Canterbury (Māori: Waitaha) is a region of New Zealand, located in the central-eastern South Island. The region covers an area of 44,508 square kilometres (17,185 sq mi), and is home to a population of 612,000 (June 2017).

The region in its current form was established in 1989 during nationwide local government reforms. The Kaikoura District joined the region in 1992 following the abolition of the Nelson-Marlborough Regional Council.

Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city and the country’s third-largest urban area, is the seat of the region and home to 65 percent of the region’s population. Other major towns and cities include Timaru, Ashburton, Rangiora and Rolleston.

YWAM Oxford is located in Oxford, about 50 Kilometers from Christchurch. It’s set in the foothills of the majestic Southern Alps in New Zealand’s South Island.