Christchurch operates on New Zealand Standard Time (NZST), which is UTC+12 during winter and New Zealand Daylight Time (NZDT), which is UTC+13 during summer. To find the current time in Christchurch, add 12 hours to UTC during winter months and 13 hours during summer months.

Yes, Christchurch and the rest of New Zealand observe Daylight Saving Time. The clocks go forward 1 hour to New Zealand Daylight Time (NZDT, UTC+13) on the last Sunday in September and go back 1 hour to New Zealand Standard Time (NZST, UTC+12) on the first Sunday in April.

London (GMT/BST): Christchurch is 12 hours ahead of London when the UK is on GMT (winter), and 11 hours ahead when the UK is on BST (summer). During New Zealand's summer (when NZDT is in effect), add 1 more hour.

New York (EST/EDT): Christchurch is 17 hours ahead of New York when NY is on EST (winter), and 16 hours ahead when NY is on EDT (summer). During New Zealand's summer (when NZDT is in effect), add 1 more hour.

Tokyo (JST): Christchurch is 3 hours ahead of Tokyo, as Japan Standard Time is UTC+9. During New Zealand's summer (when NZDT is in effect), Christchurch is 4 hours ahead.

New Zealand's major cities include Auckland (the largest), Wellington (the capital), Hamilton, Tauranga, Napier-Hastings, and Dunedin. Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island and the third-largest city overall.

Christchurch is known as the 'Garden City' for its beautiful parks and gardens, the Avon River, the Christchurch Cathedral (currently being rebuilt), proximity to the Southern Alps, and as a gateway to the South Island. The city has undergone significant rebuilding following the 2010-2011 earthquakes.