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Canterbury is bounded on the west by the Main Divide, which rises to about 1500M (5000ft) but reaches 2400M (8000ft) south of Westport, and 3765M (12,349ft) at Mt Cook; and in the east by the coast between Kaikoura and Ashburton. There is a coastal plain from Amberley to Oamaru but in the north the Kaikoura mountains rise steeply from the coast. The plain slopes gently upwards and westwards to the main divide. East of gaps in the ranges the climate is locally modified by channelling of W-NW winds. Spring and early autumn are the windiest seasons, but strong SW winds may occur at any time of the year. Christchurch city is often subject to strong sea breezes which set up in the afternoon. It is considered to be too dangerous to fly in NW conditions due to the rapidity with which wind speed can rise.