CHRISTCHURCH

Lonely Planet listed Christchurch as number 6 in their top 10 cities to visit in 2013 and number 2 on The New York Times' "52 Places to go in 2014". This is thanks to a resilient and enterprising community determined to forge a bright future for the city. Innovative shops, businesses and buildings are continually popping up as the city rebuilds. Add these to Christchurch's rich history and heritage, outstanding green spaces and recreation, and you'll find plenty to entertain and inspire - whatever your age and interests.

Tour the city

Take in the city sights by joining a guided bike tour, or do it on your own in style with a vintage bike. If you want to put your feet up, hop on a Hassle Free double-decker bus providing great views and an informative commentory. For something slightly different, join a segway tour, the perfect way to explore Christchurch. For the ultimate and literal overview of the city, Garden City Helicopters will take you to lofty heights.

During your city tour make sure you check out the various Gap Filler projects. The team at Gap Filler along with an army of volunteers, temporarily “activated” vacant sites with creative projects. The result is a series of imaginative spaces that engage and entertain as they bring people together.

Explore our history

If you're a history buff, take a fascinating journey through New Zealand's military aviation history at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand. Discover the history of Christchurch and the surrounding regions at the Canterbury Museum and to learn more about the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes and their aftermath, Quake City is well worth a visit.

Christchurch is known as the Gateway to Antarctica and there's no better place to learn more about this connection than at the International Antarctic Centre where you can explore an icy way of living, and cold-loving wildlife.

Be entertained

Discover the passion and talent of local thespians at The Court Theatre. Delve into Māori culture at Ko Tāne, a living Maori Village, and experience the passion of the haka, and the deliciousness of a hangi.

Parks, gardens and walks

Long referred to as "The Garden City" Christchurch's parks and gardens are ripe for exploration. Take a run or stroll around the vast green space of Hagley Park, or wander the blooms and foliage at The Botanic Gardens – New Zealand's largest inner-city park. Enjoy the beauty and the tranquillity of this green sanctum with a punt down the Avon in a gondola..

For some fresh seaside air and stunning views take a stroll down the Sumner Promenade or New Brighton Pier.

Wildlife

There's wildlife to witness around these parts too. Feed giraffes and lemurs, ride into a lion enclosure or get up close with a rhino at Orana Wildlife Park – New Zealand’s only open range zoo. For a New Zealand wildlife encounter, Willowbank is the place – you might even come face to face with the elusive national bird – the Kiwi.

Activities and adventure

For two-wheeled adventures, head to McLeans Island Track or Bottle Lake Forest. Natural High hires bikes for days at a time for those who really want to explore.

Relax over nine holes at Clearwater Golf Club, currently named the best Golf Course in New Zealand, or Pegasus Golf and Sports Club – great shots might not be guaranteed for you, but beautiful fairways and vistas are. For those not quite up to 18 holes, Christchurch has many fun mini golf courses for families to enjoy, try the pirate themed course near the airport.

Waimak River Horse Trekking offers horse and pony treks to suit all ages and experiences and jet boating on the Waimakariri River is fun for all the family. For something a bit different – and testing – tackle an aerial obstacle course at Adrenalin Forest.

Day trips

For a relaxing day trip, consider a train journey through the majestic Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine. Take in the sights from the comfort of the newly refurbished carriages.

For an European taste, the French-inspired village of 

For a day trip closer to the city Lyttelton has plenty of activities on offer from hiring a kayak to exploring Quail Island in Lyttelton Harbour.

Christchurch as host

Vibrant Christchurch - Versatile City & Surrounds
With a large range of attractions, extensive programme options and fascinating touring and day trip destinations, Christchurch is the perfect place to meet for international conferences.
Christchurch is focused on satisfying the needs of the tourism and convention market. It has a track record of hosting successful conferences and conventions of all sizes. With a population approaching 400,000 Christchurch is large enough to support world class conferences, yet intimate enough to make delegates welcome.

The Perfect Host

The people of Christchurch have a reputation for being extremely welcoming, whilst at the same time delivering exceptional customer service and professional support for international conference delegates and exhibitors. This genuine understanding and commitment to your people and your conference makes Christchurch the ‘perfect host’.

Park-like City

Christchurch is extremely fortunate to have substantial areas of parklands, gardens and the sparkling Avon River meandering through the heart of the city, giving Christchurch an atmosphere that is an exciting blend of classical and romantic, relaxing and leisurely, stimulating and entertaining.

Accessible Christchurch

Christchurch International Airport is the major gateway to the South Island of New Zealand. A number of International airlines fly direct into Christchurch from Australia, Asia, Japan and the Pacific Islands. These airlines include Air New Zealand, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Jetstar, Pacific Blue, and Air Pacific. Onward flights connecting to Europe and the Americas are also easily accessible.

Extensive Domestic services offer several flights daily linking all the major cities and the majority of smaller towns across New Zealand.

Christchurch is a short 75 minute flight from Auckland with an extensive schedule of international airline connections directly from Australia, Europe, USA, South America, Middle East, Asia and Japan. With the airport located only 12kms or just 15 minutes drive from the central city, access is so easy!

Christchurch Flights

A tropical break – en-route or on your way back home. New Zealand is within a few hours flight of many stunning Pacific Islands. Incorporate a stopover on the way to or from New Zealand and experience the tranquillity of tropical island paradises such as Samoa, Rarotonga or Fiji. There are daily flights from these islands direct to Auckland and conferencing in New Zealand is a wonderful opportunity to explore.