Christchurch Travel Guide

Christchurch City is located midway down the east coast of the South Island, just north of Banks Peninsula. The South Island's largest city (population 337,000) and main international gateway is a vibrant, cosmopolitan place with exciting festivals, theatre, modern art galleries, great shopping, award-winning attractions and a host of activities.

It has all the amenities of a modern city, but is still very much a regional centre serving the rich rural hinterland, with a laid-back pace to life. Its Gothic revival cathedral, grey-stone nineteenth century buildings, tree-lined avenues and extensive leafy parks have preserved the grace and charm of an earlier era. Christchurch is a convenient base from which to explore the surrounding rural countryside and the natural attractions and activities of the region. After spending a day in the countryside visitors are able to enjoy international nightlife back in the city.

Alive with colour, atmosphere and world-class attractions, Christchurch is a graceful city that values its culture and heritage, but offers a year round range of fresh and exciting adventures and activities. The city is full of delights, from the beautiful neo-gothic Arts Centre, to the historic tram which loops the city centre, to the Christchurch Gondola and unique attractions like the International Antarctic Centre. The shopping is superb and the restaurants are a celebration of fresh, natural New Zealand foods and fine wines.

Known internationally for its award winning gardens, Christchurch is also a place for events and festivals. Whatever the season, you'll find a non-stop programme of entertainment with events like the Festival of Romance, the International Buskers Festival, winter Arts Festival, and Showtime Canterbury in November.

Christchurch also has New Zealand's finest purpose-built Convention Centre (which caters for 10 to 2500 people). You will also find the Christchurch Town Hall (the main venue for performing arts) and the Westpac Trust centre, a multi-purposed indoor venue for major sporting and entertainment events.