Christchurch
If it's your first time in Christchurch, some things might be new to you, like the public transport system and finding your way around the city. This can be exciting but don't worry if you feel a little homesick. That's natural, especially in the first 12 months of living overseas.
One of the best things you can do to feel at home is to explore and experience your city. Then the things that are new become normal as you create a great life here.
Been in Christchurch for a while? Scroll down and see if you've visited all the places and landmarks listed below!
Quick facts
Population
Christchurch has a population of around 369,006 people(external link that opens in a new tab).
Location
It's located on the east coast(external link that opens in a new tab) with easy access to the rest of the South Island.
Home of women's rights activist
Christchurch was the home of Kate Sheppard, a famous women's rights activist. She led a social change movement that resulted in New Zealand becoming the first country in the world to give all women the right to vote in 1893.
Places to visit
Living in Christchurch
There are many ways to describe life in Christchurch. Here are two important ones:
Famous for its seasons
The weather can change unexpectedly in Christchurch and the Canterbury region, especially when you're exploring outside. Sometimes you can have four seasons in one day!
You'll have the opportunity to visit great beaches(external link that opens in a new tab) during the summer (December–February) as well as local ski areas(external link that opens in a new tab) during winter (June–August).
You should prepare for temperatures like these:
- Summer: an average of 23°C.
- Winter: below 0°C at night and 11-13°C during the day.
So along with your favourite winter coat, thermals and scarf, make sure to pack a few summer clothes, including your swimsuit.
Tip: We also recommend buying sunscreen of at least SPF 30+, the SPF rating tells you how well it'll protect you from the sun. In New Zealand you can get sunburnt even on a cloudy day, so keep a small bottle of sunscreen in your bag just to be safe. You can buy sunscreen at a local dairy, supermarket, pharmacy or online(external link that opens in a new tab).
South Island's big city
Christchurch might not be a big city compared to where you're from, but for New Zealand it is! With around 395,000 people, Christchurch is our second largest city by population and the largest in the South Island.
You'll find the usual big city things, like:
- shopping malls, for example, Westfield Riccarton(external link that opens in a new tab), Northlands Shopping Centre(external link that opens in a new tab) and The Palms(external link that opens in a new tab).
- concerts by international musicians and bands.
- regional and national festivals.
- parks and botanic gardens.
But you'll also discover some things unique to Christchurch, like Hagley Park and the beautiful Avon River that runs right through the CBD (central business district). Cycle along it or take a relaxing boat ride(external link that opens in a new tab) and enjoy the native bird and plant life.
Feeling adventurous? Explore the Port Hills, ride the gondola(external link that opens in a new tab) then zipline or bike back down at the Christchurch Adventure Park(external link that opens in a new tab).
Get useful information and important updates to make your life easier while you're living and studying in New Zealand.
Useful Christchurch websites
Here are a few suggestions to help you have a great experience and a safe time in Christchurch.
Studying in Christchurch(external link that opens in a new tab): Find information on study, activities and support for students in Christchurch.
Tūranga(external link that opens in a new tab): Visit the public library, Tūranga, and try out their Discovery Wall(external link that opens in a new tab) (a large touch screen you can explore local stories on) or a virtual reality experience. You'll also find computers and free Wifi here!
ChristchurchNZ(external link that opens in a new tab): Find events, festivals and great places to eat.
Christchurch City Council(external link that opens in a new tab): Find out how local government works and important information to help you with daily life in Christchurch. For example information on local parks, museums, libraries, recycling and the location of public toilets and other facilities. You can also follow the local council on Facebook(external link that opens in a new tab).
Travelling around Christchurch(external link that opens in a new tab): Learn how to get around your new home and its surrounding suburbs.
Find out which bus you need to catch and how to get a 'Metrocard(external link that opens in a new tab)' for cheaper travel.
Canterbury Museum(external link that opens in a new tab): See history and the future in action! Discover the stories of our indigenous peoples with a focus on Christchurch and the Canterbury region. The original Canterbury Museum is currently closed for repair, but from mid-2023, there will be a pop-up Museum. You can also see a lot of the museum collection online(external link that opens in a new tab).
History of Christchurch(external link that opens in a new tab): Read about the history of the city you'll be living and studying in. Found a great fact? Quiz a local friend to see if they know the answer.
Smart Cities Christchurch(external link that opens in a new tab): Christchurch is a vibrant, multicultural city focussed on innovation. The earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 gave the city an opportunity to rebuild using new ideas and technology – you'll see many examples of this during your time here.
Christchurch Hospital(external link that opens in a new tab): If there's a medical emergency and you or someone else's life is in danger, go to the local hospital or phone 111 (this emergency number gives you access to police, fire and ambulance services). If it's not urgent, make a doctor's appointment or visit the 24 Hour Surgery(external link that opens in a new tab).
Civil Defence - Emergency Management Canterbury(external link that opens in a new tab): New Zealand is a pretty safe place, but like anywhere in the world there is a chance a natural disaster could happen. This could be something like a flood, tsunami, earthquake. Civil Defence have important information on how to prepare for a natural disaster and you can follow their Facebook page(external link that opens in a new tab) to stay up to date.
Trade Me - Rooms in Christchurch(external link that opens in a new tab): If you're not staying in a university hall of residence or a homestay, you might need to find a room to rent. You can try Trade Me to find a place to live. Make sure to check how far your new home is from important places, like your place of study or job (if you're working part time).
Christchurch for Foodies(external link that opens in a new tab): Christchurch is a great place for coffee lovers and foodies (people who love food). You'll find lots of ethnic restaurants in the city and food-focussed festivals.
Halal and tayyib food in Christchurch(external link that opens in a new tab): Find out which cafes and restaurants offer halal-certified food in Christchurch.
Christchurch street art map(external link that opens in a new tab): One of the best ways to get to know your town or city is to walk around it. In Christchurch you're likely to see some cool street art and murals as you explore, so make sure to take your camera!
Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve(external link that opens in a new tab): Do you feel inspired looking at the night sky? Christchurch and its surrounding region of Canterbury are home to some of the best places for star gazing in New Zealand. Visit the International Dark Sky Reserve and download an app like Star Chart to explore the world above you.
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