The Canterbury region includes Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island, and has a wonderful array of stunning natural features. The rugged coastline around the volcanic Banks Peninsula contrasts delightfully with the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps, creating a stunning landscape that no one will be able to forget. In addition to the picturesque natural features, this region also provides its visitors with a large number of recreational activities, wonderful retail and wholesale facilities and markets, and a world-class educational and health care system, which is why people come there for study and medical tourism.