The South Island's main city has lost some of its luster since the terrible earthquake of 2011, but it has been rebuilt well since then. The locals have shown a lot of energy to erase the scars and offer a modern city to visit.
The South Island's main city has lost some of its luster since the terrible earthquake of 2011, but it has been rebuilt well since then. The locals have shown a lot of energy to erase the scars and offer a modern city to visit.
My suggestion
Even if you only stay for one day, don't overlook this city. It's sort of a civic duty to help the local economy, but above all because the city has some beautiful sites.
Floriane
Seasoned Traveller
3
A very British town, undergoing a complete reconstruction after the devastating earthquake that hit in February, 2011.
My suggestion
Christchurch is the starting point for the TranzAlpine, a magnificent train trip that crosses the New Zealand Alps as far as the city of Greymouth.
Delphine Teisserenc
Seasoned Traveller
4
Having survived two earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, Christchurch is a charming town that is slowly undergoing a renaissance.
My suggestion
Don't take your first impressions of Christchurch at face value, and take the time to explore the city.
New Zealand is an Antipodean land which attracts lovers of vast spaces and wild nature. Though it is mostly mountainous, the country has a diverse range of landscapes and environments: icy summits, plains with mirror-like lakes, wild coastline licked by the Pacific waters... The nature here is absolutely majestic. And fortunately ecology takes pride of place here.