This thesis examines the changing land use patterns of Christchurch's rural-urban fringe through time. Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand and like most cities of the world has undergone major changes in the activities found within its countryside since the end of the second world war. During these fifty years, three major time periods can be identified, each of which is a function of broader regional, national and global economic circumstances. The first period was the long boom which ran from the end of the second world war to the beginning of the 1970s. This period is recognised as being one of economic growth and prosperity leading to the rapid growth of the built environment through the urbanisation process. The second period was the 1970s and 1980s, a time of declining economic fortunes world and thus changing growth patterns within the city's countryside. This period saw the selective infiltration or counter-urbanisation of the countryside by small groups of the public. The third period considered is the l 990s, being one which has experienced increased economic and cultural change and a growth in the range of urban forces impacting on the study area. The changes in the growth patterns within the countryside have been in response to a number of changing developmental and regulatory processes through these periods. These processes have influenced the growth of certain activities, and in Christchurch's case there has been expansion in the city's built up area along with an increased number of exurban residential properties being developed in the countryside. The types and size of commercial activities found in the countryside have grown along with the amount of public open space provided. The growth of these activities has subsequently affected the traditional land use of the countryside, agriculture and has been the cause of conflict between traditional users and new users of the countryside.