Christchurch Travel and Things to Do Guide

The gateway to New Zealand’s Canterbury region and one of the world’s five Antarctic gateways, Christchurch is a lively hub for the arts, entertainment, and hospitality, thanks to its thriving cultural scene and fast-growing reputation as a culinary hot spot. Centrally located on the eastern side of South Island, the city is within a 15-minute drive of Christchurch International Airport, which offers direct flights to and from major national and international destinations. Business Event travelers appreciate Christchurch’s variety of unique venues, as well as its award-winning architecture, beautiful parks and gardens, proximity to outdoor adventure, and walkable city center with shops, restaurants, and entertainment spots set near the Avon River.

Set to open in 2021, Te Pae - Christchurch Convention Centre will span 30,000 square meters in a prime position beside the Ōtākaro Avon River at the center of the city, surrounded by green space. Te Pae will accommodate up to 2,000 people, with its tiered, 1,400-person auditorium divisible into two event spaces. Additional meeting rooms will include flexible venues of varying sizes, while the exhibition hall will be able to accommodate up to 200 booths or be divided into three distinct spaces.

One of Christchurch’s most recognizable pieces of architecture - and one of New Zealand’s premier performance venues - Christchurch Town Hall also features multipurpose event spaces for a variety of events, as well as a beautiful riverside backdrop. Fresh off a comprehensive rebuild and restoration project, Christchurch Town Hall features five venues that accommodate 20 to 2,250 guests, including the Douglas Lilburn Auditorium and James Hay Theatre.