Holiday information for Christchurch, New Zealand

Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island of New Zealand. It has an international airport and most visitors to the South Island will enter through Christchurch. I t is, however much more than a gate way and it has many attractions for tourists in its own right. It is a cosmopolitan city with plenty of fine hotels and apartment style accommodation as well as super resorts and plenty of backpacker style hostels. There are a multitude of fine restaurants and cafes and it is also the home of many magnificent old buildings and museums. Its local name of "the city of churches" is an apt one with many fine buildings on display. It is also the base for the huge campervan and motor home industry on the South Island. All of the major hire or rental companies have bases here that are conveniently located close to the airport. It is also the jumping off point for many organized tours that can take you on a trip of discovery around the magnificent South Island.

Christchurch provides the accommodation base for many skiers come to the South Island. Mt Hutt ski resort is located about an hour and a quarter’s drive to the west and is service by a regular shuttle bus service. There are several other smaller ski resorts along the road to Arthurs Pass and these are all accessed from Christchurch. None of these ski resorts have on snow accommodation so it is necessary to find a suitable place to stay in Christchurch. The Trans Alpine Railway also departs from Christchurch for its regular run to Greymouth on the west coast. This is one of the most spectacular rail journeys on the planet, passing through magnificent snow capped mountains and glorious river valleys. It is one of those activities that should be on everyone’s travel itinerary.

Christchurch has some fantastic resorts. Places like Clearwater resort provide sensational lakefront accommodation and world standard golfing facilities. It is the home of the annual New Zealand PGA tournament. Great packages are available to stay and play in places such as this. There are also many day tours available from Christchurch. Hanmer Springs is a favorite destination as well whale watching from Kaikoura or a fishing charter. Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook National Park are also within easy day tour reach.

Christchurch is a great place to visit, live or stay so you must include it on your new Zealand itinerary.