Joining Christchurch Free Walking Tours, you’ll learn that the city has so many parks, public gardens, and recreation areas, that it has earned the nickname “Garden City.” The free-to-enter Christchurch Botanic Gardens are not only a great place to unwind, but also the perfect spot to see from lawn with roses to tropical plant conservatories. For outdoor lovers, we recommend hiring a boat at historic Antigua Boat Sheds, one of the oldest buildings in the city. Of course, Christchurch is the gate to the South Island, the largest island of New Zealand. So, there are many delightful private excursions that can be taken from Christchurch. Kaikoura is a whale-watching destination that can be visited in a one-day trip, and there are adventure tours that will take travelers to Mount Cook (Aoraki), the highest mountain in New Zealand.