The Koppen/Geiger scheme of climate classfication defines the majority of locations in New Zealand, including Christchurch, as Cfb. Cfb stands for humid mid-latitude/marine west coast climate with mild winters. The westward coast of a continent has a different climate than the eastern coast due to incoming winds and that air heating over landmass. Since New Zealand is such a small landmass, the air has no time to heat while crossing from the east coast to west coast, where Christchurch is located. The factor that causes the west coast to be slightly drier is the ornographic uplift from the Southern Alps. This mountain range slows the passage of cyclonic storms allowing them to linger over the east coast and drop more rain. As a Cfb, Christchurch never really has a "dry" season; the rain simply decreases. However there is a significant change in temperature of the seasons.
Being an island, New Zealand is dramatically affected by the oceans. Christchurch is very close to the coast but the urban heat island effect is very strong here because it is in a valley. The Port hills lie to the East, separating the Bank’s peninsula. Being in this valley also allows for ponding and the clouds to roll just over the surface of Port Hills. I have mentioned before that New Zealand is known as Aotearoa, or Land of the Long White Cloud…this is why.
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