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Christchurch, the second largest city in New Zealand, unfolds to you a tale of immigration, colonialism and a European nostalgia still retained. History of Christchurch thus can tempt you through the well-preserved resources of the Garden City to the past and following evolution into a modern city. Christchurch History says it got its name from the Christ Church cathedral, which in turn derived its name from a college of the University of Oxford with the same name. Located between Banks Peninsula and the Canterbury plains, Christ Church in New Zealand can be spotted at the southern end of Pegasus Bay. History of Christchurch adds that human settlement was first made in this area in 1250 by moa-hunting tribes about 1250. Soon the Waitaha tribe fllowed them from the East coast of the North Island in the 16th centurytill they were overthrown by the Ngati Mamoe tribe. This inter-tribal warfare continued till the landing of European settlers in the 1840s. . According to History of Christchurch, some ships were engaged by the Canterbury Association, which brought hundreds of Canterbury Pilgrims to Lyttelton Harbour to design a city around a cathedral and college following the on the model of Christ Church college in the University of Oxford. Once the land was surveyed in detail by Captain Thomas of the Canterbury Association, the construction of road was initiated from Port Cooper to Christchurch. After much struggle and persistence to build the transport, the Ferrymead railway, first public railway line in the country, began operating between Ferrymead and Christchurch in 1863. While the curve of growth continued further, History of Christchurch reached a milestone when the city was recognized by Royal Charter on 31 July 1856. As you visit this place, you will observe numerous structures built in Gothic style by the famous architect Benjamin Mountfort. History of Christchurch deserves a special mention because on one hand, the evolution of the city continued as it became the center of provincial administration for Canterbury province, on the other hand, Christchurch continue to retain its typical colonial English ambience in its museums, heritage structures and in the architectural splendors.
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