Christchurch is the South Island's largest city, set on the Canterbury Plains between the Pacific Ocean and the foothills of the Southern Alps. The city was substantially damaged by the February 2011 earthquake — 185 people killed, the central city largely demolished — and has been in a long process of rebuilding since. The result is a city with a noticeably newer core than most comparable New Zealand cities, with some architecturally ambitious buildings alongside the restored heritage structures that survived.
The Avon River (Otakaro) runs through the central city; the green corridor along its banks is one of the more pleasant parts of the rebuild, and punting on the river is one of the few pre-earthquake activities that continues largely unchanged. The Botanic Gardens at the western end of the Avon loop are well maintained and free. The Christchurch Art Gallery and the Canterbury Museum are both worth time; the museum's natural history and Māori collections are among the better regional collections in the country.
For most visitors, Christchurch is the start or end point of a South Island itinerary rather than the focus of the trip. The International Antarctic Centre adjacent to the airport is worth two hours on arrival or before departure — Christchurch has been the logistics base for Antarctic operations since the Heroic Era expeditions, and the museum reflects that history substantively. Halal-certified restaurants and supermarkets are available in the city; the Merivale and Riccarton areas have the broadest selection.
Best time to visit
October to April for warm, dry weather. Christchurch is the driest main city in New Zealand. Winter (June to August) is cold but clear, with snow visible on the nearby ranges. It works as a year-round gateway to the South Island.
