Visitor Information - About Christchurch
Pre and Post Conference TouringFor Pre and Post Conference Touring Options, please visit the Discovery Travel website. |
With a population of 360,000, Christchurch is the largest city in New Zealand 's South Island. Described as "the most English city outside England ", Christchurch is situated on the placid tree-lined Avon River and features many fine stone buildings, parks and gardens. It has all the facilities expected of a population centre of this size, including theatres, cinemas, night clubs and a casino.
The city of Christchurch looks across the Canterbury Plains to the majestic Southern Alps, which run the length of the island, and are the location of many internationally acclaimed ski-fields. The West Coast of the South Island offers fine examples of temperate rainforest, while Fiordland, on the Southwest corner, is a wilderness area with World Heritage status.
Christchurch is one of the most popular destinations for visitors in New Zealand. Many short tours are available into the Canterbury countryside for activities including skiing, whale watching, bungy jumping and jet boating. There are many places of interest in the city, including museums, an international Antarctic centre, excellent botanical gardens and a casino. The gondola on the Port Hills offers superb views of Lyttelton Harbour, the Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps. Christchurch has an active theatrical and cultural life and a wide variety of restaurants and cafes.
Christchurch International Airport is situated approximately 5kms from the University of Canterbury and 10 kms from the city centre. Christchurch is well served by domestic air connections and regular flights to the east coast of Australia. Several major international airlines give good access to Christchurch.
The climate is relatively temperate. For information on Christchurch and New Zealand weather, go to Meteorological Service Web Page.
Useful links
christchurchnz website - Christchurch and Canterbury
What's On Christchurch - A comprehensive guide to the city.
Discover New Zealand magazine - Information on travelling to and within New Zealand, as well as an interactive events' calendar and dining guide.
100% Pure New Zealand - New Zealand Tourism Board website.
University of Canterbury Maps - Map of Christchurch showing location of the University of Canterbury; printable black and white map, aerial photograph, how to find departments and buildings of the University of Canterbury campus.
