Archaeological evidence indicates that the Christchurch area was first settled by moa-hunting tribes about 1250 CE. Over a period of many centuries, different aborigine tribes settled in this area, each replacing the predecessor – the Waitaha tribe, the Ngati Mamoe tribe and the Ngāi Tahu tribe. The Ngāi Tahu tribe were the last settlers among the tribes before the arrival of the European. On 16 February 1770 Captain James Cook in his ship the Endeavour first sighted the Canterbury peninsula. He thought it was an island, and named it Banks Island after the ship’s botanist, Joseph Banks. It was probably not until 1815 when sailors from the sealing ship Governor Bligh landed that Europeans first set foot on Banks Peninsula. In 1827 Captain William Wiseman, a flax trader, named the harbour (now known as Lyttelton Harbour) Port Cooper, after one of the owners of the Sydney trading firm, Cooper & Levy. In early 1840 some of the European settlers bought land at Putaringamotu (modern Riccarton) and established themselves in what is now Christchurch. Christchurch became a city by Royal Charter on 31 July 1856, the first in New Zealand. Many of the city’s Gothic Revival buildings by architect Benjamin Mountfort date from this period. Christchurch was the seat of provincial administration for the Province of Canterbury, which was abolished in 1876. Over the next hundred years, the city witnessed an unprecedented economic boom, constructions, evolution of sports and culture; all shaping the city what it is today.

Arts and culture is synonymous with Christchurch. There are many museums, arts centre, cinemas and theatre in the city. The Christchurch Arts Centre consists of two art house cinemas: Cloisters and The Academy. These cinemas screen a wide variety of films- classic, contemporary and foreign language films. There are many museums in Christchurch. In particular, the Canterbury Museum is the highlight of the city. These museums showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage. Music is deeply rooted in the city’s pulse. The city has a professional symphony orchestra. Southern Opera, a professional opera company is based in the city of Christchurch. Very often one will find buskers around the town square singing and playing all sorts of musical instrument. Of late hip-hop has caught up with the city’s young generation.

Christchurch has a total population of 367,800 making it the second largest in New Zealand. The majority of the population are European New Zealanders. Asians and native Maori tribe are the other two notable ethnic groups with significant population. Christianity is the dominant religion in Christchurch. Also, a large percentage of the population claims to have no religious affiliation. New Zealand is one of the most peaceful nations in the world. As with any people from New Zealand, Christchurch populace is very peaceful. Most of the people are highly educated. The people love and respect their surroundings. They are nature-loving people and are very passionate about outdoor recreation and sports.