Christchurch Travel Information
Christchurch is New Zealand's 3rd largest city. Located at the midpoint on the east coast of the South Island, with an international airport, Christchurch is the main gateway to travel within the South Island.
Christchurch is famous for its natural beauty and as such is known as is known as the garden city. The city has a lively entertainment scene, strong cultural heritage, gorgeous parks and gardens, lots of sports facilities and good shopping.
There are a wealth of things to do and see including the weekend Arts Centre market, Christchurch Cathedral, the Botanic Gardens, Port Hills and the International Antarctic Centre.
There is much to see within a short distance of Christchurch:
- East and south of Christchurch is the open ocean and Banks Peninsula, featuring sheltered bays, sandy beaches, and rugged coastline, ideal for boating.
- West of Christchurch , past forests and lakes lie the highest mountains in Australasia, the Southern Alps, offering perfect skiing conditions in the winter.
- North of Christchurch are green rolling hills, forests and long, empty beaches, with the whale-watching centre of Kaikoura about 2 hours drive.
Christchurch Attractions:
International Antarctic Centre One of New Zealand's best tourist attractions, the International Antarctic Centre near Christchurch airport provides visitors of all ages with an interactive, fun and exciting experience of Antarctica.Christchurch Gondola is one of the leading attractions in Christchurch, New Zealand. Spectacular views of the city, coastline, harbour and mountains.
Black Cat offer daily cruises on the scenic Akaroa and Lyttelton harbours near Christchurch New Zealand, offering unforgettable views of the wildlife, swimming with dolphins & kayaking adventures.
Willowbank Experience New Zealand wildlife, Kiwi & other native birds & animals up close at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve near Christchurch Airport, open 10am-10pm, nocturnal kiwi viewing, guided tours & on-site restaurant.
Arts Centre is a unique complex which promotes the growth of Arts and Crafts in Christchurch, New Zealand. Offering a weekend art and craft market, online shopping, galleries, resident artists, education, venue hire, theatres and cinema and regular vibrant outdoor entertainment.
Canterbury Museum See a moa in a minute or spend hours exploring New Zealand's rich cultural and natural heritage. Canterbury Museum is in the heart of Christchurch City.
Ferrymead Heritage Park , take a trip back in time. One of NZ's premier heritage attractions! Featuring an Edwardian township complete with picture house, bakery, school and church, a fascinating array of museums and heritage collections and much more...
Botanic Gardens The grounds of the Botanic Gardens encompass an area of 30 hectares (74 acres), the majority of this being within a loop of the Avon River. Since 1863, the gardens have been transformed into a place of beauty with undoubtedly one of the finest collections of exotic and indigenous plants to be found anywhere in New Zealand.
Christchurch Transport
The best way to travel Christchurch, Canterbury and the whole south island of New Zealand is by Rental Car.Please visit our Car Hire Quotation page for your New Zealand travel requirements.
New Zealand's North Island
- Auckland - Largest city in NZ
- Hamilton - Centre of the Waikato region
- Rotorua - Geothermal area
- Wellington - NZ capital city
New Zealand's South Island
- Picton - Internal gateway to the South Island
- Christchurch - Garden city
- Dunedin - Historical city
- Queenstown - Action tourism centre of NZ