Travel Guide Christchurch
It is nicknamed the city of gardens. In the Canterbury region, it is a very British city along the Avon River. In the east of the South Island of New Zealand, first city of the South Island and third city of the country, Christchurch remains in the minds as the New Zealand city that suffered terrorist attacks in 2019 and terrible earthquakes in 2010 and especially 2011. The latter had destroyed a large part of the neo-Gothic buildings in the city center. Christchurch has healed its wounds and today the city appears as a beautiful and livable city, where you can cycle along the river, stay in charming hotels and book a gourmet table during a hedonistic and relaxed stay. Christchurch is also a perfect base for adventure, following steep mountain bike trails, surfing the waves near the Pacific Ocean and hiking in natural areas. Don't miss theInternational Antarctic Centre, the Canterbury Museum, theOrana Wildlife Park, Hagley Park and the Botanical Gardens. The plus: the kindness and warmth of the inhabitants of Christchurch.
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.
Weather at the moment
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.
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.
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.
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.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
Media
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 destinationWhile 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.
