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 Located in the Canterbury region, Christchurch — the largest city on the South Island — is a compact city, easy enough to explore on foot or bicycle, with stunning nature never more than a stone's throw away. In the wake of the 2010-2011 earthquakes, Christchurch has re-emerged brighter and livelier than ever. It's a city where creativity and innovation run wild, and the hospitality and arts scenes are buzzing with energy. Truly, it's a unique destination that's positively thriving.

A sunny autumn day in Christchurch, New Zealand, with the Ferrier Fountain, the Avon River, tourists chatting and feeding ducks in background, and trees in autumn colours. travellight/Shutterstock.com

Christchurch City

Māori oral history and archaeological evidence suggests that people first inhabited the Canterbury area about a thousand years ago. These first inhabitants were moa-hunting tribes and this migration continued until about 1830. The first European landed in Canterbury in 1815 and Christchurch became a city by Royal Charter on 31 July 1856, making it the oldest city in New Zealand. Many of the city's original Gothic buildings dated from this period.

Christchurch, known traditionally as “The Garden City”, is the largest population centre in the South Island of New Zealand, and one of the world’s most unique destinations. Bordered by the Port Hills and the Pacific Ocean, it is situated on the Canterbury Plains with the Southern Alps as a majestic backdrop, allowing for a huge array of experiences all within just a few hours’ drive.

The serene Avon River flows through the centre of the city (its banks now largely forming an urban park), and through the award winning Christchurch Botanic Gardens which are 150 years old this year. The gardens feature one of the finest collections of exotic and native plants found in New Zealand, and are home to one of Christchurch’s most iconic activities, Punting on the Avon.

More recently, however, Christchurch rebuilt and revitalised itself following the Canterbury Earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 and making way for some of the most innovative and creative projects in the world. With a huge emphasis on sustainability and environmental issues, Christchurch embraces its new future, and is excited about the possibilities of having a chance to reinvent itself with modern buildings and bright urban events. This is a chance to visit a city on the brink of reimagining itself with world class technology and innovation alongside history and heritage.

It is important not to forget about Christchurch’s backyard of Canterbury. You can ski at a world-class alpine resort, play golf, bungy jump, raft, mountain bike, hot-air balloon, wind surf, whale watch and visit internationally-acclaimed wineries and gardens — all within a short drive of the city. And that is just the beginning!

Famous symbol of Christchurch, New Zealand. Heritage tramway. Tourist attraction. Tupungato/Shutterstock.com

Do & See

New Zealand’s garden city, and capital of the South Island, acts as the perfect gateway to discovering some of the country’s most spectacular scenery and National Parks. There is also plenty to explore in the city itself, with acres of parks and gardens, stunning Gothic architecture and a wide choice of restaurants and bars.

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Punting on the Avon River

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International Antarctic Centre

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Christchurch Gondola

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Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise

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Christchurch Tramway

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Christchurch Botanic Gardens

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Adrenalin Forest

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The Court Theatre

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Hiking & Cycling the Port Hills

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Air Force Museum of New Zealand

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Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

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Orana Wildlife Park

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Christchurch Double Decker City Tour

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Quake City

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Caterpillar Garden Tours

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Transitional 'Cardboard' Cathedral

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Oi Manawa — Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial

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TranzAlpine Train Ride

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Day & Multi-Day Trips in the Canterbury Region

From the Pacific Ocean, ancient volcanic peninsula and wondrous marine life, across patchwork plains, home to adrenalin pumping activities, lush vineyards and braided rivers rising to pristine glacial lakes and the majestic Southern Alps presided over by Aoraki/Mount Cook. You will find something special in Canterbury. Most destinations are possible in a day trip from Christchurch, but Canterbury is best enjoyed as a multi-day trip, with time spent in each unique destination.

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Mid Canterbury

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Akaroa & Banks Peninsula

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Arthur’s Pass & Selwyn

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Hanmer Springs & Hurunui District

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Kaikoura District

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Waimakariri District

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Mackenzie District

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Dining

Once known mainly for its superb lamb, Canterbury and Christchurch are now gaining a reputation for a wide range of food and wine. Local meat produce includes venison, emu and ostrich. There is fresh seafood readily available including scallops, crayfish and Mount Cook Salmon, all which are recommended. Canterbury is also a large wine producing region, specialising in Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

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Tramway Restaurant

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Curators House Restaurant

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Kinji Japanese Restaurant

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Costas Taverna

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Strawberry Fare

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Winnie Bagoes City

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King of Snake

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Burgers & Beers

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Fiddlesticks Restaurant & Bar

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Little High Eatery

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Cafes

There is no shortage of great cafes in Christchurch and the inner city is bustling with good places to have a relaxing break with a cup of coffee or tea. Many new outlets have emerged alongside old favourites, many of which are used as social hubs for the Christchurch locals.

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Under the Red Verandah

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Boat Shed Café

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Truffle Cafe

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Black Betty Cafe

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Addington Coffee Co-op

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Crafted Coffee Company

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Aikman's

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Joe's Garage Sumner

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Passengers & Co

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The Quarters at Riccarton House

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Untouched World Kitchen

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The Raspberry Cafe

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Dunsandel Café & Store

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She Chocolaterie

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Nor'Wester Cafe

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C1 Espresso

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Bars & Nightlife

Visitors to this evolving city are spoiled for choice! From refurbished shipping containers to casino and music venues, Christchurch has a great range of bars and an exciting nightlife. Enjoy a quiet cocktail or dance the night away, you will for sure find your favourite place in the CBD or in the surrounding suburbs.

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Wunderbar

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Christchurch Casino

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No.4 Bar

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Carlton Bar & Steakhouse

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Aikmans Bar & Eatery

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The Fox — Riccarton

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The Fox & Ferret — The Palms

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Pomeroy's Historic Brewery Inn

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Morrell & Co.

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The Pedal Pusher

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The Craic Irish Bar

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Cocopelli

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Darkroom Bar

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Bailies Bar

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The Last Word

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Shopping

Pedestrianised streets, outdoor markets and indoor shopping malls mean Christchurch is an ideal shopping destination, where you can find everything from traditional New Zealand arts and crafts to the latest designer fashions.

Innovative and modern shopping hubs like The Tannery and The Colombo are Christchuch's main shopping centres. The cobbled street of New Regent is also home to a great mix of boutique shops.

Individual shopping highlights include Ballantynes Department Store. This historic store dates from 1854, and is still a popular one-stop shopping destination for designer fashions and luxury goods. The Artisan Market is a weekly highlight held every Sunday at Riccarton Bush, you'll find a range of jewellery, arts, crafts and culinary delights.

The large, indoor shopping malls are located in the city suburbs, and are all connected with the Orbiter and Metro bus services. Westfield Riccarton is the largest mall in the South Island with 200 stores, and Merivale Mall is home to a range of excellent boutique shops with high-quality jewellery and gifts.

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Stencil

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Andrea Biani

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HAPA

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Infinite Definite

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Scorpio Books

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Simply New Zealand

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STORM

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Contemporary Lounge

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Barkers

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Sergios

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Photo & Video International

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Ballantynes Department Store

Woman Hiker Ascending Castle Rock. Port Hills, Christchurch, New Zealand. Tobin Akehurst/Shutterstock.com

Tourist Information

Christchurch Airport (CHC)

Christchurch Airport is New Zealand's second largest airport. Christchurch city is a short 15-minute drive (9.4 kilometres) from the airport and several transport options are available from outside the terminal including rental cars, taxis, shuttles and buses.

Regular Metro Red Bus services connect the airport to the city centre such as the Purple Line and the number 29 buses. You can buy tickets from the driver when boarding the bus. You can catch the bus from the northern end of the International Arrivals Hall (between the terminal and the long-term car park). The Purple Line and number 29 runs seven days a week.

Taxis and rental cars are also available at the airport. The major rental car brands are all situated within the International Arrivals Hall (close to the domestic baggage reclaim).

Address: 30 Durey Road, Harewood, Christchurch

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Website: www.christchurchairport.co.nz

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Passport/Visa

Citizens of Australia and the UK, as well as visa waiver countries, do not need to apply for a visa for short visitor stays, but may need to produce documented proof of onward travel.

Visa waiver countries include the USA and multiple countries across Europe and Asia, Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, and Vatican City.

Since 2019, travellers that are visa waiver must request a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) prior to travel. It is mandatory for all sea and air arrivals, including transit. The issued authorisation is valid for two years.

Citizens of other countries will need to apply for a visa in advance, which can be done online for solo travellers and in paper format for those travelling with a partner or as a group. The applicant’s passport validity in this case will need to last 3 months after the planned departure date.

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Website: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_New_Zealand

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Best Time to Visit

Christchurch is an all-year destination. During the summer season, December to February, Christchurch can get high temperatures with an average temperature of 21–23°C (70°F). The daylight can last up until 9:30 pm during this period. December, February and March is the peak season, it is also in December and January many domestic travellers have their holiday since the schools are closed. If you decide to visit Christchurch during this season, you probably need to book in advance since it is not easy to find accommodation.

If you prefer the winter season, then June to August are good months to visit. Winter in Canterbury is beautiful and it becomes a true winter wonderland. With good ski areas and a wide range of après activities, you will find yourself busy during this season.

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Public Transport

Public transport in Christchurch consists of bus services operated by two bus companies supported by a ferry, all jointly marketed as Metro.

The Orbiter service travels past all the major suburban shopping centres in Christchurch and other services can take you to the city arriving at Central Station and onto the seaside village of Sumner, surf beach at New Brighton, Sign of the Takahe in Cashmere and into the country to Lincoln and Rangiora as well as many other areas around Christchurch city.

Most hotels in the city also offer free rental bicycles for guests.

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Website: ccc.govt.nz/transport/getting-around/bus

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Taxi

Numerous taxi companies operate throughout Christchurch. Rideshare apps like Uber are a convenient way to find a ride, too.

Address: Blue Star Taxis

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Phone: +64 3 3799 799

Website: www.bluestartaxis.org.nz

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Post

Post offices in Christchurch are run by NZ Post, providing several services throughout the town. The offices have a red sign on the outside, with New Zealand Post written on.

One of the post offices in the city is NZ Post Christchurch Central where you can post parcels, letters and purchase postage.

Address: NZ Post Christchurch Box Lobby, 67 Cashel Street, Christchurch Central

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Website: www.nzpost.co.nz

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Pharmacy

Pharmacies, often referred to as 'chemists' in New Zealand, are typically open during standard retail hours, generally 9am to 5:30pm on weekdays. However, hours can extend to late evenings and weekends in larger cities and shopping centres.

New Zealand's largest pharmacy chains are Unichem and Life Pharmacy, with stores spread nationwide. These pharmacies stock a wide range of over-the-counter medicines, healthcare products, and often provide additional services like flu vaccinations.

Address: Unichem, 3/111 Cashel Street, Christchurch

Email: info@cashelpharmacy.co.nz

Phone: +46 3 595 1289

Website: www.cashelpharmacy.co.nz

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Telephone

Country code: +64
Area code: (0)3

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Electricity

New Zealand operates on a 230/240V supply voltage and 50Hz frequency. The country uses Type I power plugs, which feature two flat pins forming a 'V' shape, along with a grounding pin. This standard is also commonly used in Australia, Argentina, China, and several Pacific island nations. Remember to pack a universal adapter if your devices use a different plug type to ensure hassle-free charging.

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