Christchurch Regional Information
Christchurch | Regional Information | Activity Highlights | Scenic Highlights | History
Christchurch is alive with colour, atmosphere and world-class attractions. Christchurch, New Zealand is a place known internationally for its spectacular gardens.
Christchurch Overview
Christchurch City is located midway down the East Coast of the South Island, just north of Banks Peninsula.
Christchurch is the South Island's largest city. It's a vibrant, cosmopolitan place with exciting festivals, theatre, modern art galleries, great shopping and award-winning attractions.
The city was named after Christ Church, a college at the University of Oxford and was originally known as Christ Church. The name was abbreviated through common usage by the 1880s.
Christchurch has a population of just under 360,000.
Known as the 'Garden City', Christchurch has many beautiful parks and gardens throughout the city.
Although some parts of Christchurch are still closed due to earthquake damage (mainly the CBD and some Eastern suburbs), most areas around the city are operating as normal and tourism businesses are open.
In the New York Times article, "52 Places to Go in 2014", Christchurch has been honoured with being ranked second. The article also highlights the Gap Filler program, the Greening the Rubble campaign and the Transitional Cathedral.
Christchurch Highlights
There are a number of attractions around Christchurch to visit, including:
- Botanic Gardens
- Canterbury Museum
- International Antarctic Centre
- Orana Wildlife Park
- Willowbank Wildlife Park
Visitors to Christchurch can expect a high standard of cuisine wherever they go – restaurants and cafes make the most of the region's delicacies and local wines. Before or after lunch, take a leisurely journey down the Avon River in a punt.
Known internationally for its award winning gardens, Christchurch is also a place for events and festivals. Whatever the season, you'll find a non-stop programme of entertainment with events like the Festival of Romance, the International Buskers Festival, Winter carnival, and Showtime Canterbury.
For more information about the city, you can download a copy of the Lonely Planet's guide to Christchurch.
Main Centres in Christchurch
- Christchurch - the South Island's largest city and provincial city for Canterbury
- Lyttelton - main Banks Peninsula town and port of Christchurch
- Akaroa - a popular resort village on Banks Peninsula
- Sumner - relaxed seaside town
Useful Christchurch Links
To help plan your Christchurch holiday choose from the main categories below:
- Christchurch Accommodation
- Christchurch Tours
- Christchurch Attractions and Activities
- Christchurch Transport
- Christchurch Cuisine and Dining
- Christchurch Shopping
- Christchurch Visitor Information
Christchurch Region Information
Regional Information
Key information and facts about the Christchurch region.
Activity Highlights
Major activities and attractions in the Christchurch region.
Scenic Highlights
Major natural attractions in the Christchurch region.
History
History of the Christchurch region.
Christchurch Tourism Operators
Choose from our accommodation, attractions, tours, transport or visitor information categories below to find a tourism operator in Christchurch.
