The Destination

Christchurch, the Garden City

your home base

Christchurch is your gateway to Canterbury and the South Island, the most scenic adventure playground in the world. 

The South Island's largest city (population 400,000) and main international gateway is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with exciting festivals, theatre, modern art galleries, great shopping, award-winning attractions and a host of activities.You are minutes from mountains and plains that dominate the scenes of many award-winning movies. A coastline that changes with every kilometre, four commercial ski-fields, over 30 golf courses, charming vineyards and places of such natural beauty that many just stare in wonder.

Ours is a sophisticated city where you can walk to most places and are likely be sidetracked as you go. It takes less than 15 minutes to get to the central city from the newly upgraded international airport, servicing airlines from all over the world. Dining, shopping and playing are moments away from where ever you decide to stay.

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 cosmopolitan nightlife back in the city.  

Main Attractions / Activities

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, the historic tram which loops the city centre, the Christchurch Gondola and other 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 perfect place for events and festivals.

Whatever the season, you'll find a non-stop programme of entertainment with events like the International Buskers Festival, Winter Carnival, and Showtime Canterbury in November.

Links:

Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism 

Christchurch & Canterbury Convention Bureau  

Be There - What's on in Christchurch