Christchurch

Christchurch is in recovery following a series of earthquakes from September 4, 2010. The most damaging earthquake was on February 22, 2011; when more than 160 people lost their lives. The central business district (including Cathedral Square) remains closed as a result of many weakened buildings that are yet to be demolished.

Much of the central business district is still fenced off. With many hotels in this area now unavailable, it is important to book your accommodation in advance.

Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island, with a population of over 300,000. The Garden City was also, pre-earthquakes, the most attractive city in New Zealand, with extensive inner city public gardens and parks, the shallow Avon river meandering though the city centre, and a pedestrian oriented downtown centred on Cathedral Square. Redevelopment plans intend to restore central Christchurch around the featured garden areas and Avon river.

Christchurch was a planned settlement founded by English colonialists. This rich English history is still apparent in the city's atmosphere; tram lines loop around the city, you can punt down the Avon, and the city was scattered with impressive Neo-Gothic buildings.

Christchurch enjoyed the largest collection of Gothic architecture in the country, with Christchurch Cathedral, the Canterbury Museum, Christ's College School, and the former University of Canterbury, which was converted to the cultural centre of Christchurch, the Arts Centre. Post-earthquake, the Cathedral is a shell and the Arts Centre has suffered extensive damage.

Christchurch is also a city which embraces festivity, with a continuous stream of events and festivals throughout the year, including the Christchurch Arts Festival, New Zealand Cup and Show Week, the World Buskers Festival, the Lyttelton Festival of Lights, the Ellerslie International Flower Show and the Antarctic Festival - each celebrating particular aspects of Christchurch's unique character.

Christchurch contains one of the two main international airports for the country, and is connected via a tunnel to a seaport at Lyttelton on Bank's Peninsula. It is widely regarded as the Gateway to the South Island and is the perfect place to launch your New Zealand holiday.

Featured Christchurch Events

Game Jam: South: CANCELLED L3, Christchurch City, Christchurch From Friday 27 January 2012 to Sunday 29 January 2012

Stronger Christchurch World Buskers Festival North Hagley Park Events Village, Christchurch City, Christchurch From Friday 27 January 2012 to Sunday 29 January 2012

El Caballo Blanco: The Dance of the White Stallions CBS Canterbury Arena, Christchurch City, Christchurch Today only at 2:00 p.m.

Wayne Youle: Plenty More The National, Christchurch City, Christchurch On today to Wednesday 15 February 2012

Interislander Summer Festival Riccarton Park Races Riccarton Park Events Centre, Christchurch City, Christchurch Today only at 10:00 a.m.