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Or just in enjoy fine ski-ing

OFTEN described as the most English city outside of England, this reputation reveals Christchurch's origins. Church of England settlers with a mission tamed, drained and carved wild swampland on the wide Canterbury Plains to build a better version of home.
Many of their neo-Gothic stone public buildings still stand, now mellowed by the passing of almost 150 years, set amongst the many parks and gardens that were included in the plans of the city's founders.
In leafy suburbs, Victorian and Edwardian colonial wooden villas with their shady verandahs heavy with scented burdens of wisteria, jasmine or roses, are characteristic. But that's only part of the story.
Christchurch is also typically a 'new world' city in an immigrant nation rapidly coming of age, that no longer feels the need to borrow primarily from a culture which originated on the other side of the world.
In the temperate climate, English architecture and lifestyle have adapted and absorbed the influence of the local South Pacific and Asian cultures. The city has won an international award for council administration; it's no wonder that its residents are fiercely loyal.
If you have time to go a little further afield, head north, go inland or go out to beautiful Banks Peninsula.
Visiting in winter (June/October) then try the fine ski fields in Canterbury; eight of them within a couple of hours' drive of the city; all of them uncrowded.
But the most relaxing winter warmer must be a soak in a natural thermal spring. Try the alpine spa resort of Hanmer Springs after skiing, a game of golf, jet boat ride, bungy jump or horse trek in the area.
In summer, you'll appreciate being beside the sea; take a two-hour drive north to the sparkling bay of Kaikoura where you can skim over the waves to see whales, seals and dolphins in the wild. Indeed, you can even swim with them.
Swimming with dolphins is also an option from the Banks Peninsula harbourside resort of Akaroa. The original European settlers here were French and they have left their stamp of Gallic style and charm on the architecture. Nearby, taste the local wine and cheeses and try local fresh fish.