The Avon River / Ōtākaro flows through the centre of the city of Christchurch, New Zealand, and out to an estuary, which it shares with the Ōpāwaho / Heathcote River, the Avon Heathcote Estuary / Ihutai.
Antigua boat sheds on the Avon, Christchurch
Punting on the Avon River / Ōtākaro
Avon River / Ōtākaro in Victoria Square, Christchurch in 2004 before the earthquakes severely damaged the area
Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island and the second-largest city by urban area population in New Zealand, after Auckland. Christchurch lies in the Canterbury Region, near the centre of the east coast of the South Island, east of the Canterbury Plains. It is located near the southern end of Pegasus Bay, and is bounded to the east by the Pacific Ocean and to the south by Banks Peninsula. The Avon River / Ōtākaro flows through the centre of the city, with a large urban park along its banks. Christchurch has a reputation for being an 'English' city, with its architectural identity and common nickname the "Garden City" due to similarities with garden cities in England.
Coat of arms
Image: Panorama of northern parts of Christchurch Central City, New Zealand
Image: View towards Akaroa from Little Akaloa Road, Canterbury, New Zealand
Image: Bridge of Remembrance 01
