Christchurch

Christchurch is New Zealand’s third largest city and is undergoing huge redevelopment following the 2011 earthquake.


Sport in Christchurch

Rugby Union, Cricket and Netball are among the most popular sports to watch in Christchurch:

  • The Crusaders play in Rugby Union’s Super Rugby, being one of the most successful non-international professional rugby team’s in the world. They play their matches at Christchurch Stadium (currently known as Orangetheory Stadium), a temporary venue built at Rugby League Park following the 2011 earthquake.
  • Christchurch Stadium also plays home to the Canterbury Rugby Union team that plays in the domestic Mitre 10 Cup.
  • The Canterbury cricket team (known as the Canterbury Kings in the Super Smash), play their matches at Hagley Oval – a venue used at the 2015 Cricket World Cup.
  • Horncastle Arena is the home of the Mainland Tactix ANZ Premiership netball team, with the venue also hosting the 1999 Netball World Championships.
  • Addington Raceway is considered the premier venue for harness racing in New Zealand, the venue is part of the same complex as Rugby League Park and the Horncastle Arena.
  • The premier sporting venue in Christchurch was Lancaster Park, a 40,000 stadium that hosted both cricket and rugby union but was unfortunately damaged beyond repair during the 2011 earthquake.
  • The 1974 Commonwealth Games was hosted in Christchurch at the now demolished Queen Elizabeth II Park.

Getting to Christchurch

Airport – Christchurch International Airport is located 12km north of the city, being the second busiest in New Zealand after Auckland. The airport has links to domestic cities in the country, as well as further afield to Brisbane, Dubai, Gold Coast, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Nadi, Singapore and Sydney.

The Purple Line (Airport to Sumner via Avonhead) runs from the airport directly to Hagley Oval, if you hop off at the Christchurch Women’s Hospital Outpatients. Alternatively bus route 29 runs from the airport to the city. Tickets cost $8.50 one way or $15 return.

Thinking of going to Christchurch? Search & book your flights through Skyscanner here.

Bus – InterCity has buses running from Christchurch (Armagh Street) to most of the South Island, and indirectly to the North Island.

Train – There are two scenic rail journey’s from Christchurch railway station – The Coastal Pacific running daily between September and April, leaving Christchurch at 7am and arriving into Picton at 1:15pm, running via Rangiora, Kaikoura and Blenheim. The TranzAlpine runs daily all year round from Christchurch at 8:15am to Greymouth, arriving at 1:05pm via Rolleston, Darfield, Springfield, Arthur’s Pass, Otira and Moana.


Where to stay in Christchurch

Use TripAdvisor to find some great places to stay in Christchurch by clicking here.


Food & Drink in Christchurch

Use TripAdvisor to read other travellers reviews of bars and restaurants and find some great places to eat and drink in Christchurch by clicking here.


What to do in Christchurch

  • Christchurch Botanic Gardens â€“ New Zealand’s largest inner-city park offers over 30 hectares of floral delights alongside punt boats meandering along the Avon River.
  • Cathedral Square – Located in the heart of the city, Christchurch Cathedral was a much loved symbol of the city but was badly damaged in the 2011 earthquakes, with questions still remaining over its future.
  • International Antarctic Centre â€“ Christchurch is known as being a gateway to the Antarctic, the centre gives visitors the opportunity to see penguins up close as well as learning about the continent.
  • Orana Wildlife Park â€“ New Zealand’s only open range zoo includes the opportunity to jump in a cage for an up close lion encounter.

Last Updated on February 24, 2021 by Sports Tourist

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