The largest city in the South Island of New Zealand is Christchurch, with an estimated urban population of approximately 413,500 as of early 2026. Often referred to as "The Garden City," Christchurch is the administrative seat of the Canterbury Region and serves as the primary gateway for international travelers arriving in the South Island. It is currently the third most populous city in the entire country, trailing only Auckland and Wellington. Since the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, the city has undergone a massive, multi-billion dollar rebuild, transforming into one of the most modern and sustainable urban centers in the Southern Hemisphere. Its central business district now features a mix of innovative architecture, a growing tech sector, and high-tech precincts. Christchurch is roughly three times larger than the South Island's second-largest city, Dunedin, which has a population of about 135,000. For visitors, Christchurch offers a unique blend of heritage, such as the Avon River and Hagley Park, alongside a rapidly evolving food, arts, and culture scene that reflects its resilient and multicultural identity.