I first visited Christchurch in the summer of 2015. I remember the immediate culture differences. Small things like calling shopping carts trolleys, and garbage cans are rubbish bins. Bigger things, of course, like driving on the other side of the street and a reliable public transit system. I was fortunate enough to live in this beautiful city for 8 months. Christchurch is truly one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited. The weather is comfortable most of the year, with the smell of the ocean something you never take for granted. The people are friendly and welcoming, even to Americans! Whether you go visit the University of Canterbury’s beautiful campus, or go downtown to visit the ChristChurch Cathedral, you’ll see what a truly stunning place the city of Christchurch and New Zealand as a whole is. Unfortunately the city was rocked by an earthquake in 2011 which took the lives of 185 people and injured several thousand. Even with the damage and destruction it brought, the city and it’s people remain strong and proud of their home. Every year construction and repair projects continue in hopes to bring the city back to it’s former self. Even among all the buildings being repaired, the city remains beautiful and worth every dollar it takes to visit. You will not regret taking the leap to visit the very first city of New Zealand.