In the centre of the south island’s Canterbury region sits Christchurch, New Zealand’s “Garden City” – a place of natural splendours. Bound to the east by Pegasus Bay, flanked to the south by the volcanic slopes of Port Hills, and cut in half by Avon River, which flows through the city centre, Christchurch has a majestic landscape – the perfect playground for adventure seekers and environment and history enthusiasts.

Hit hard by a series of earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, Christchurch is currently undergoing restoration. The city is working to quickly repair heritage buildings and rebuild morale, to return Christchurch to its former status as an innovative and cultural metropolitan hub.

Christchurch Information

Population: Approx 370,000
Area: 452 km²
Time Zone:   GMT +12
Languages: English (official)
Currency:  New Zealand dollar (NZD) Order your travelers cheques and cash here through our partner AMEX before you leave Australia.
Electricity: 220 – 240v 50Hz

Christchurch Climate

Christchurch has a temperate climate. From autumn through to winter the temperature sits between 14°C and 3°C. Snowfall occurs a few days a year in the surrounding mountains. From spring through to summer temperatures are moderately higher, sitting between 19°C and 9°C. Christchurch is one of New Zealand’s driest cities. Cool sea breezes are typical.

• View local weather forecast for your holiday

Christchurch Airport

Name: Christchurch Airport
Address: Memorial Ave, Christchurch
Website: www.christchurch-airport.co.nz
Distance to city: 12 Kms
Opening Hours: The main terminal is open to the public from 4.15am to 1.30am. Check-in for Virgin Australia opens 2 hours prior to departure.

Christchurch Transport

Car hire: Great choice of hire cars at mates rates from our car suppliers
Taxi:   15-20 minute journey time, cost approx $20 - $30
Bus: Regular public and shuttle bus services available. Red Bus can be contacted on Ph. 0800 733 287 (within NZ), 64 3 379 4260 (from Aus) or alternatively via Website: http://www.redbus.co.nz  
24hr Airport Transfers can be organised through Super Shuttle:
Free Phone (within NZ): 0800 SHUTTLE / 0800 748885
Parking: Check out our great Christchurch airport partner parking rates

Don’t forget your travel insurance.

Oaks iStay on Cashel

4 Star Property

This property is located in the very centre of the culture, heritage and entertainment hub of the city. With large, modern, Studio, Executive Studio, One Bedroom and Two Bedroom apartment style hotel, all with self-contained amenities and some with balconies.

Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square

4 Star Property

A modern hotel tower built alongside a historic heritage-listed building, Novotel Christchurch is perfectly located in the very heart of Cathedral Square. Novotel Christchurch sits on the site of the old Warners Hotel, first built in 1863, and is a very short walk to the Christchurch business district as well as many entertainment options.

Heritage Christchurch

5 Star Property

Heritage Christchurch is located adjacent to Cathedral Square and within walking distance to the citys main shopping area, Arts Centre and Hagley Park. Stay in the historic turn of the century Old Government Building which offers elegantly appointed one or two bedroom suites.

Holiday Inn on Avon Christchurch

3 Star Property

Holiday Inn On Avon is nestled alongside the banks of the River Avon on the edge of the CBD. When you stay at our hotel experience first hand the air of tranquillity and peace - due in part to location but also the overall layout of the hotel

Dining

The Canterbury region has rich agricultural (and dining) scene, famous for outstanding wines and exceptionally fresh seafood.

Vineyards and boutique cheese factories surround Christchurch, providing the perfect opportunity for a day trip. The Selwyn Food & Wine Trail offers a great opportunity in which to indulge in the best local wines and restaurants in the picturesque district. Try a Pinot Noir or Riesling – both grapes are regional specialities.

An hour’s drive south-east of the city, sits the quaint seaside village of Akaroa. Settled by the French and British the village proves a cultural and historic dining experience, with hearty, seasonal meals. Drop in to The Little Bistro for a taste of the region’s best, and a tailored wine list of Canterbury favourites.

South of Moorhouse in Addington – dubbed SoMo – has been hailed as Christchurch’s most dynamic and hip neighbourhood; a great place for no-fuss, yet delicious eats. Burgers and Beers is a local favourite with its laid-back atmosphere; while Addington Coffee Co-op is a local haunt for a weekend brunch and morning coffee.

For a true Christchurch dining experience head just north of Moorhouse, to the Antigua Boat Shed Café. Located on the banks of the Avon River, the Boat Shed Café is a great spot for families to enjoy an outdoor meal – with choices ranging from la carte options to barbequed favourites. Make a day of it… hire a canoe from the equipment shop next door and explore the Avon River.

Staying riverside but moving from a relaxed affair to upmarket contemporary dining experience, Pescatore at The George is the city’s go to for culinary excellence. A finalists in Cuisine Magazine’s New Zealand Restaurant of the Year 2011 Awards, Pescatore serves conceptual cuisine with a passionate respect for ingredients, complemented by top vintages from a comprehensive wine list.

Shopping

Before the damaging earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, Christchurch had a vibrant shopping scene, rich with boutiques and department stores. Despite the hardship, locals have began the enormous task of steadfastly rebuilding their city to its former glory.

The Re:Start shopping precinct has been the most innovative retail project to follow the quakes. Located on Christchurch’s main street, Cashel Street, Re:Start is a pop-up community of retailers. Shipping containers house shops, cafes and banks – a temporary and creative solution that is quickly revitalising Christchurch’s retail life. Despite the wares on offer, Re:Start is a must-see attraction in itself – a resounding testament of the love and passion that Christchurch local’s have for their city and its cultural aspects.

Also rebuilt post-quake, New Zealand clothing chain Ballentynes, on Cashel Street, is a local’s favourite. Selling affordable basics and on-trend pieces, Ballantynes is a shop that should be atop all bargain hunters’ must-shop lists.

Unscathed by recent natural disasters, global retail giant, Westfield is Christchurch’s one-stop spot for all shopping needs. Located seven minutes drive from the CBD, Riccarton Westfield offers everything from clothes to home wares and souvenirs to groceries in under the one roof.

For a true Christchurch experience – only a 10 minute drive from the city centre – spend a morning pursuing the Christchurch Famers Markets. Held every Saturday morning, in the shadows on the charming Edwardian-style Riccarton House, the markets brim with laneways of makeshift stalls, selling everything from artisan breads to delectable cheeses and gourmet cupcakes.