Christchurch, New Zealand Hotels and City Guide

World-renowned as ‘The Garden City’, Christchurch is located at the southern end of Pegasus Bay, between the Canterbury Plains and Banks Peninsula on the east coast of South Island. The second largest city in New Zealand, Christchurch has an overall flat terrain with breathtaking views from almost any high structure. From these low elevations, the city resembles a forest, with only a few structures visible.

Cathedral Square is located at the heart of the city centre, opposite Christ Church cathedral. The central city in the Canterbury region, Christchurch has a wide network of rivers, streams, wetlands and over 740 parks. With its restored heritage structures, the historic tram system, serene inner-city rivers, lovely landscaped gardens and charming tree-lined lanes, Christchurch has a unique old-fashioned English ambience. A picturesque place to visit or live in, Christchurch is, officially, the oldest established city in New Zealand.

First settled by moa-hunting tribes, Christchurch was inhabited by humans around 1000 AD, according to Maori history. The Waitaha are believed to have migrated from the east coast of North Island in the 16th century and later joined by the Ngati Mamoe and Ngai Tahu.

Christchurch played a vital role in the history of Antarctic exploration. Both Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott departed from Lyttelton Port on their world-famous expeditions to the Antarctic. A statue of Scott, sculpted by his wife, can still be seen in the city centre.

Christchurch Airport operates as the main hub for the New Zealand, Italian and United States Antarctic programmes. A working campus, the International Antarctic Centre provides base facilities, a visitor centre and museum.

A lively city with numerous cultural attractions, museums, parks and cafes, Christchurch offers the discerning traveller a range of choices for a truly memorable and relaxing vacation in the heart of the Canterbury region. Natural attractions, including the River Avon and several wildlife and botanical reserves, are the essence of the Garden City’s beauty. The many Christchurch hotels located within close proximity to these attractions will make your visit even more memorable.

Christchurch Facts
Christchurch Population: 320,000 (Source: UN Population Division 2000 estimate)
New Zealand Population: 4,035,461 (Source: UN Population Division 2000 estimate)
Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Currency is decimal based on dollar and cent denominations. Notes are available in $5, $10, $50 and $100 denominations and coins in 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2. Transactions involving 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 or 9 cents are either rounded up or down to the nearest multiple of 5 cents.
Time Zone: +12 hours GMT / UT. New Zealand time is + 13 hours GMT during the summer months
Language: English, Maori

Hotels in Christchurch, New Zealand