General Information |
Christchurch is the largest city on New Zealand's South Island and the third-largest city in the country. Known as "the most English city outside England", it features beautiful gothic architecture and stone buildings, many green and flower-filled parks and gardens, and the serene Avon river winding through its lively downtown and the University of Canterbury campus. The city features terrific restaurants, the newly opened Christchurch Art Gallery, Canterbury Museum, and the elegant and eclectic Arts Centre, set in the old university buildings. Christchurch is within two hours drive of world-class skiing, rafting and kayaking, mountain biking, wind surfing, and of course, bungy jumping. Calmer pursuits in the Canterbury region include visiting local wineries, whale watching, fishing, and hiking. Winter weather is typically calm, sunny, cool and crisp, with occasional light frosts. The conference and Winter School will be held in downtown Christchurch and on the University of Canterbury campus.
More information on Christchurch and the Canterbury region can be found at: www.christchurch.org.nz
What's on in Christchurch, a hotel and entertainment guide: www.whatsonchristchurch.co.nz
More information on the University of Canterbury can be found at: www.canterbury.ac.nz
The airport is close to the city centre (15-20 minutes drive). A TAXI to the city centre will cost about NZ$25. The main taxi company is Blue Star Taxis. See prices under Fares, and 'Meet & Greet' under Services. You can book a taxi online here.
Several SHUTTLE BUS companies serve the airport. A shuttle bus is a 10-12-seater minibus with a luggage trailer offering door-to-door service. You board the shuttle at the airport, and it takes every passenger to where the passenger wants to go (including home). They usually do the city centre drop-offs first. The journey can be slow because of dropping people off, but if you're not in a hurry it's a way to see some of the city, and it's cheap and friendly. Prices are all pretty comparable. See the fares for Almac Shuttles.
The shuttle bus waiting stand is shown on a map of the airport on the Supershuttle. Look under 'Finding us at the Airport'.
A PUBLIC BUS service also runs between the airport and city centre. It's a red bus called the City Flyer, or alternatively the A, and costs NZ$5. The bus stop is outside the central door to the airport terminal. The bus from the airport to the city runs every 20 mins from 7.35am to 6.35pm. After 6.35pm the bus runs every hour (last bus at 11.35pm). This bus runs within one block of Rydges Hotel and the YMCA (ask the driver). Bus information can be find at the Metroinfo site.
A taxi will cost about NZ$15.
A shuttle bus will cost the same as to the city centre.
There is no direct bus route, but you can transfer at the City Exchange (Colombo St. at Lichfield St.).
A taxi will cost about NZ$15-20, depending on the traffic.
There are several public bus routes between the city and the campus (nos. 21, 22, 23, 24). The bus costs NZ$2 per journey (with one free transfer within two hours of buying the ticket). Timetable and route flyers for the city/university bus routes will be provided or else visit Metroinfo.
For a map of the city with the location of the University highlighted click here.
For a black & white PDF map of the campus click here.
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