Christchurch

Christchurch, referred to in Māori as Ōtautahi, is the largest city on the South Island and the second-largest urban area in New Zealand. Christchurch, with a population of roughly 396,200, is strategically situated in the Canterbury Region, near the center of the east coast of the South Island. This dynamic metropolis is situated in the southern extremity of Pegasus Bay, flanked by the expansive Pacific Ocean to the east and the ancient volcanic structures of the Banks Peninsula to the south. The Avon River, or Ōtākoro, winds elegantly through the city center, bordered by vast urban parks that enrich its tranquil scenery. Except for the Port Hills, Christchurch is primarily flat, with an average elevation of approximately 20 meters above sea level, enhancing its accessibility and appeal.

Christchurch’s identity is profoundly connected to its English architectural heritage, garnering it the endearing moniker “Garden City” because of its similarity to the garden cities of England. The city experiences a mild oceanic climate, marked by moderate precipitation that sustains its verdant gardens and parks.

The history of Christchurch is diverse, with Māori residing in the region since approximately 1250 A.D. Initially, the area comprised a patchwork of swamplands and marshes, functioning as a crucial forage habitat with multiple seasonal populations. The early Māori were moa hunters, employing coastal caves for refuge and nourishment. The arrival of European settlers in the mid-nineteenth century constituted a pivotal juncture. The Canterbury Association commissioned the First Four Ships, transporting the Canterbury Pilgrims from Britain to Lyttelton Harbour in 1850. Christchurch was designated a city by royal charter on 31 July 1856, rendering it the oldest founded city in New Zealand. The early 20th century witnessed the industrialization of Christchurch, driven by the inauguration of the Main South Line railway and the establishment of public housing, which catalyzed significant economic and demographic expansion.

Christchurch possesses a robust relationship to its English architectural heritage while also incorporating many European influences, particularly evident in its Gothic Revival and Neo-Georgian buildings. The city serves as a center for performing arts and intellectual distinction, housing institutions like the University of Canterbury. Christchurch has hosted various major sporting events, notably the 1974 British Commonwealth Games at the specially constructed Queen Elizabeth II Park. Designated as an Antarctic gateway since 1901, Christchurch is one of five global cities that accommodate Antarctic support bases for various nations. Christchurch Airport in Harewood, New Zealand’s second-busiest airport, functions as an essential conduit for local and international travel.

Christchurch experienced a succession of destructive earthquakes starting in September 2010, culminating in the most severe on 22 February 2011. The earthquake led to the unfortunate demise of 185 individuals and inflicted extensive damage on numerous edifices, including the collapse of major central urban structures. The city has commenced a substantial recovery and reconstruction endeavor. In 2019, Christchurch experienced a terrorist attack that targeted two mosques, a devastating incident that profoundly impacted the community.

Tourism is essential to Christchurch’s economy. The city serves as a significant international gateway, drawing tourists heading to the South Island’s remarkable destinations, including Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, Queenstown, the West Coast, and Kaikōura. Christchurch is a notable destination, renowned for its gardens, historical and cultural history, galleries, museums, the picturesque Port Hills, and the inspiring narratives of resilience and recovery following the earthquake. In 2023, the tourist sector accounted for 3.7% of Christchurch’s GDP, a significant rise from 2.1% in 2000. Since 2000, the yearly growth rate of tourism GDP has averaged 5.9%, marginally lower than the national average of 6.9%. In 2023, the predominant category of tourist spending was sales, totaling $780 million, succeeded by passenger transport at $392.5 million.