Christchurch
New Zealand
- Safety rating
- 8.5/10
- Best time to visit
- Summer (December to February) is warm and lively, ideal for gardens and day trips. Autumn brings golden foliage, while winter suits nearby ski fields.
- Population
- 0.4M
Overview
Rebuilt with bold creativity after major earthquakes, Christchurch blends English heritage with striking modern architecture and inventive street art. The largest city of the South Island is a green, garden-filled gateway to the Southern Alps and Canterbury plains.
Top attractions
Punt on the Avon River, wander the vast Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park, admire the Cardboard Cathedral, and explore the inventive Re:START laneways and street art.
Getting around
The flat city centre is easy to walk or cycle, and a heritage tram loops the rebuilt core. Buses radiate from the central bus interchange to the suburbs.