Introducing  

Christchurch City

Introduction

Ōtautahi Christchurch is the second largest city in New Zealand and the largest in the South Island, with a population of 390,000. The city was established by Royal Charter on 31 July 1856, and is thus the oldest officially established city in New Zealand. It is situated on the east coast in the Canterbury region and has a temperate climate with mild summers and cool winters.

Christchurch is renowned for its 19^th century Gothic Revival architecture as well as its many parks and gardens, which led to it becoming known as the Garden City. Hagley Park in the central city is the largest urban park in New Zealand and is beloved by the city’s residents.

In 2010 and 2011, Christchurch suffered a damaging earthquake sequence that claimed the lives of 185 victims and devastated buildings and infrastructure, particularly in the central city. While some buildings could be repaired or restored, others had to be demolished. Now, more than a decade later, the city has been rejuvenated with an energy that blends both the traditional and the contemporary. 

Christchurch is a hub for many industries including agriculture, higher education, tourism, manufacturing and tech. Primary products from all around Canterbury are exported to the world via a sea port in Lyttelton, which is a satellite town of Christchurch. For a city of its size, Christchurch has an impressive level of international connectivity. Christchurch International Airport is the final destination for a range of international flights from Australia, North America, the Middle East and Asia. Christchurch is also one of five Antarctic Gateway cities in the world, servicing the Antarctic programmes of New Zealand, the United States, Italy and the Republic of Korea. 

The city also has excellent connectivity with the surrounding region. Christchurch and Canterbury welcome a large number of tourists, particularly over the summer season, both as part of tour groups and as independent travellers. Renowned tourist attractions in Christchurch include the Christchurch Arts Centre, Canterbury Museum, the Christchurch Gondola, the Botanic Gardens and the Avon River. Further afield in Canterbury, Akaroa Township, Hanmer Springs, the Southern Alps and Lake Tekapo are very popular destinations. 

Christchurch has a total of seven Sister Cities: Adelaide in Australia, Gansu Province and Wuhan in China, Kurashiki in Japan, Songpa-gu in the Republic of Korea, Christchurch Dorset in the United Kingdom and Seattle in the United States. It also has a friendly relationship with Shenzhen and numerous connections with other cities around the world. 

Ōtautahi Christchurch is a city of balance, a city of opportunity and a city that is open to the world. Whether you are lucky enough to call Christchurch home, are a regular visitor or plan to come one day – haere mai and welcome!