A fresh experience each day - that's the promise and it is one that can be kept. Christchurch city and the surrounding region of Canterbury offer an amazing diversity of scenery, activities and attractions.

The inner city is alive with vitality and soul reflecting its cosmopolitan nature, strong heritage and its vigourous culture. As a city, Christchurch offers world-class facilities and a reputation for great shopping, fine restaurants and good nightlife. This is combined with the charm of neo-Gothic architecture, the meandering Avon River and acres of stunning gardens and parks. Christchurch is the largest South Island city but with a population of just over 300,000 it still maintains a serene ambience. Compact and easy to walk around, this city is a conference organiser's dream. Venues, accommodation, shopping, restaurants and nightlife are all within easy walking distances, or hop on an historic tram to tour in comfort. Stone and ironwork bridges traverse the Avon, weeping willow trees lining the banks, as it wends its way through the city. The city is often called the most English city outside of England, further confirmed by the tradition of punting, and it has all the charm and beauty this description elicits.

Christchurch offers some of the country's best conference and convention facilities and certainly the biggest. Jewel in the crown of the city's facilities is the Christchurch Convention Centre - the largest purpose-built convention centre in New Zealand. Conveniently connected by an airbridge is the Christchurch Town Hall performing arts centre. The city also has venues that are rather special, including the historic Bellamy's, built in 1865 and modeled on the original Westminster Bellamy's, or there's the International Antarctic Centre, recognising Christchurch's close link with the Antarctic programmes of the US and New Zealand. An international airport means delegates and groups can fly direct from Australia and Asia with excellent links from the long-haul markets. Domestic services are frequent from around the country ensuring maximum convenience.

This is a place where you can sample a slice of New Zealand hospitality and witness yet more of the raw beauty to be found in this most exquisite of countries. Award-winning gardens, the smallest and rarest dolphins in the world, a French settlers' village, thermal pools, sweeping coastline and the majestic Mount Cook, New Zealand's tallest peak - all easily accessible from the heart of the city. These are just some of Canterbury's attractions. Moving out of the city there are numerous destinations that can either complement a city-based conference or offer a range of options to host small to medium groups. Visit the picturesque French-influenced township of Akaroa, tucked into the sides of an extinct volcano's crater that plunges into the sea, travel to Methven, at the base of Mt Hutt, one of New Zealand's premier skiing resorts or venture north to the whale watching town of Kaikoura.

In the Hurunui District (pr: 'Hoo-roo-noo-ey'), steam rises from the thermally heated water as you relax your troubles away, with snow capped mountains providing a spectacular backdrop. Emerge and indulge in a therapeutic massage or facial to totally revitalise body and soul. The thermal hot pool complex in the alpine village of Hanmer Springs is just one of the many attractions. Ideal for incentives and small conference groups, the District offers excellent facilities and accommodation and plenty of activities. Named after the Hurunui River that winds its way through the district, it is a relatively untouched wilderness of natural beauty and history. Vineyards dot the landscape, lakes and rivers traverse the land and whales, seals and dolphins ply the coast.

A short drive north, Kaikoura is renowned for whale-watching, with trips by boat or air both affording amazing views of these magnificent creatures. Seeing hundreds of dolphins at play is also a possibility and, for the enthusiastic, swimming with them! These are some of the wondrous sights off the coast of the historic whaling settlement, set against the majestic mountains of the Kaikoura Range. And make sure to sample another local specialty...crayfish. Buy one fresh from a roadside stall and sample in the outdoors with a bottle of chardonnay, fresh bread and pure New Zealand butter, or relax over a meal at one of the local cafes. The riches of this place will remain with you forever.

Just an hour and a half from Christchurch is Akaroa (pr: 'Ah-kah-raw-ah'), perhaps New Zealand's most romantic village. The drive from Christchurch grows in splendour as settled farmland and beautiful mature trees give way to Lake Ellesmere, a tidal wetland with views across to the snow-capped Southern Alps in the distance. Settled by the French, the village has a distinctive Gallic flavour. There is a range of accommodation, boutiques and galleries. Harbour cruising, garden and winery visits are all a must-do while visiting.

Methven has a winter persona as the fun-loving centre of apres-ski for the Mt Hutt ski area. However, summer in this region is just as exciting and offers a wide variety of outdoor activities. A number of properties offer excellent conference facilities making this area well worth considering for a group needing a fresh perspective and fresh mountain air. Whatever the requirements you are sure to find a solution in Christchurch and Canterbury that is fresh and exciting.