In This Section

Updated in April 2012

Christchurch

The facts

  • population over 380,000
  • largest city in the South Island
  • important educational centre, with two universities and many other educational institutions
  • spacious, green city, with lots of parks and gardens
  • Christchurch's central city is currently being renewed following the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. The people of Christchurch have an exciting plan to build an environmentally friendly 21st century city.

Location, location

  • situated between the ski fields of the Southern Alps and the beaches of the South Pacific
  • gateway to the South Island

Climate

Season  Spring
  Summer  Autumn
  Winter
Months
  Sep - Nov
 Dec - Feb   Mar - May  Jun - Aug 
Mean daily
maximum / minimum  		 17°C / 7°C  
 22°C / 12°C 
 18°C / 8°C  
 12°C / 3°C  
Rain days  7
  7
  7
  7

 

 

 

 

 

 

Things to do in Christchurch

Christchurch offers you

  • an evolving city scene
  • activities to suit all tastes from beaches to bowling, farmers’ markets to festivals and shopping to surfing
  • a busy suburban nightlife close to student homestays
  • festivals, shows and concerts
  • homestay families ready to give students an unforgettable South Island welcome.
Christchurch Attractions

For more ideas on what to do in Christchurch including where to eat and nightlife options:

Explore the South Island….We can help you organize trips around the South Island.  We offer great day and weekend tours with our local guides.  Christchurch is the gateway to the South Island and the ideal starting point for trips to….

Canterbury favourites (day trips)

  • Hanmer hot pools
  • the French settlement of Akaroa, home to the rare Hector’s dolphin
  • trekking at Banks Peninsula
  • wine tours
South island favourites (weekend trips or longer)
  • Kaikoura for whale watching, seal encounters and scenic coastal walks
  • Queenstown – the adventure capital of New Zealand
  • Lake Tekapo
  •  Dunedin, home to the little blue and yellow-eyed penguins, the mighty albatross and a lively music scene.  (Try to see some live music while you are there.)
  • skiing and snowboarding trips
  • the trans-alpine trip to the West Coast
  • stunning national parks such as Abel Tasman, Milford Sound, Fjiordland, Fox and Frans Josef Glaciers and the Caitlins
  • Malborough Wine Region
Chch-Mt-Cook-trip.jpg   Christchurch avon.jpg Chch 2.jpg 


What's on in Christchurch?

  • Christchurch City Libraries New Zealand Music Month (Tuesday 1st–Thursday 31st May 2012)

    Tuesday 1st–Thursday 31st May 2012, in Major Events NZ Music Month is a promotion run by the NZ Music Commission that takes place each May, with other organisations including NZ On Air, RIANZ, APRA, Independent Music NZ, and the Radio Broadcasters Association also closely involved. And obviously NZ Music Month could not succeed without the support of the country's labels, media, the general public, and, most importantly, the artists themselves. NZMM is here to help you get to great gigs, make new musical discoveries, and get excited about your faves from the past. With a bunch of new releases looming over the horizon, thousands of gigs around the country, and media of all kinds gearing up to get behind NZ Music Month you won’t be able to miss it. More Information....

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  • Cycle Christchurch Events 2012 (Thursday 19th January–Monday 31st December 2012)

    Thursday 19th January–Monday 31st December 2012, in Sport Events This is your one-stop guide to all cycling events taking place in Christchurch and beyond. Each year, a great number of organisers upload their events on our BeThere page and give you the opportunity to find something that best fits your needs. So grab your bike, pump your tires, and get ready to  Cycle Christchurch ! Whether you’re looking to have some fun, challenge yourself, or compete with the best,  Cycle Christchurch  has you covered with a whole heap of events catering to people of all ages and grades. Did you know the Council has great resources for cyclists? Click to check these out... Cycle facilities and cycle updates Find out what mountain bike...

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  • MV Tuhoe River Cruise (Sunday 15th April–Sunday 17th June 2012)

    Sunday 15th April–Sunday 17th June 2012, in Arts & Culture Events MV Tuhoe is an historic schooner that celebrated her 90th birthday in 2009 and regularly sails the Kaiapoi and Waimakariri rivers. Departing from Kaiapoi Wharf, you will cruise the lower Kaiapoi and Waimakariri Rivers for a relaxing and peaceful hour. There are lots of river activities and bird life to view along with stunning landscape scenes, from the mountains of the Southern Alps to Banks Peninsula and Pegasus Bay. Book your tickets with the Kaiapoi i-SITE Visitor Centre, located in Raven Quay beside the war memorial. Each cruise has limited numbers so bookings are essential. 2012 Sailings: (Note Boarding is half an hour prior to sailing) Sunday 15 April - 11am Sunday 22 April - 4.30pm Sunday 6...

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  • Otahuna Lodge 2012 Winter Cooking Lesson Series (Thursday 24th May–Sunday 19th August 2012)

    Thursday 24th May–Sunday 19th August 2012, in Food & Wine Events Otahuna Lodge will host again its popular cooking lesson series over six dates in May, July and August.  These lessons--limited to a maximum of ten guests each--offer participants a first-hand opportunity to learn cooking techniques from Executive Chef Jimmy McIntyre.  Tarrifs include a tour of the Lodge, one and a half hour cooking demonstration lesson, multi-course meal with matching wine pairings, a visit to the property's potager gardens and recipes from all dishes prepared. To learn more about the lesson schedule or to reserve a place, please visit www.otahuna.co.nz , email enquiries@otahuna.co.nz or phone 329 6333. More Information. Otahuna Lodge 2012 Winter Cooking Lesson Series is on...

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  • Sunday Artisan Market (Sunday 15th January–Sunday 30th December 2012)

    Sunday 15th January–Sunday 30th December 2012, in Food & Wine Events With a great selection of local arts and crafts, yummy food stalls, fresh produce, live music, delicious Hummingbird Coffee and the new Sunday Roast from the Riccarton house Bistro the market is a must do every Sunday. A great day out for all the family, all located in the stunning grounds of Riccarton House and Bush If you are interested in becoming a stall holder please contact Taste Events on 03 348 6190 or info@tasteevents.co.nz More Information. Sunday Artisan Market is on these dates: 15th January 2012 22nd January 2012 29th January 2012 5th February 2012 12th February 2012 19th February 2012 26th February 2012 4th March 2012 11th March 2012 18th March 2012 25th March...

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  • UCSA and Band Soc present Battle of the Bands 2012 (Saturday 5th–Friday 18th May 2012)

    Saturday 5th–Friday 18th May 2012, in Music Events See  http://www.facebook.com/#!/events/198734763563963/  for event details.   More Information. UCSA and Band Soc present Battle of the Bands 2012 is on these dates: 5th May 2012 11th May 2012 18th May 2012

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  • Unveiling of Peacock Mausoleum Trompe L'oille and Tour (Saturday 26th May 2012)

    Saturday 26th May 2012, in Arts & Culture Events Preserving Our Heritage - The Peacock Mausoleum and 'Red Zone' Tour of Linwood Cemetery The Friends of Linwood Cemetery were one of the 20 winners selected to receive 100 litres of paint from Dulux NZ in their 2011 community projects competition for a mural depicting the Peacock Mausoleum in Linwood Cemetery. To stop further damage from vandals and the elements, the mausoleum was boarded up about 5 years ago and was supposed to be temporary protection, but recent events have meant that the Friends beleve it will be a very long time before they could raise enough money for any preservation of the original vaulted mausoleum. The Chair of The Friends of Linwood Cemetery, Anne Holloway started the painting process on the...

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  • Warren Miller's "Like there's no tomorrow" Snow Sports Movie (Friday 18th–Sunday 20th May 2012)

    Friday 18th–Sunday 20th May 2012, in Sport Events This Autumn, Warren Miller Entertainment brings you its 62nd winter sports film, Warren Miller's ... Like There's No Tomorrow . Hosted by skiing icon Jonny Moseley and shot on location in India, New Zealand, Chile, Alaska, Norway, British Columbia and beyond, ... Like There's No Tomorrow is your annual reminder that winter is on its way and, with it, four months of an adrenaline-fueled dance with gravity. Featuring world-class athletes, like Colby West, Julia Mancuso and Chris Davenport, ... Like There's No Tomorrow celebrates those who take on the mountains with an abandon that amazes and inspires us all. Warren Miller films attract a cult-like following and mark the official start of winter for sports enthusiasts...

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