Christchurch

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New Brighton Beach, Christchurch

Introducing Christchurch

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Travel update: On 22 February 2011, a deadly earthquake struck the city of Christchurch with 181 people killed and the central city very badly damaged. Aftershocks continue and strict limits are in place on access to CBD areas. However the Christchurch airport is operating as usual, and the rest of Christchurch is now 'open for business'. There is plenty to do in and around the city to fill two or three days, and outside of the central city and Lyttleton. Check updates before you go - Lonely Planet has released its new Christchurch chapter for free download and Tourism New Zealand is a good source of the latest information for travellers.

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Traditionally the most English of the NZ cities, Christchurch has been slower than Auckland and Wellington to embrace the increasingly multicultural nature of urban NZ society. Change is now coming through more diverse immigration and a cosmopolitan tinge is being added to the city’s earlier conservatism. 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. But scratch the surface a little, and a more dynamic Christchurch is reflected in the restored laneways and squares around Lichfield St, High St’s hip café scene and locals’ immese pride in their beautifully maintained Arts Centre.

Last updated: Jan 24, 2012

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Tips & articles

  1. Free download: Lonely Planet’s new Christchurch chapter

    24 January 2012

    Since the quake of February last year, central Christchurch has changed drastically. And in the year since, as LP author...

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  2. What to do in Christchurch: your post-quake guide

    10 January 2012

    After two weeks on-the-ground research in Christchurch recently– Lonely Planet’s third visit since the February 2011 earthquake – we’re confident...

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  3. Back to Christchurch: the latest post-quake update

    4 July 2011

    A recent trip back to Christchurch confirmed what we’ve been hearing: that while still bearing the scars of February’s quake,...

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Thorn Tree forum discussion

Recent posts

  1. neverwinter avatar
    Re: Yet another itinerary advice thread - South Island

    by neverwinter 14 September 2011

    http://www.qctrack.co.nz/operators/campsites.asp will tell you lots of what you need to know. Oct. 3 - Morning ferry to Picton, pick…
  2. oaroji avatar
    RE: If you are going to New Zealand..

    by oaroji 14 September 2011

    Well Lisa, you're right that not the whole country is cold.. But we don't have much of a street culture as many other parts of the world..…
  3. chris_van avatar
    Yet another itinerary advice thread - South Island

    by chris_van 13 September 2011

    Yes, it's another itinerary advice thread. Any thoughts, comments, suggestions etc would be very welcome, especially concerning hiking/tramp…

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