CHRISTCHURCH & CANTERBURY
Christchurch city is the gateway and your base to explore the wider Canterbury region for your winter holiday.
Christchurch is one of the world’s most unique destinations and spending time in the city is a must-do. See urban regeneration, creativity and innovation, in this ever-evolving city, following the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes. Discover vibrant new retail areas, restaurants and street art, sitting alongside exceptional projects and other ideas, which are breathing new life back into the city.
Surrounding Christchurch are the fertile Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps which play host to a number of ski areas.
You’re never short of great accommodation in Christchurch and Canterbury. From luxury lodges to lively backpackers, you’ll find the right accommodation to suit your taste and budget.
High-standard motels and hotels, friendly backpackers, eclectic mix of B&B hosts, boutique and luxury lodges, farmstays, holiday parks and apartments offer accommodation options for groups, families, couples and solo travellers. It’s advised to book in advance, if you have a specific place in mind.
If you’re in search of a winter holiday where you can go skiing & riding in the morning and golfing in the afternoon, that’s exactly what you can expect from Christchurch and Canterbury. The local geography offers mountainous alps, alpine hot pools, lakes, braided rivers, expansive plains, rolling hillside and, of course, the Pacific Ocean.
The mix of historic heritage, natural beauty and unique activities make the Christchurch and Canterbury region the perfect holiday destination.
Fly directly from Australia to Christchurch International Airport, with a number of airlines offering services from the East Coast of Australia. Leading rental car companies are situated at the airport for your convenience. Taxis and shuttles provide services around Christchurch and nearby areas.
There are so many ways to travel around Christchurch and the heart of the South Island – from hiring a vehicle to journeying by tram, bike, ferry or on foot.
KiwiRail Scenic Journeys combine world class scenery and a modern rail system to connect Christchurch and Canterbury with neighbouring regions Marlborough and the West Coast. A seemingly endless supply of buses and shuttles also connect South Island towns and cities. Smaller destination based operators such as Akaroa Shuttles offer a specialised service whereas larger multi-destination services travel to a wide range of towns, cities and communities.
When planning your trip, keep in mind that buses and shuttles often work around other major transport providers, so it’s worth checking your options in advance.