With just over 400,000 inhabitants, Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island and the third largest in the country after Auckland and Wellington. This city full of projects and renewal was devastated by the earthquakes of 2010 and in particular the one of February 22, 2011 (magnitude 6.3), which ravaged its entire downtown area and cost the lives of 185 people. 80% of the buildings had to be destroyed. The city is gradually re-emerging from the rubble, although many construction sites still occupy its streets. The desire to get back on its feet is such that there are even more restaurants today than before the disaster. If its reputation and assets are not those of its northern neighbors, it still has very good museums. Planned as early as 1848, it was built on a British model with some beautiful remains of Victorian architecture. Cosmopolitan and student city, it is also a hub of tourism on the island, because of its airport and its privileged location, central and offering a relatively fast access to all regions of the island. Almost all visitors pass through here at one time or another. The most commonly used Māori name for Christchurch is " Ōtautahi " (derived from the name Tautahi, a chief of the main South Island tribe Ngāi Tahu).

What to visit Christchurch?

When to go to Christchurch?

Christchurch, in the east of the island, is protected from the heavy rainfall of the west coast and has many pleasant months to live in. This being said, one should expect significant temperature changes in the course of a day, which corresponds well to the country's oceanic climate, with the austral summer from December to March and the austral winter from June to September. The climate is good to stay in Christchurch from the beginning of September to the end of May, the most pleasant months being January, March, April and November, December which correspond to the high tourist season. If you come at the beginning of June, you will enjoy the Christchurch Food Festival and in October the Christchurch Heritage Festival. Are you a fan of electro music? Come to the Electric Avenue Festival which takes place from late February to early April at the edge of Hagley Park.

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Weather all year round

Christchurch has an oceanic climate with temperatures between 15°C and 25°C in January (but 30°C is often possible) and between 5°C and 15°C in July. In the summer, the Pacific wind softens the temperature rise. The city is subject to the nor'wester, a warm wind with a foehn effect, which sometimes takes on the character of a minor storm. In winter, the temperature can drop below 0°C. Snow falls about twice a year on the hills and once or twice on the plains.

Budget

The currency is the New Zealand dollar. A stay in New Zealand is never cheap, due to the cost of a plane ticket to the other side of the world and often a rental car for your travels on the island. However, the rest of your budget on the island will always seem affordable! But you should still plan to stay at least 15 days. That said, you can find a very good accommodation for two people in Christchurch from 200 € per week.

Procedures

To travel to New Zealand, and therefore to Christchurch, for a stay of up to three months, you must have a passport valid for three months after your return, an international credit card, a round-trip plane ticket, and a financial guarantee of at least NZD 1,000 (about €570) for the duration of your stay. No visa is required for French nationals, but each traveler to Christchurch must have an authorization that can be obtained online (€49.95) including the electronic travel authorization (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority or NZeTA) and the tourist and environmental protection tax.

Health

It is recommended that you get an up-to-date diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccination (DTP), as well as a rubella-mumps-measles (MMR) vaccination for children. There are no particular health concerns if you live in Christchurch, as the city has a good medical and hospital infrastructure. However, the usual hygiene and precautionary measures for travelers must be respected.

How to go to Christchurch? Our advice & tips

Many travel agencies offer trips to New Zealand, including the discovery of Christchurch and Canterbury in a tour of the South Island. You will not be disappointed by this kind of formula always well concocted by scrupulous and efficient specialists, whether it is a tailor-made tour or a small group tour.

Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destination

While in New Zealand, exploring Christchurch will not be a problem if you are traveling alone. You can book your accommodation online from a wide range of options. If you don't have a car, you can take advantage of public transport to visit the various points of interest.

Cycling is suitable and enjoyable. Punts, flat-bottomed boats, ply the Avon River as it winds through the city center. A tramway line serves mainly the tourist sites. Christchurch also has an important bus network called Metro.

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Pictures and images Christchurch

Cathedral square, Christchurch. Boyloso - Shutterstock.com
Gondola. serge_t - Fotolia
Tramway de Christchurch. Chris HELLYAR - Fotolia

Discover Christchurch

When to travel?

Christchurch, in the east of the island, is protected from the heavy rainfall of the west coast and has many pleasant...
Read more about it

Weather forecast

Christchurch has an oceanic climate with temperatures between 15°C and 25°C in January (but 30°C is often possible...
Read more about it

Budget

The currency is the New Zealand dollar. A stay in New Zealand is never cheap, due to the cost of a plane ticket to th...
Read more about it

Formalities

To travel to New Zealand, and therefore to Christchurch, for a stay of up to three months, you must have a passport v...
Read more about it

Health

It is recommended that you get an up-to-date diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccination (DTP), as well as a rubella-mumps-m...
Read more about it

How to travel by yourself?

While in New Zealand, exploring Christchurch will not be a problem if you are traveling alone. You can book your acco...
Read more about it

How to get organized?

Many travel agencies offer trips to New Zealand, including the discovery of Christchurch and Canterbury in a tour of...
Read more about it

Getting around

Cycling is suitable and enjoyable. Punts, flat-bottomed boats, ply the Avon River as it winds through the city...
Read more about it

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