Christchurch, the largest city of the South Island, is situated a third of the way down the east coast. In winter, it is common for the temperature to fall below freezing at night, and snow falls on average once or twice a year. To the west lies the Canterbury Plains, a renowned agricultural area. In recent years, the region’s produce has diversified, with a thriving wine industry springing up at Waipara and the beginnings of new enterprises such as olive production and deer farming. The high-quality local wine has increased the appeal of Christchurch to visitors, as has the closeness of ski slopes in the Southern Alps.