Christchurch is located on the east coast of the South Island. Christchurch is know as ‘The Garden City’. It has many well-established expansive parks and public gardens due to the planning and foresight of the city’s founding fathers.

The Floral Festival held in February each year is certainly one of the most popular festivals on the annual calendar. In 1997 it was judged Overall Winner of Major Cities in the Nations in Bloom International Competition to become ‘Garden City of the World’!

Getting To Christchurch

Christchurch International Airport is a modern facility, well equipped for the daily arrival and departure of large groups of visitors.

Christchurch is the gateway to some of the world’s finest scenery, such as Mount Cook, Fiordland and the Southern Lakes. The airport is a stepping stone for a huge number of visitors and touring groups.

The airport is serviced by the major airlines of Air New Zealand, Air Pacific, Freedom Air, Singapore Airlines and Qantas Airways. These airlines have connecting flights with most international airlines, which makes travelling to Christchurch simple and efficient.

Domestically, Air New Zealand, Freedom Air, Mount Cook Line and Origin-Pacific provide a comprehensive schedule of daily flights to and from Christchurch, while other smaller airlines operate to outlying areas.

Getting Around In Christchurch

Your own car is a very good option if you’re here for 8 weeks or more (there’s affordable BBH insurance for peace of mind motoring. Rental cars are very affordable by world standards. Shuttle buses are often door to door. Trains are daily and a rare treat on some amazing lines. Airplanes are fastest with spectacular views. Ferries cover the deep wet bits between islands.

Where To Stay

Charlotte Jane Boutique Hotel – Once an exclusive private school for girls, now a boutique hotel with rooms with roaring fire places and four-poster beds. Room rates start at around $125 USD a night.

Where to eat

Le Bon Bolli – In the heart of the city, amazing authentic French cuisine without the over the top price tag.

What To See

Cathedral Square. While surrounded by high rises, Cathedral Square is still dominated by the Christchurch Cathedral.

The Arts Centre. On the weekends this precint comes alive with an outdoor market.

Orana Wildlife Park. Set on 80 hectares of land within the McLeans Island recreational area, 18 kilometres or about 30 minutes drive from Christchurch’s Cathedral Square, Orana Park has been designed with the emphasis on natural settings for the animals. Here you can view them close-up, with few fences, wire or cages.

Where To Shop

• J Baltimore And Co: City mall
• Quinn’s Fashion. 195 Papanul Road, Merivale
• Tango. 211 High St
• Ginger Meggs. 7 Saint Albans St

Entertainment

• Cafe Bleu Nightclub. 88, Cashel St Mall City
• Southern Blues Bar. 198 Madras St Christchurch

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