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Christchurch Information
Go hiking in Mount Cook National Park, home of New Zealand's highest mountain - Mount Cook.
Test your head for heights, with a hot air balloon ride over the Canterbury Plains.
Watch Christchurch glide by with a punt on the River Avon.
Ride a restored tram around the city centre scenic hot-spots.
Unwind in the natural hot spring in the nearby town of Hanmer Springs.Christchurch - Garden City & Punting
The largest city of the South Island, Christchurch is also New Zealand's oldest, having been granted its Royal Charter in 1856. Known as the ‘Garden City’, for its high percentage of green areas, Christchurch has the feel of an old, English city, thanks to the ambitions of settlers who wanted to recreate the similarly-named area of Oxford.
Punting on the tranquil Avon River, as it meanders through the city, is a great way to see the many historic buildings here, especially those with impressive, Gothic architecture. Alternatively, a ride on the dedicated heritage tram, around the tree-lined streets, gives a convenient circular tour of this stylish city.
The eponymous cathedral of 'ChristChurch', built in the 19th century, sits in the centre of Cathedral Square; a useful landmark for visitors who prefer a walking tour of this city. The Square itself is the historical, cultural, and leisure capital of Christchurch, and is a popular meeting place for both tourists and workers. Street performers and buskers are plentiful here, adding to the cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Not far from the Square, is the vast, open space of Hagley Park, which in turn borders the beautiful Botanic Gardens and Canterbury Museum. Further afield, the towering peak of Aoraki/Mount Cook, the pretty seaside villages of the Banks Peninsula and the many hiking opportunities in the national park of Arthur's Pass, all make Christchurch an appealing destination for visitors.
2011 Earthquake
On 22nd February 2011, an earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter Scale, struck central Christchurch, killing an estimated 200 people and injuring thousands more. The spire of the celebrated Cathedral was lost, with many of the surrounding structures in Cathedral Square damaged beyond repair. While parts of the city are rebuilt, there are still many area highlights to enjoy.
Climate
Christchurch has a mostly dry, temperate climate, officially classed as 'Oceanic'. The city enjoys mild winters and welcomes warm days during the summer months.
Restaurants and Bars
Christchurch offers a heady mix of restaurants and bars, with over 130 dining establishments in the central city alone. Offering the largest selection of cafe entertainment in the South Island, most people head to SOL (South of Lichfield) Square and Poplar Lane, two areas purposely dedicated to showing visitors a good time, which complement the city's established entertainment zone – The Strip.
Accommodation
Christchurch offers an abundance of accommodation options, suiting all tastes and budgets - from the luxury of The George boutique hotel, or the Crowne Plaza, to the more affordable, but equally comfortable, Four Seasons and The Poplars. See our ‘Christchurch Accommodation Guide’ for the best deals.
Shopping
As you would expect from New Zealand’s second largest city, there’s no shortage of places to spend your money. Head along the High Street, to SOL Square, Victoria Street, New Regent Street and Cashel Street for the main central shopping zones.
Area Highlights - Beyond The City
Arthur's Pass National Park
Established in 1929, Arthur's Pass National Park is situated between Canterbury and the West Coast. Dominated by the spectacular Southern Alps, the park is a haven for trampers, skiers and mountain climbers. The village of Arthur's Pass itself, provides a handy base for those who want to take their time exploring this wild landscape.
The TranzAlpine Express
One of the world's most beautiful train journeys, the TranzAlpine Express is the perfect way to leave (or arrive in) Christchurch. In just under five glorious hours, you will travel through unrivalled mountain scenery, from the sunny east coast, over Arthur's Pass and through the rolling Canterbury Plains, before arriving at the terminus of Greymouth on the West Coast.
Kaikoura
180km north of Christchurch, Kaikoura is a pretty coastal town famous for its whaling station and abundant marine life. With mountains that very nearly reach to the ocean, the town is a popular place to catch some sea air, with a number of boating excursions available.
Hanmer Springs
65kms southwest from Kaikoura, the town of Hanmer Springs is, as its name suggests, built around a natural hot spring that now includes an extended hot pools complex. Come here if you want to really unwind - and get really wet!
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook sits in the national park of the same name and is part of the Te Wahipounamu world heritage area. All but one of New Zealand's 3000m high peaks lie in the park, making it an obvious attraction for mountaineers and experienced hikers. Near the park you’ll also find Lake Tekapo, with its stunning turquoise waters and dramatic highland landscape.
Getting There
Christchurch International Airport is a 30-min drive west of the city centre. A little further out, the port of Timaru also has a domestic airport and receives daily flights from many other New Zealand cities.
By road, Christchurch is a 4-hour drive from Greymouth or Nelson, 4.5 hours from Dunedin, and a 6-7 hour drive from Queenstown.
Bottom Bus, Kiwi Experience, Southern Link and Intercity operate frequent coach services into Christchurch.
The TranzAlpine Express arrives daily into Christchurch from Greymouth, via Arthur's Pass. Leaving Christchurch, the TranzCoastal train takes you to Picton, where you can take a ferry over to Wellington.
Our Travel Passes section offers ways to make savings while travelling around New Zealand.
Photo Credits: River Avon Punting in photo slideshow - Daniel Kelpe, Gottingen, Germany; River Avon photo - Joel Kraut, San Francisco, USA
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