Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island, renowned as the "Garden City" with a charming English ambience. The quintessential experience is punting on the Avon River, gliding through gardens and under historic bridges. Explore the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and the colourful cottages of New Regent Street. Visit the Cardboard Cathedral and Canterbury Museum. Take the gondola up Mount Cavendish for panoramic views of Lyttelton Harbour. A must-visit for families is the International Antarctic Centre, where you can see little blue penguins and experience an Antarctic storm. Food recommendations include the Riverside Market's global street food, Pedro's slow-roasted lamb shanks, venison burgers, and Pavlova cake.