Book cheap flights to Christchurch

Christchurch is known to be an ‘any time of the year’ destination. Summer time brings the peak season, from November to April. Local travellers take advantage of school holidays from Christmas through to late January, as well as the Easter weekend, so be sure to book accommodation well in advance. If you enjoy winter sports, go between June and August to enjoy the ski slopes, whale watching and thermal hot springs.

South Africans do need a tourist visa to travel anywhere in New Zealand for a stay of up to nine months. It is advised to apply for your visa at least six weeks in advance.

Visit the New Zealand Immigration website for more information on the visa process or see this step-by-step guide on how to apply for your New Zealand visa.

The South African High Commission to New Zealand is situated in Wellington – Level 7, State Insurance Building, 1 Willis Street, Wellington, 6011.

Phone: 64 4 815 8484.

Christchurch is considered to be an exceptionally safe city. The locals are very honest and friendly towards visitors and will often go out of their way to help you. Apply the usual precautions of being vigilant with your belongings. It is perfectly safe to walk around, although try to avoid walking alone at night, especially in badly lit areas. Taxis are very safe and affordable.

The sun can be particularly strong during summer, so if you plan on being outdoors, pack a strong sunscreen. Weather conditions can change quickly, so always have warm clothes with you if you’re out for the day.

The city has a wide range of pharmacies and hospitals. Should you bring medication from your home country, you’ll need a doctor’s certificate.

The heart of Christchurch has the highlights of Hagley Park, the Botanic Gardens and River Avon. A short walk from Downtown, you’ll find an array of good restaurants, trendy cafés, and vibrant shopping areas, like Re:start. Due to the earthquake a few years ago, accommodation options are rather limited in the city centre.

For beach lovers, Sumner offers a tranquil, scenic environment where you can take walks amongst the hills and make use of the hiking and biking trails along Taylor’s Mistake beach. You’ll find many accommodation options there to suit your budget and a drive into town only takes 15 minutes.

Banks Peninsula is 40 minutes from Christchurch and there you can indulge in outdoor adventures like kayaking. Explore the aquamarine coves in the harbour town of Akaroa, where you may even spot some dolphins!

The two main forms of transport in Christchurch are taxis and buses. Taxis are easily accessible throughout the city and they carry a standard fare.

A great option for getting around the central area is the Christchurch Shuttle. Not only is this a free service, but the vehicles are environmentally friendly! Hop On/ Hop Off tours along the Christchurch Tramway are a great way to explore the city.

The central bus station (Bus Exchange) is located in Downtown Christchurch and has information regarding schedules and bus routes. You can get an electronic Metroticket for discounted fares if you are staying in the city for a few days.

Renting a car is a popular option if you’re planning on visiting a few cities around the island. The scenic drives and spectacular views only add to the experience and discovery of New Zealand.