Discover with Timothy
21st Anniversary as Content Creator

Christchurch, New Zealand

Banks Peninsula near ChristchurchBanks Peninsula near Christchurch
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bucht_in_Neuseeland.jpg
Author: Test-tools
photo licensing

Christchurch is the biggest city on the South Island of New Zealand, and the second biggest in the country. It is on the east coast of the island, sitting on the north coast of Banks Peninsula.

Town Bridge, ChristchurchTown Bridge, Christchurch
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Town_Bridge,_Christchurch_-_geograph.org.uk_-_238619.jpg
Author: Kevin Young
photo licensing

Christchurch was founded in 1848, and the name was inspired by Christ Church in Oxford, England. The Maori name for the city is Otautahi. Christchurch covers an area of 1,426 sq km (550.6 sq miles), with the urban area covering 452 sq km (174.5 sq miles). It has a population of around 375,000.

Christchurch experiences a temperate climate. The warmest months are January and February, when the average high reaches 22.2°C (72°F). The coldest months are June and July, with an average low of 2.1 °C (36°F). Highest precipitations are in the winter months, with July receiving the most precipitation at 79 mm (3.11 inches).

Hagley Park, ChristchurchHagley Park, Christchurch
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HagleyPark01_gobeirne.jpg
Author: Grey O'Beirne
photo licensing

Going to Christchurch

Christchurch International Airport receives direct flights from Australia, Japan and Singapore, among others.

Arriving at the airport, you can take a public bus to Christchurch. There are three bus routes to the city: Bus Nos. 3, 10 and 29. The bus station is at the end of the Arrivals Hall.

You can also ride the Shuttles to various hotels in Christchurch. It takes 20-30 minutes, and costs between NZ$15-NZ$20 per person.

Taxis take just 20 minutes to reach downtown Christchurch. The cost varies from NZ$30-NZ$50.

Getting around in Christchurch

Christchurch is a great place to cycle. There are purpose-built bicycle lanes in the city. The public bus fare is NZ$2.80 one a single-journey ticket. However, if you get a Metrocard, which is free, it only costs NZ$2.10 per adult. You can use the card for the whole day and it only costs NZ$4.20 regardless the number of journeys you make.

You can also rent a car to drive around and explore the surrounding country. Within downtown, the parking rate is NZ$2.60 per hour - display the ticket on your dashboard facing the curb.

Provincial Council Building, ChristchurchProvincial Council Building, Christchurch
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:CanterburyProvincialCouncilBuildings2_gobeirne.jpg
Author: Greg O'Beirne
photo licensing

Places of Interest in Christchurch

  1. Antigua Boat Shed: Place to hire recreational boats, canoes and paddle boats on the Avon River.

  2. Arts Centre: The arts and crafts hub of Christchurch, with art galleries, studios, shops and a theatre.

  3. Avon River: Lovely river that meanders through Christchurch.

  4. Botanic Gardens: Gardens founded in 1863 with conservatories and manicured landscape.

  5. Bridge of Rememberance: Bridge at the head of City Mall commemorating soldiers from New Zealand who served in the various wars.

  6. Canterbury Museum: Museum housed in a 19th century structure said to be the most successful adaptation of the Gothic style for secular purposes.

  7. Cathedral Square: Public square in the heart of Christchurch, dominated by Christchurch Cathedral

  8. Christ's College: Elite school in Christchurch.

  9. Christchurch Art Gallery: Principal art gallery of Christchurch, with a collection of 5,000 pieces from within New Zealand and foreign.

  10. Christchurch Cathedral: Anglican cathedral and seat of the Bishop of Christchurch.

  11. Christchurch Gondola: Ride from Heathcote Valley to the rim of an extinct volcano.

  12. City Mall: Pedestrian zone between High and Cashel Streets with shopping arcades and department stores and boutiques.

  13. Hagley Park: Green space in the heart of Christchurch.

  14. International Antarctic Centre: Base for the scientific programmes conducted in the Antarctic, the centre has exhibits on the exploration and geology of Antarctica.

  15. Mona Vale: Historic home within a picturesque setting near the Avon River.

  16. Provincial Council Buildings: Finest example of secular Gothic Revival architecture in New Zealand.

  17. Southern Encounter Aquarium and Kiwi House: Small aquarium displaying a select number of fish from the wild.

  18. Victoria Square: Green space north of Cathedral Square.

 Latest updates on Penang Travel Tips

 Discover with Timothy YouTube Channel

 Discover with Timothy Food Channel

 Learn Penang Hokkien YouTube Channel

SojiMart Videos

Latest from Discover with Timothy: Gurney Bay - what to see and do there

About this website



Hello and thanks for reading this page. My name is Timothy and my hobby is in describing places so that I can share the information with the general public. My website has become the go to site for a lot of people including students, teachers, journalists, etc. whenever they seek information on places, particularly those in Malaysia and Singapore. I have been doing this since 5 January 2003, for over twenty years already. You can read about me at Discover Timothy. By now I have compiled information on thousands of places, mostly in Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore, and I continue to add more almost every day. My goal is to describe every street in every town in Malaysia and Singapore.

Copyright © 2003-2024 Timothy Tye. All Rights Reserved.