Christchurch boasts so many attractions that anyone planning on visiting would do well to budget for enough time to spend in and around this beautiful part of New Zealand.

Those lucky enough to reside in the renowned 'Garden City' go out of their way to welcome guests and give them a taste of why Christchurch's style and pace of life makes it well known as one of the best places on earth to live and to visit.

The city is located in Canterbury, on the east coast of the South Island, and the options for entertainment and relaxing during one's stay are almost endless.

An obvious start would be to enjoy the stunning scenery by taking a gondola (cable car) up 500m for 360-degree panoramic views of Christchurch, Banks Peninsula, the Pacific Ocean coastline, Canterbury plains and the southern alps.

After that, why not find out first hand what life is like on the coldest place on earth at the International Antarctic Centre or sink into therapeutic hot pools at Hanmer Springs? Then see and feed indigenous and exotic animals at the city's wildlife parks. Or view kiwis and marine life at the Southern Encounter Aquarium, explore classically restored historic homesteads, experience life on a New Zealand Farm - the experiences and variety go on and on.

For the more adventurous, nowhere else in the world can you experience so many high-octane thrills in the one region. Throw yourself off a high bridge in an exhilarating bungy jump or mountain bike down real mountains, ride the rapids on a white water raft on the wild Rangitata river or thunder down a mighty braided river in a jet boat - the choice is yours.

Another option is Adrenaline Forest, a multi-level aerial obstacle course. Participants negotiate a series of rope bridges, Tarzan swings and flying foxes from platforms constructed in the tree canopy. The platforms range from 3 to 17 metres in the air; participants feel as if they are literally flying through the trees.

Lift off and see the city, plains and mountains in a hot air balloon ride, take a ski equipped aircraft, land on an Ice-Age glacier, or go skydiving, parapenting or paragliding. These thrilling challenges are all here - all you have to do is meet them.

To relax, float lazily though Christchurch city centre in a punt on the Avon River, take a wildlife cruise around the crater harbours of Banks Peninsula's extinct volcanoes or board the TranzAlpine train as it traverses fertile Canterbury farmlands, massive viaducts, spectacular gorges and river valleys.

There is nowhere else in the world where you can experience so much, so close and so easily. For more information on attractions and things to do in and around Christchurch visit www.christchurchinformation.co.nz.