Christchurch

Christchurch [1] is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand. It is the major international entry point for touring the South Island and has enough attractions to be a worthwhile destination in itself. Christchurch is in the process of recovering from a large earthquake in February 2011, that severely damaged the city, killed nearly 200 people, and displaced many more. While a significant part of the central business district is still inaccessible, the remainder of the city and region are open for business and the city remains a viable gateway to the rest of the South Island.

Understand

Christchurch was established in 1850 by English settlers. Its English heritage, now largely demolished, showed in the older buildings, especially in the cultural precinct along Worcester Boulevard (which is open from the Avon towards the west), where most heritage buildings remain. The River Avon flows through the central city and disrupts the regular rectangular layout of the city streets.

Christchurch is known as the Garden City, a well-deserved name. Looking from a few floors up, one is struck by the number of trees that grow like a forest throughout the suburbs.

International tourism, especially foreign-student education for the Asian market, was a growing sector of the Christchurch economy until they were scared away by continuing tremors. The electronics and software development industries remain strong.

For on-line visitor information, see the official Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism site [2].

Christchurch has lost some of its residents post-earthquake, with many departing to other Australian and New Zealand cities. Wellington, again vies with Christchurch for the position of the country's second largest city.

A very hip scene has developed in some of the suburbs close to the centre, and many 'gapfiller' projects (as part of the earthquake recovery) are stunning. Lonely Planet declared post-earthquake Christchurch as one of the top 10 travel destinations in the world.

Get in

By plane

Christchurch International Airport [3] is a major transit airport for international and domestic travellers.

There are international services to and from Australia, Cook Islands (seasonal winter flights only), Fiji, Japan, Singapore, Thailand and United Arab Emirates.

Flights to and from McMurdo Station in Antarctica also use the airport. This is one of the few international airports in the world where military and civilian aircraft regularly share the same runways.

There are frequent daily flights to and from most New Zealand airports (domestic), with direct flights to and from Auckland, Dunedin, Invercargill, Nelson, Queenstown, Rotorua, Wellington and many more destinations [4]. The domestic airlines that serve Christchurch are Air New Zealand and Jetstar Airways.

There is a regular public bus service to the city centre. The 20-30 minute trip costs $7 and the buses operate half-hourly during the week and at least hourly on weekends. A door to door shuttle bus service to all parts of Christchurch is available from $20 for the first person, $5 per subsequent person. Taxi stands (about $45 to the city centre) and rental car parks are also close to the terminal building.

If you have a few hours to spare and no heavy luggage, you can also walk to the airport. There is a separate footpath alongside Fendalton Road/Memorial Avenue all the way to the airport and the around 8km walk is quite pleasant through residential neighbourhoods.

By car

State Highway 1 is the main highway into Christchurch from the north and south, and skirts around the city to the west, close to the airport. The stretch north from Picton to Christchurch is particularly scenic, including stunning windswept cliffs and seal colonies. State Highway 73 goes to the west, over Arthur's Pass and on to the west coast. From SH73 you can also access Mount Hutt and other regional ski fields.

By bus

There are daily bus services north to and from Picton, south to and from Dunedin and west to and from Queenstown, West Coast (Greymouth, Hokitika), Mt Cook.

The InterCity Coachlines Travel Centre located at 123 Worcester Street is the main transfer hub for domestic and tourist sightseeing services in and out of Christchurch. Facilities include a ticketing office, waiting room, toilets and luggage storage. National operators InterCity Coachlines [5] and Newmans Coach Lines [6] provide multiple daily connections from this location to destinations throughout the South Island.

The location 123 Worcester Street is in the NO GO Damaged Red Zone of the Christchurch CBD and this area has no public access. The Intercity website [7]] states "Our Christchurch temporary stop has moved slightly. Services are now arriving and departing at 126 Bealey Avenue (between the Colombo St and Durham St intersections)."

There are also a number of smaller shuttle operators who operate from Christchurch.'nakedbus.com' [8], a budget no frills bus operator.'Atomic Shuttles' [9] a local operator with services from Christchurch to Greymouth via Arthur's Pass. 'West Coast Shuttle' [10] with services to Greymouth via Arthur's pass (pick up at Christchurch airport on demand).

By train

The TranzAlpine can take you between Christchurch and Greymouth, from the east coast of New Zealand the west. This scenic train journey can be done as a day trip. The train departs from Christchurch daily at 08:15, returning at 18:05. During your trip you’ll see the the fields of the Canterbury Plains, followed by spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. The train then climbs into the Southern Alps before descending through lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth.

Canterbury Shuttles provides a FREE transfer from all central city accommodation to the Christchurch train station. Pick-ups for the TranzCoastal are 06:00-06:30. Pickups for the TranzAlpine are 07:00-7:45.

The railway station is in Addington adjacent to the large Tower Junction shopping centre and has limited facilities.

By boat

The port town of Lyttelton is separated from Christchurch by the Port Hills. The early settlers had to walk over the Bridle Path - so named because the path was so steep that horses had to be lead by the bridle as they could not be ridden. Today there is a road tunnel that links the port to the city.

Get around

Christchurch is mostly flat, so many people get around on bicycles. Special-purpose bicycle lanes have been recently added to many streets to help promote cycling.

Navigation by car or bicycle is generally simple due to the grid layout, but watch out for one-way streets and bus-and-taxi-only intersections in the central city. Parking in the city uses a pay and display system and costs $2.60/ hour. You can pay with coins, credit card (Visa, MasterCard or Amex) or with a mobile phone text message (the latter two attract a 50c surcharge) then display the ticket with the expiry time visible on the curbside dash.

Renting a car is recommended for ease of transport, although there are public bus services covering the whole city (and the areas of interest for a visitor that may lie outside the central city, such as Sumner and New Brighton Beaches, Lyttelton, Gondola, etc). However in some areas buses may be infrequent, particularly on the weekends when there may only be one or two buses per hour.

The bus service [11] has been greatly improved in recent years. Buses interconnect through the enclosed airport-style Bus Exchange on the corner of Colombo and Lichfield Streets. A standard bus fare is $3.20 cash or $2.30 ($4.60 maximum charge per day, $10 minimum initial purchase) with a MetroCard smart card.

See

• Arts Centre, Worcester Boulevard, [12]. Gothic Revival stonework of former University campus. This area was damaged during the 22 Feb 2011 earthquake. While reconstruction work is taking place these buildings are closed to the general public. However, the beauty and historical significance of these building can still be appreciated by viewing them from surrounding streets such as Worcester Boulevard and Hereford Street and the excellent Canterbury Cheesemongers still operates from a modern building within its precincts.

Christchurch Art Gallery

• Christchurch Art Gallery, Worcester Boulevard and Montreal Street (one block east of Botanic Gardens). +64 3 941-7300, [13]. Th-Tu 10:00-17:00, W 10:00-21:00. Spectacular new $47 million facility opened in 2003, the largest in the South Island, with over 5000 items and visiting exhibitions. (Currently closed for repairs and is not likely to open before Christmas 2012). Usually free.
• Air Force Museum, former Wigram Airfield, Main South Road, +64 3 343-9542, [14]. 10:00-17:00 daily. Opened in 1987 before the closure of the Christchurch RNZAF base, this museum has full-size replicas of fighting planes and dramatizes the history of New Zealand's Air Force from World War I to Vietnam and beyond. Bus from Central Station platform 'C', 5 Hornby, 81 Lincoln or 88 Rolleston. FREE ENTRY.
• Botanic Gardens, Rolleston Ave, car park entrance Armagh St, +64 3 941 7590, [15]. Gates open 07:00 until one hour before sunset, conservatories 10:15-16:00. Information centre open 10:15-16:00 daily summer, 11:00-15:00 winter. 30 hectares of exotic and indigenous plants and trees wrapped in a loop of the picturesque Avon River and linking to the 160-hectare Hagley Park. These put the "Garden" in the "Garden City", and the combined total with Hagley Park makes them the second largest inner city park in the world (after New York's Central Park).
• Canterbury Museum, Rolleston Ave at end of Worcester Blvd (adjoining Botanic Gardens), +64 3 366- 5000, [16]. 09:00-17:30 daily summer, 09:00-17:00 winter. Includes colonial, Maori and natural history sections, Antarctic exploration display, and visiting exhibitions. Admission free to main exhibits (but donation appreciated), $2 for Discovery children's section.
• Ferrymead Heritage Park, Ferrymead Park Dr (Ferry Rd east from city, or take the 30 Sumner bus from the Bus Exchange and to the Heathcote River Bridge, then first right down Bridle Path Rd), +64 3 384 1970, [17]. 10:00-16:30 daily. A recreated Edwardian township and museum with horse and carriage (daily), tram (weekends and school/public holidays) and train (first and third Sunday) rides. Due to the voluntary nature of the historical societies managing Ferrymead, not all attractions may be running at all times. Special events are often held and the park has been used to film the TV One reality show 'Colonial House'. Admission price is based on whether trams/trains are operating or not, and include unlimited rides if available. $10, $5 child with trams/trains; $6, $3 child without.
• International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch Airport, +64 3 353 7798 (toll free 0508 736 4846 within NZ), [18]. 09:00-19:00 daily 1 Oct–30 Apr, 09:00-17:30 1 May–30 Sep. A world-class Antarctic experience with simulated polar weather, Hagglund All-Terrain Vehicle ride, penguins, extensive exhibits about Antarctic science missions, cafe and gift shop. $55, $36 child. Unlimited Hagglund all day rides $20, Penguin Backstage Pass $20, $15 child.
• Orana Wildlife Park, McLeans Island Rd (10 min drive W of airport), +64 3 359 7109, [19]. 10:00-17:00 daily, last entrance 16:30. New Zealand's largest wildlife sanctuary and conservation project featuring endangered animals from around the world. The park's design minimises fences and cages in favour of natural boundaries and habitats. $14 ($12 for 14:30), $6 child. Lion Encounter (limited 20 tickets per day, participants must be above 1.4 metres in height).
• Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, 60 Hussey Rd (off Gardiners Rd), +64 3 359 6226, [20]. A smaller park than Orana, with a focus on New Zealand species including kiwi in a natural environment. 10:00-22:00 daily, kiwi viewing from 11:00. $16, $8 child.

Avon River from Worcester Boulevard

• Yaldhurst Museum, Main West Rd (near the airport, first right past Yaldhurst Hotel), +64 3 342 7914, [21]. 10:00-17:00 daily (17:00-21:00 by arrangement for groups of 10 or more). Mostly interesting for its collection of over 150 classic and vintage vehicles. $15, $5 child.
• Riccarton Bush. The last remaining forest remnant on the Canterbury plains is in Christchurch city. If your time is limited in NZ, this is a great way to experience an example of the country's native forests. The circular track passes under tall Kahikatea trees, and there is a diversity of small trees, shrubs, climbers and ferns. Christchurch's oldest house, Dean's Cottage (built 1843) is adjacent. Five minutes drive from central city and easily accessible by bus.
• Earthquake Tourism Tours of affected sites both inside and outside the "red zone" are available. Visitors can also make their own way to sites of particular significance such as Christchurch Cathedral (viewed from Gloucester/Colombo St); the Catholic Basilica (South Barbadoes St, just north of Moorhouse Ave) and the construction site of the Cardboard Cathedral (Madras/Hereford). Memorial sites include the 185 white chair memorial (Madras/Cashel) and the site of the CTV building (Madras/Cashel).

Do

• The Summit Road, drive it or bike it or take a bus then walk it. The road (and the Crater Rim Walkway) traverses the crest of the Port Hills, which separate Christchurch from Lyttelton Harbour. Breathtaking views over Christchurch, the Southern Alps, Pegasus Bay, Lyttelton Harbour and Banks Peninsula - often all from the same vantage point. Lots of sheep on the walkways, some of which traverse working farms. (It is not possible to drive along all of Summit Road because it is closed due to earthquake damage).

• Lyttelton,the port over the hill from the city, is accessible by car/bus through the tunnel, or by the scenic port hills route via the seaside suburb of Sumner. (The road from Sumner over Evans Pass to Lyttelton is closed because of earthquake damage). Although only about 15 km (9 mi) from the central city, Lyttelton feels like another world entirely, with its cafes bars shops and locals, its ever-busy port, its stunning hilly backdrop and beautiful harbour.

• Lyttelton Farmers Market is an authentic farmers market in the Lyttelton School grounds every Saturday morning, 10:00-13:00. Not necessarily the cheapest food in town, but always fresh, local, and seasonal. Food available ranges from fruit & veggies to bread, coffee, home-baking, farm eggs, local honey and cheeses, preserves and relishes, etc. There is usually some live music and always a lively collection of market-goers, great people-watching.

Punting on the Avon

• Punting on the Avon, punts depart from Antigua Boatsheds, Glide down the river in Cambridge University style with a uniformed boatsman.

• Antigua Boatsheds, 2 Cambridge Ter, +64 3 366-5885, [22]. Boat hire from historic British boatsheds for a hands-on water experience. 09:30-17:30 daily summer, 09:30-16:30 winter. $7/hr canoe, $12/half-hr rowboat, $14/half-hr paddle boat.

• Christchurch Casino, 30 Victoria Street, +64 3 365-9999, [23]. Open 24 hours except 25 Dec, Good Friday, ANZAC Day. Dress code (jeans now allowed). You get a free meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner) if it is your birthday (booking essential, e.g. by phone).

• Creative Workshops, [24]. Spend a day with a local artist or craftsman and share his skills and passion.

• Adventure Ride (Guided off-road motorcycle tours) , ☎ +64 27 451 0584. 10 days. All tours include an experienced guide, transport from Christchurch, motorcycle or ATV rental, fuel, insurance, riding gear, lunch and support vehicle.Overnight tours also include twin share accommodation and all meals. 5-10 day tours require a minimum of two riders.

Festival

Christchurch has the busiest program of annual festivals of any New Zealand city.

• Summertimes runs from December through to late February and includes a number of major free events in Hagley Park, which attract audiences of up to 100,000. It consists of music, arts, culture and sporting events.
• The World Buskers Festival, [25]. Runs for two weeks in January and usually features about 30 comedy, street, and circus acts from around the globe.
• The Festival of Romance lasts for 10 days leading up to Valentines day and includes a range of romantic activities.
• The Christchurch Garden Festival takes place in March.
• Kidsfest is on during the midwinter school holiday.
• The Christchurch Arts Festival is the largest arts festival on South Island and takes place every second year in mid winter (12 Aug-2 Oct 2 2011). [26]
• Carnival Week is centred around a number of events taking place in November - Guy Fawkes' night (a major public firework display at New Brighton Pier), the two New Zealand Cup (trotting and galloping) horse racing meetings, and the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral show, which is the largest in the country. [27]
• Carols by Candlelight is a long-standing tradition on Christmas Eve, now held in Victoria Square.

Buy

• Ballantynes, corner of Colombo and Cashel, Tel: +64 3 379-7400, [28]. The major upmarket department store. Adjacent to it is Re:START with a mixture of boutiques cafes and bars. Has now re-opened for business and is open seven days a week.

High Street

• Re:START is a mall that replaces part of City Mall which was quite badly destroyed in the earthquake. The shops are made out of cargo boxes (shipping containers). Many local and internationally-renowned brands are operating within Re:START.

• Locals tend to shop at the many suburban malls, the largest of which are Westfield Riccarton, Northlands and The Palms in Shirley (continual expansions see them leapfrogging in the rankings of the country's largest malls).

• The Warehouse. Common throughout New Zealand, and with several stores in Christchurch, these big red stores contain a variety of bottom-end products including clothing, tools, camping equipment, toys, music, etc. Their motto is "where everyone gets a bargain" and most things are made in China. While you might not find the top quality brands here, prices are cheap.

• Riccarton Rotary Market. Su 09:00–14:00 - wet or fine. Selling all sorts of things from plants, fruit and vegetables to kiwi souvenirs and cheap Asian wares. Has performances, bouncy castles and food.

• Christchurch Farmers Market. Meet the growers, farmers, brewers and other artisan producers. A lively affair every Sa 09:00–12:00 on the grounds of Riccarton House.

• Christchurch Artisan Market. Takes place at Riccarton House on Su 11:00–15:00. In addition to ready to eat foods you will find arts and crafts made locally.

Eat

Skint

• Buy from a local supermarket, the yellow coloured Pak'n'Save is probably cheapest if you are prepared to go for whatever brand they have a special on at the time. Locally owned New World have lower prices on average, but do not focus on having extremely cheap specials.
• Fish'n'chips are still the cheapest meal out. 'Halswell Fish and Chips' offer the best fish and chips in town! Look for their contact details, in the phone books.
• Fruit and vegetable shops offer locally grown high quality fresh produce for prices often much cheaper than supermarkets. The Funky Pumpkin[29] is one such example.

Budget

• Perry's Cafe, 145 Madras Street (opposite Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology). M-F 08:00-17:00. Surprisingly good cafeteria-style food with touches of cafe class, gets crowded around lunchtime. $5-7.
• Shinsengumi - The Sushi Revolution, 169c Wairakei Rd, Bryndwr. Generous "lunch boxes". Does lovely fresh salmon / avo sushi.
• Welcome, 2 Wharenui Rd, Riccarton (just off Riccarton Rd). Delicious Chinese vegetarian meals, including a four course meal deal for under $20. Don't miss the hotplate and clay pot special dishes too!

Mid-range

• Holy Smoke, 650 Worcester St ☎ +64 3 943-2222, Closed Su M nights. Excellent quality restaurant specialising in food that has been manuka smoked in house. The smoked salmon alone is well worth the trip.
• Dux Dine [30], Formerly one half of the Dux de Lux at 41 Hereford St, the restaurant Dux has now moved to 28 Riccarton Rd after the earthquake ☎ +64 3 348 1436. Pescatarian restaurant with lovely garden seating, the pizzas are good value to share, and the salads are fantastic. Also serves their craft beers including alcoholic ginger beer. $15-30
• Strawberry Fare, Hagley Park end of Bealey Ave on Carlton Mill Cnr , ☎ +64 3 365-4897 [31] In the heart of Christchurch, Strawberry Fare carries an extensive menu of modern interpreted New Zealand dishes as well as many dessert dishes to die for. Reservations are required.
• Under the Red Verandah, 502 Worcester St, ☎ +64 3 381-1109. offers a range of food incorporating fair trade coffee, free range eggs and gluten free baked goods

Splurge

• @Tony's, 2 Waterman Place, Ferrymead Central, ☎ +64 3 348-5644. M-F 12:00–14:30, M-Sa 17:30–22:00, Su 17:30–21:00. Good Teppanyaki with special all you can eat deals Tu-Th. Mains $24-32.
• Rotherhams of Riccarton, 42 Rotherham St (next to Riccarton Mall), +64 3 341-5142, [32]. Tu-Sa. Bookings highly recommended, especially Th-Sa.
• Pascatore and 50 Bistro at The George hotel, 50 Park terrace, +64 3 379-4560. Amazing food, wonderful hotel. Great views of Hagley Park from Pescatore.

Asian

Christchurch's Asian district is mainly in the Riccarton/Upper Riccarton area.

• Chinese: Church Corner is often considered Christchurch's unofficial 'Chinatown'. It offers many shops, for example, Chinese supermarkets, all kinds of Asian restaurants and more.

• Korean: There are many Korean restaurants in the (unofficial) Chinatown area, and down in the shopping precient near Westfield Riccarton. KOSCO, a Korean supermarket, has several branches in Christchurch, including one in Riccarton.

Drink

• No. 4, [33] 4 Mansfield Avenue. Relaxed during the day and busy (but not too busy) on weekend nights. Great wines, Monteiths beers and a solid menu.
• Bog Irish Pub. Located in The Speights Ale House, 263 Bealey Ave.
• If you fancy a short drive or bus ride (approx. 15 minutes from city centre), go to The Wunderbar in Lyttelton. It has a small room for gigs and is popular with with artists. The Monster Bar (downstairs, next door) is an excellent Yakitori restaurant and bar though smaller and with more of a focus on DJs.
• Aikmans Bistro & Bar, an upscale drinking spot in the trendy Merivale area. 154 Aikmans Rd, Merivale.
• Ivy Cafe & Bar, 150 Aikmans Rd, Merivale.
• Speights Ale House Tower Junction. A relaxed atmosphere bar, a great place for meals. Tower Junction Mega Centre, 55 Clarence St, Riccarton.
• The Watershed Restaurant & Bar. Overlooking the waterfront in Ferrymead. 12/23 Humphrey's Drive, Ferrymead.
• The Craic Irish Bar, 84 Riccarton Rd.
• Dux Live [34] sells its own beer and alcoholic ginger beer, and has gigs, usually free, from local bands and beyond. Originally one half of the "Dux de Lux", following the 22 Feb 2011 earthquake, it has reopened at 363 Lincoln Road (behind the Mobil station)
• Addington Coffee Co-Op [35] sells Fair Trade coffee and clothing in a lively atmosphere

Sleep

Cathedral Square

Backpackers are safe, clean, cheap and cheerful. The cheapest option is a share/dorm room usually costing around $28 per night. Most offer single rooms, twin and double rooms and shared rooms. The standard of backpackers is very good in New Zealand.

Motels are a notch up. Low end around $79 per night. There are also many good quality B&Bs in Christchurch and surrounding district.

Due to the earthquakes, many of Christchurch's major hotels are inside the CBD Red Zone & have no public access. Some are damaged; others are not but cannot be accessed due to safety restrictions in the area.

Several of the backpackers hostels and most of the motels in Christchurch are located outside the damaged CBD & are fully open for business, just check their websites for updates.

The most up to date information on open & closed accommodation can be found here: http://www.christchurchnz.com/plan-your-visit/christchurch-earthquake-update.aspx

Budget

• All Seasons Christchurch, 72 Papanui Rd, ☎ +64 3 313-1979, e-mail: reservations@allseasonschristchurch.co.nz. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00. Has 74 rooms, all with ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning, and satellite television. There is an on site restaurant and bar, and 24 hour front desk services. Plenty of off street parking even for trucks and buses. $79-109.

• Dorset House Backpackers, 1 Dorset St, ☎ +64 3 366-8268, toll-free: 0800 DORSET (0800 367 738), e-mail: stay@dorset.co.nz. Check-in: From 14:00, check-out: 10:00. Charming hostel accommodation in an 1871 heritage home, top-rated. Open again after full renovation and re-decoration. Free Wi-Fi, car-parking, spacious rooms, no bunks, all beds fully made. Set among flower gardens and 50 m from Hagley Park. On the airport bus route. Double, twin, multi-share, single and family rooms available. Secure on-line bookings available. Share Rooms from $26, Doubles, Twins, Single rooms from $67.

• Jailhouse Accommodation, 338 Lincoln Rd, ☎ +64 (0)3 982 7777, toll-free: 0800 JAILHOUSE (0800 524 546), e-mail: stay@jail.co.nz.Check-out: 10:00. Newly renovated heritage backpacker accommodation with a colourful history - the former Addington Prison. The Jailhouse has single, double, twin, dorm and family rooms available. WiFi and Free Parking. Secure online bookings available. Dorms from $23.

Mid range

• AAA Northlands Motel, 232 Main North Rd, Northcote (On SH 74), ☎ +64 3 352-8478, toll-free: 0800 24 01 22, fax: +64 3 352 -8451, e-mail: stay@northlandsmotel.co.nz. Close to Northlands Mall and QE2 Park. $95-130.

• Addington Court Motel, Cnr Lincoln Rd and Twigger St, Addington, ☎ +64 3 339-4211, toll-free: 0800 782-978, fax: +64 3 339-4233, e-mail: stay@addingtoncourtmotel.co.nz. Close to Addington Raceway, A&P Showgrounds and Westpac Trust Stadium. $135-270.

• Airport Christchurch Motel, 55 Roydvale Ave, Burnside (Just off SH1 at the Airport Roundabout. Take first L on Memorial Ave going towards the city), ☎ +64 3 977-4970, toll-free: 0800 800 631, fax: +64 3 977-4974, e-mail: stay@airportchristcurch.co.nz. 4 minutes drive to the airport, but not on any flight path. $135-225.

• Christchurch TOP 10 Holiday Park & Motels, 39 Meadow Street, Papanui, ☎ +64 3 352-9176, toll-free: 0800 396 323.Check-out: 10:00. deluxe motels, cabins and tent site facilities for overnight stays, group trips and longer vacations. 5 minutes walk to Northlands Shopping Centre, supermarkets, restaurants, bars, cinema and bus stop. 10 minutes drive to Christchurch Airport and 5 km to city centre.

• City Central Motel Apartments, 252 Barbadoes St, Central, ☎ +64 3 379-0540, toll-free: 0508 800 888, fax: +64 3 366 4700, e-mail: stay@citycentral.co.nz. 5 minutes walk to Litchfield St restaurants and 7 minutes walk to Cathedral Square. $115-235.

• Classique Lodge Motel, 290 Blenheim Rd, Riccarton, ☎ +64 3 348-4977, toll-free: 0800 45 40 45, fax: +64 3 348-4977, e-mail: enquiries@classiquelodgemotel.co.nz. 5 minutes to Westfield Riccarton Shopping Mall. $90-150 (2 people).

• Eliza's Manor on Bealey Bed & Breakfast, 82 Bealey Ave, Central, ☎ +64 3 366-8584, fax: +64 3 366-4946, e-mail: info@elizas.co.nz. Check-in: 13:00, check-out: 10:30. 8 ensuite rooms, smoke-free $185-295 Double including breakfast.

• Heartland Hotel Cotswold, 88-96 Papanui Rd, Merivale, ☎ +64 3 355-3535, fax: +64 3 355-6695, e-mail: cotswold@heartlandhotels.co.nz.

• Milano Motor Lodge, 87 Papanui Rd, Papanui, ☎ +64 3 355-2800, toll-free: 0800 878 766, fax: +64 3 355-2800, e-mail: stay@milanomotorlodge.co.nz. 5 minutes walk to Hagley Park or Merivale Shopping Mall, 2-3 minutes walk to restaurants $125-240.

• Orpington House Bed and Breakfast, 3 Marion Pl, Lincoln, Canterbury, ☎ +64 3 325-7790. This B&B only has one bedroom and is located 20 minutes drive outside of Christchurch city.

Splurge

For travellers who want to stay a month or longer, there are a number of furnished flats for rent advertised in the papers. A local company called "Urban Rooms" [36] has a number of furnished rentals specifically for travellers, ranging from rooms in a shared house to self-contained flats with garages.

• Red Door Cottage, 115 Merivale Ln (Merivale), ☎ +64 274 220764. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00. Self-catering for up to 4. Close to City Centre, public transport, restaurants, shopping. Sky TV, free Wi-Fi, rate includes continental breakfast first day. King & Queen beds, warm and private, with off-street parking. $130-150.
• Valley View Cottage, 101 Hillsborough Tce (St.Martins), ☎ 0274 220 764. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 10:30. Self-catering for maximum of 3 - Private, relaxing and peaceful, on lower slopes of Hills with views to City. Sky TV, free Wi-Fi, rate includes continental breakfast provisions for first day. Queen bed, warm and cosy with off-street parking. $105-115.

Stay safe

Christchurch has a problem with smog during the winter, but only at night time. Although, conditions have improved over the years, due to the severe intervention of the city council, take care venturing out on calm frosty evenings if you have a breathing-related medical condition.

While violent crime is relatively rare, some people do have a tendency towards aggression when drunk, as with most cities. Linwood is one of the lower socio-economic area of Christchurch, and is rougher than some other neighborhoods, but is still considered safe. As in any city, take care late at night, especially on Friday and Saturdays as levels of intoxication can lead to unwanted attention or unprovoked violence. Avoid dark alleyways and confrontations, and if in doubt, make haste to a populated area and call the police (dial 111).

Christchurch witnessed major earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. The city lies in an earthquake-prone area, but aftershocks have been decreasing in numbers and severity as time passess.

Go next

Akaroa

Being a major gateway to the South Island, Christchurch is often the starting or finishing point for touring the whole South Island.

You might want to visit:

• Banks Peninsula is literally on the edge of the city, and offers a quieter beauty than the Alps, but quite lovely. At the tip is Akaroa; beautiful, quaint and packed with good eateries. Try out the "Swim with the Dolphins in the sea" trip
• Arthur's Pass National Park for a bush getaway, a fantastic train journey or via the historic Alpine highway by coach or self drive and on to Hokitika to catch the Wild Foods Festival
• Hanmer Springs to soak in the hot pools and then via the Lewis Pass to Nelson for sun, wine, art an the beaches of the Abel Tasman NP

Lewis Pass

• Kaikoura for crayfish and whale watching, on the way visiting the Waipara, the newest wine region
• Dunedin to cheer the Otago rugby team at Carisbrook, the House of Pain and then on to Invercargill for Bluff oysters
• Queenstown for high-octane pre-packaged adventure tourism and stunning scenery
• The West Coast containing the Glacier Region, Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks) and Westport

Routes through Christchurch

Kaikoura ← Waipara ←	N  S	→ Timaru → Oamaru
END ←	N  S	→ Akaroa