Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get information on immigrating to Christchurch?

The NZ Immigration Service is an excellent source of information when looking to immigrate to New Zealand. Their contact details are:

PO Box 22 111
Christchurch
Telephone: (+64 3) 365 2520
Fax: (+64 3) 365 2530
Website: www.immigration.govt.nz

Where can I get information on moving to Christchurch?

Whether moving to Christchurch from overseas, or from within New Zealand, the Migrants Guide To Christchurch is an excellent source of information including finding accommodation, choosing a school and finding work.

Where can I find accommodation near the train station?

Addington Stadium Motel

Cnr Lincoln and Wrights Rd
Christchurch
Telephone: (+64 3) 339 8950
Fax: (+64 3) 339 8954
Email: addingtonstadium@xtra.co.nz
Website: www.addingtonstadium.co.nz

Arena Motel

30 Whiteleigh Ave
Christchurch
Telephone: (+64 3) 338 4579
Fax: (+64 3) 338 4190
Email: info@arenamotel.co.nz
Website: www.arenamotel.co.nz

Earnslaw Motel

288 Blenheim Road
Christchurch
Telephone: (+64 3) 348 6387
Fax: (+64 3) 348 2661
Email: earnslaw@xtra.co.nz
Website: www.earnslawmotel.co.nz

Please also check the following accommodation websites:

Yellow Pages
Localeye
AA Accommodation Guide
Jasons Travel Information

How do I get from Lyttelton to the Central City?

There are two options to get you from Lyttelton to Christchurch City.

The first is the public bus system. The cost for this is NZD$2.50. The Lyttelton bus travels between Lyttelton Wharf and the City Centre and the trip takes about 30 minutes.

The second option is taxi. The cost to catch a taxi from Lyttelton to the city will be approximately NZD$30 - $35. The three main taxi companies in Christchurch are:

Gold Band Taxis

Telephone: (+64 3) 379 5795
Web: www.gold-band-taxis.co.nz

Blue Star Taxi

Ph +64 3 379 9799
Web: www.bluestartaxis.org.nz

First Direct

Ph +64 3 377 5555
Web: www.firstdirect.net.nz

Can you tell me about the Cathedrals in Christchurch?

Christchurch has two cathedrals, ChristChurch Cathedral (Anglican) in Cathedral Square and the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament (Catholic) on Barbadoes Street.

Can you tell me about churches in Christchurch?

For information on religious groups and communities check out the CINCH database.

What is the weather like in Christchurch?

Christchurch has mild weather. Today’s weather can be found here. For general information on the climate see Living In Christchurch.

Summer: December to February
Autumn/Fall: March to May
Winter: June to August
Spring: September to November

What events are on in Christchurch while I am visiting?

Christchurch has an excellent events guide that you can search by date to find out all events that Christchurch will host during your visit.

How did Christchurch get its name?

In November 1847 John Robert Godley and Edward Gibbon Wakefield met to plan the Canterbury settlement.

Wakefield believed that colonisation of countries like New Zealand could be organised in such a way that towns could be planned before settlers arrived. These towns would be like a community back in England, with landowners, small farmers and workers, and with churches, shops and schools.

Early in 1848 the Canterbury Association was formed, and it was decided to name the capital city Christchurch after the college John Godley had gone to at Oxford University.

For more information see the Christchurch City Libraries’ Heritage web page.

Further Questions

If we have missed a question that should be answered here, please email your suggestion to christchurch@ccc.govt.nz