Travel to Christchurch

Travel to Christchurch

Located midway along the east coast of New Zealands South Island, Christchurch, the main centre of the South Island, is a modern and vibrant city with a distinctly English character. Christchurch is affectionately known as the Garden City, owing to its profusion of colourful parks and gardens, and it has the enchanting River Avon running through it as well as several outstanding attractions.

Transportation to Christchurch

Christchurch International Airport is the gateway to Christchurch and the South Island, receiving direct flights from overseas with major carriers. Transportation to the city is provided by bus, shuttle bus, taxis and limousines. Trains arrive from Picton, providing a convenient link for passengers coming from the North Island on the Interislander ferry, as well as from other cities on the South Island, while Intercity coaches also run to Christchurch. By car, Christchurch is 5 hours drive from Picton via Highway State 1, while Dunedin is about the same distance to the south. The roads on the South Island are uncongested and of good quality.

What to see

Christchurchs main draw card is its diverse range of attractions that include some delightful urban highlights such as impressive buildings, monuments, museums and many natural attractions. The best thing about the city centre is that it is mostly pedestrianised, making getting about on foot or by bike easy.

Christ Church Cathedral and Cathedral Square are among the biggest attractions in the city centre, along with the Canterbury Museum and the famous and historic Christchurch Tramway. Victoria Square is a beautiful and historic area of the city, while the International Antarctic Centre, just out of the city, offers a re-creation of the frozen continent. Taking a punt on the River Avon through the city is an absolute must and it wont break the bank.

Daytrips

Many people come to Christchurch to see its outstanding surroundings, which consist of lofty mountains, lovely beaches and some fantastic driving. Banks Peninsular lies to the southeast of the city and juts out into the Pacific Ocean, and anyone with a car should take a drive around it. There are delightful harbour towns, intriguing fishing villages and amazing views everywhere. Head in the other direction and you will happen upon the Southern Alps and New Zealands best ski resorts. In addition, the Christchurch Gondola heads up to the Port Hills from the city to afford a fantastic view of Christchurch.

Activities and leisure

New Zealand is an outdoor lovers haven and Christchurch lives up to this reputation, with some great scuba diving, particularly around Banks Peninsular, and fishing, cycling and all types of extreme sports. In the city, leisure options include some excellent shopping in the city centre, lots of quiet parks and gardens to relax in and Oxford Terrace, also known as The Strip, for night-time enjoyment.

Safety issues

Partaking in outdoor activities always presents an element of risk, as does driving in general. If you overlook taking out travel insurance and then have an accident, you may be left with a hefty medical bill. We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance when visiting Christchurch.