Destination: Christchurch
Christchurch enjoys a temperate, relatively dry climate with rain falling on fewer days than New Zealand's other major cities. The climate is comfortable all year round, although winter nights can be chilly. The average temperature in Christchurch is 11.6 °C. The range of average monthly temperatures is 11.5 °C. The warmest average max temperature is 22 °C in January. The coolest average minimum temperature is 1 °C in July.
10:31:32 AM
(GMT+12:00) New Zealand Standard Time
People from some countries do not need a visa to enter New Zealand if you are travelling for three months or less. For the list of visa-waiver countries refer to the website http://glossary.immigration.govt.nz/VisaFreeCountries.htm.
Capital of the Canterbury region and the largest city on the South Island, Christchurch has a population of about 300,000. On 22 February 2011, a deadly earthquake struck the city with 181 people killed and the central city very badly damaged. Aftershocks in the city continue with the most serious so far on 13 June, causing more damage in the central city. Strict limits are in place on access to CBD areas.
The Christchurch airport is operating as usual, and the rest of the city is now 'open for business as usual’ and indeed welcoming travellers with open arms. There is plenty to do in and around the city to fill two or three days, and outside of the central city and Lyttleton, travellers in the region are unaffected by the aftermath of the quake.
Traditionally the most English of the NZ cities, for Christchurch change is now coming through more diverse immigration. There’s still plenty to remind visitors of Christchurch’s English past though, such as the punts gliding down the sleepy Avon River, and the now-badly damaged Anglican cathedral. A more dynamic Christchurch is reflected in the restored laneways and squares around Lichfield St, High St’s hip café scene and locals’ immense pride in their beautifully maintained Arts Centre.