What has Christchurch got to offer?

Vital Statistics

Maori name: Otautahi

Location:
Latitude: 43^o South
Longitude: 172^o East
East Coast, South Island,
New Zealand

Climate:
Temperature
Mean Annual Max: 32^oC
Mean Annual Min: -4 ^oC
Mean Daily Max:
January 21^oC, July 10^oC
Mean Daily Min:
January 12^oC, July 1^oC
Mean sunshine hours p.a.: 2,040
Average rain days p.a.: 87
Average annual rainfall: 655mm
Average days of frost p.a.: 36

Population:
334,107

Ethnic Groups:
European: 89.8%
NZ Maori: 7.2%
Asian: 5.5%
Pacific Island: 2.4%
Other: 0.6%

Note: some people identify with more than one ethnic group)

Sources: Christchurch City Council, Statistics New Zealand 2001 Census, Statistic New Zealand Business Directory.

With a population of over 300,000 people, Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island. Located on the coastal edge of the Canterbury Plains the city is close to both the mountains and the sea, offering a huge range of recreational options. Christchurch is an ethnically diverse centre which offers an exciting, rewarding and affordable lifestyle for students.

Getting round Christchurch

Christchurch is the most affordable major New Zealand city to live in and is also the least congested. It's easy to get round, either by walking or biking - Christchurch is flat and has wide streets and many bicycle lanes - or by using the city's excellent public transport or by driving. It's a very accessible city with an international airport providing direct flights around New Zealand and the world ten minutes drive from the university.

Climate

Christchurch has a temperate climate with the full range of spectacular seasons. From hot, hot summers when nor'westers whip across the plains, to crisp winter days with clear blue skies (and great skiing), to awesome autumnal displays and fresh springs when the 'garden city' really lives up to its name, Christchurch is a city of colour and constant change.

Activities

Although Christchurch is known as an English city, with its cathedral, gardens, punting on the Avon and tram, it has a lot more to offer. There is always something going on.

For the sports minded, Christchurch is within easy reach of the great outdoors for climbing, tramping, mountain biking, skiing, sailing, surfing and much more.

Arts and Culture

Christchurch has a thriving arts scene, with many festivals including the major Christchurch Arts Festival, a flourishing live music scene including many visiting overseas artists, a professional theatre company, arthouse cinemas, a symphony orchestra, and opera and ballet companies. The stunning new Christchurch Art Gallery is the country's largest purpose-built art gallery and is across the road from the vibrant Christchurch Arts Centre, which has cafes, bars, shops, studios and galleries, and which is the venue for a weekend market and international food stalls.

Christchurch is the shopping mecca of the South and it's internationally influenced cafes, bars and restaurants offer something for everyone and stay open until late - including the legendary 'Strip' on Oxford Terrace. Christchurch has other unique attractions including the Antarctic Centre and the gondola.

Christchurch and surrounds

From the city it's only a short drive to the beach, the historic French town of Akaroa, Hanmer hot springs, the rugged bush of Arthurs Pass National Park, Kaikoura and its whales, or the many wineries surrounding the city. Its location at the centre of the South Island makes it the hub of the island's activities and within easy driving distance of the world-renowned scenery of the West Coast and Central Otago.

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