and a half hours (10 skifields within a two hour drive). You can ski in the morning and surf in the Pacific Ocean in the afternoon!
• Studying in Christchurch means you’re on the doorstep of unlimited outdoor adventure. The Christchurch and Canterbury region offers everything from skiing, surfing, world class hiking, kayaking, sailing and mountain biking to dolphin and whale watching. Christchurch’s Port Hills less than 20 minutes from the city centre are also popular for walking, mountain biking and climbing. UC’s range of student clubs, including our tramping (hiking) club, climbing and snowsports clubs provide fantastic options for accessing the outdoors with Kiwi students who know all the best places to go!
• Canterbury has more ski areas than anywhere in the Southern hemisphere: check out https://www.christchurchnz.com/explore/seasonal-guides/winter/skiing-snowboarding-in-canterbury
• A great place to live - Christchurch was ranked #1 as the happiest city in New Zealand and 32^nd in the world in the 2024 Happy City Index.
• A temperate climate with the full range of spectacular seasons, from summer sunshine and autumn colours to cherry blossoms in the Spring.
• Want more info on Christchurch attractions? Check out https://www.christchurchnz.com/explore/activities-attractions and https://www.christchurchnz.com/explore/destinations