Earthquake Update

Christchurch city is rebuilding after the magnitude 6.3 earthquake on 22 February. This should not stop people from holidaying in Canterbury and the South Island as the damage caused by the quake is confined largely to Christchurch’s central business district and the city’s eastern suburbs.

Part of the central city area is still cordoned off to the general public to ensure people’s safety while safety checks and the clearing of damaged areas takes place. This cordon is gradually receding as more of the city is deemed safe and open for business. It is likely however, that some isolated parts of the city will remain behind cordons for some time while rebuilding takes place.

If you have visited Christchurch before, your experience will be different but you will realise that the city still has a lot to offer with many visitor services – including bus services, the airport, accommodation, visitor attractions and visitor information services are open.

Christchurch remains the gateway to the amazing experiences that are on offer in the Canterbury region and the wider South Island.

What to see and do in Christchurch

Many of the major tourism attractions in the city are open for business, including the International Antarctic Centre, Tranz-Alpine rail experience, Airforce Museum, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, Tanks for Everything and Up, Up, Up and Away ballooning adventures.

Get Close to Nature

  • Stroll through and admire our beautiful Botanical Gardens
  • Enjoy the wide open spaces of our expansive Hagley Park
  • Visit picturesque Mona Vale and it’s five hectares of immaculate gardens
  • Go punting on the Avon River
  • Experience snow, ice, Blue Penguins and the exhilarating Hagglund ride at the International Antartic Centre

Take a Day Trip

There is something different to see and do within one or two hours drive of
Christchurch, in any direction.

  • Akaroa and Banks Peninsula – Visit the picturesque harbourside French Settlement, swim with endangered Hectors Dolphins and visit the dramatic outer Bays
  • Hanmer Springs – soak in the world famous hot springs, enjoy walking tracks or for the adventurous jet boat rides and bungy
  • Discover stunning Kaikoura’s wild coast, seals, sperm whales & more
  • Travel to the West Coast on the tranz alpine train – rated one of the world’s greatest scenic railway journeys
  • Ski fields – 120 minutes
  • Not to mention world class fishing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, jet boating, horse riding, a round of golf and much much, more…