Christchurch, the host city of the 2024 Commonwealth Junior & Cadet Fencing Championships, eagerly anticipates welcoming supporters and teams from across New Zealand and the globe. This selection holds special significance for our city, marking 50 years since the memorable 1974 Commonwealth Games.
Nestled on the edge of the Canterbury Plains, Christchurch serves as the gateway to New Zealand’s breathtaking South Island. With its picturesque surroundings of hills, the Pacific Ocean, and the majestic Southern Alps, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban vibrancy. The nearby Banks Peninsula, formed by ancient volcanic activity, boasts charming townships and secluded bays, all within an hour’s drive from the city center, where half the South Island’s population resides.
Christchurch is renowned for its diverse attractions and rich cultural heritage. Affectionately known as New Zealand’s Garden City and often likened to the United Kingdom, it holds a significant place in the country’s history. Its Maori name, Otautahi, honors Te Potiki Tautahi, an original Ngai Tahu settler.
Despite enduring the profound impact of the Canterbury earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, Christchurch has emerged as a beacon of resilience and innovation. The Christchurch Central Recovery Plan has ushered in a new era of sustainable urban development, emphasizing inclusivity and heritage preservation.
Sports enthusiasts will find much to celebrate in Christchurch, a city steeped in athletic tradition. Home to iconic teams like the Canterbury ‘Crusaders’ and revered athletes like Sophie Pascoe, it offers a wealth of recreational opportunities, from rugby to water sports and outdoor adventures.
Beyond its sporting prowess, Christchurch beckons with its natural wonders and culinary delights. From whale watching to indulging in the region’s world-class wine, there’s something for every palate and preference. As the international gateway to the South Island and Antarctica, Christchurch pulsates with energy as a bustling transport hub and cultural center.
Among its architectural marvels stands the famous Cardboard Cathedral, a symbol of resilience and creativity that embodies Christchurch’s spirit of renewal. With its captivating blend of history, innovation, and natural splendor, Christchurch invites visitors to experience the essence of New Zealand’s South Island.
Christchurch also boasts the Southern Hemisphere’s largest children’s playground, The Margaret Mahy Playground, sprawling over 3500 square meters. The city also hosts top-tier parks and gardens like the Christchurch Botanical Gardens and Hagley Park. Additionally, it houses two of New Zealand’s five universities: Canterbury University and Lincoln University.
