Many travellers take cheap flights to Christchurch as a starting point for travelling around the South Island, and sometimes beyond - flights to the Antarctic take a mere six hours - but the Garden City is a wonderful destination in its own right.
Established in 1850 by English settlers, Christchurch has a very "English" feel. The focal point of the city is a very fine Anglican cathedral, much of the architecture is Victorian and the river is called the Avon, which you can punt along, gliding under the quaint bridges and pretend you are an aristocrat at play. The founding fathers showed great vision in laying out the city. There is Victoria Square and the four inner-city avenues, the lush and verdant 161- hectare Hagley Park, the much-lauded Botanic Gardens, Riccarton Park and Mona Vale, which is on the banks of the Avon.
Nowhere else in New Zealand hosts as many festivals as Christchurch. Their events calendar is legendary. Starting with Summertimes, which takes place in Hagley Park from December to late January, through the World Buskers Festival (January), Christchurch Arts Festival (July/August), Carnival Week (November) and winding up with Carols by Candlelight, a Victoria Square tradition on Christmas Eve.
Back to top
Christchurch has a mild climate. Summer is December to February, and winter is June to August. Average summer temps range between 12 and 22 degrees Celsius. The winter average is 1-11 degrees. This part of the South Island experiences the "Nor’ West Arch", northwesterly winds that blow in an arc shape, raising temperatures.
Back to top
Peak Season:
December to April is the high season and June to October - ski season - is also very busy.
Off Season:
The autumn and winter months are, in general, low season.
Back to top
Several rental-car companies have desks at the airport. Taxi fares to Christchurch cost between $25 and $40; the journey takes about 20 minutes.
Taking a shuttle is a cost-effective way of getting downtown. The fare is about $15 per person or $20 for a couple. The more travellers there are, the cheaper it is. Shuttles take about 40 minutes at rush-hour times.
Bus: there are three services from the airport - the Flyer. the number 10 and the number 3. The Flyer is the most direct bus to the city centre. Fares are about $7.
Back to top
If you're planning on exploring the countryside around Christchurch, a rental car is your best bet. Several major rental-car companies have desks at Christchurch International Airport.
Christchurch is a great city to bike around, its simple, grid layout makes it easy to navigate.
There is a tram service, for tourists mostly, that travels around the centre of the city.
Buses are reliable and cheap and Christchurch also has the Shuttle, a free hybrid bus service, in the inner city.
Back to top
- Day trip: Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula is about a 75-km drive from Christchurch. It's a small French and British settlement that dates from the 1800s. Best of all, Akaroa is located in a volcano cone harbour. The views are jaw- droppingly glorious.
- Willowbank and Orana Park, on the outskirts of Christchurch, are fantastic places to spot wildlife. Willowbank is open at night time and if you take a guided tour, Willowbank guarantees you'll spy a Kiwi.
- For sumptuous views of Christchurch, the beach and out to Lyttelton Harbour, take a trip on the gondola to the top of the Port Hills. If heights aren't your thing, drive out the Summit Road from Cashmere to Sumner to see the sights.
- Taylor's Mistake beach in Sumner is one of the best surf beaches in Christchurch.
- To bring back: Some paua shell or greenstone jewellery from the Red House in Redcliffs or at L'Estrange Art Gallery in Sumner. Merino and possum beanies and scarves are also acceptable souvenirs.
- Shop at Ballantynes in the City Mall for an authentic Christchurch experience.
- If you can't make it to the Antarctic on this trip, get a taste of the continent at the International Antarctic Centre at Christchurch Airport. The polar weather will come to you. Catch a ride on a Hagglund All-Terrain Vehicle ride and enjoy the exhibits about past science missions. Afterwards warm up in the cafe and browse the gift shop.
- The classic watering hole in Christchurch is Dux de Lux. Sink a Nor'West ale or Ginger Tom (alcoholic ginger beer).
Back to top
