Ōtautahi Christchurch
Ōtautahi Christchurch is a city reimagined: a place for everyone, from everywhere. New Zealand’s second largest city, this urban hub at the heart of the scenic South Island is stacked with street art and visitor attractions, serene botanic gardens and green spaces in every direction. Feel warmly welcomed by our world-class hospitality and diverse accommodation offerings, and marvel at our state-of-the-art architecture alongside the country’s best heritage gems.
Wander around the vibrant central city to discover riverside markets and global cuisine, laneway shopping and rooftop bars. Within easy reach of the city streets are beaches bordering the Pacific Ocean, the majestic Southern Alps, the sweeping Canterbury Plains, and Banks Peninsula.
This is Ōtautahi Christchurch — refreshed, new and unexpected.
We gratefully acknowledge the support of Christchurch City Council in helping to compile the information on this page.
Host city for API 2025
Getting around
After flying into New Zealand’s second largest airport, it is a short 15-minute drive to get into the central city. The city is flat and compact, making it easy for visitors to travel around.
Christchurch has an excellent bus service, with the Bus Interchange right in the heart of the city. Visitors can travel inexpensively by bus to most major attractions.
Public transport
Explore our flat compact city by foot — what better way to experience a new destination.
There are several electric scooter and bicycle share schemes, perfect to explore and cover more distance while enjoying the outdoors.
Walk, bicycle or scooter
If you decide to hire a car to drive around, check out some tips on driving in New Zealand. For some of our overseas friends: our cars are right-hand drive. Keep left!
Driving
The Coastal Pacific and TranzAlpine train journeys are truly spectacular, and both depart from Christchurch, providing amazing experiences for visitors.
Train trips
There are numerous options for visitors to explore the wider city and region taking in some of the South Island’s incredible highlights. Mountains to oceans, vineyards and thermal resorts all within an hour of the city.
Day trips
More info about Christchurch and how to get around can be found on the Christchurch visitor website.
More info
Places to stay
Bealey Quarter is offering a 10% discount to participants of API 2025. Use code CNC when booking.
Drifter is located right in the CBD, very close to the after party and around a 10 min drive to the venue.
Drifter is offering discounts to teams coming to API. More info here.
More info about accommodation in Christchurch can be found on the Christchurch visitor website.
More options
Things to do
An unmissable Christchurch experience, the Gondola offers stunning unique views of the city, Lyttelton Harbour and beyond
Experience the chill of Antarctica! Ride the Hagglund, brave a storm room, and meet real-life penguins. Perfect for families and curious minds.
Get up close with kiwi birds, tuatara, and native Māori culture. As well as farm animals and endangered animals. A unique wildlife and cultural combo you won’t find anywhere else.
Christchurch Adventure Park is your base for some epic fun. The park is the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and offers a range of experiences.
A high-speed river ride just outside the city tight spins, shallow water, and serious thrills with beautiful alpine views.
Jet boarding on the Waimakariri River
Glide through the city on a flat-bottomed boat guided by a punter in traditional dress. Peaceful, scenic, and very “Christchurch.”
The Christchurch Tram offers a unique experience combining history and sightseeing.
Free to enter, with an ever-changing rotation of bold, contemporary, and classic art in an architectural landmark. Right in the centre of town this massive art gallery will be sure to satisfy all.
Christchurch is famous for its post-quake street art. Explore colourful murals and graffiti by local and international artists just grab a map or follow your eyes.
Wander through themed gardens, massive trees, and floral displays. A peaceful heart of the city; no ticket needed.
Amazing views of the city, harbour, and Southern Alps. Tracks range from chill to sweat-inducing, but all are 100% worth it.
Learn more about things to see and do at the Christchurch visitor website.
There’s also a list of what’s on in Christchurch in October. Apparently there’s a big dodgeball tournament 😉
And more ...
Eat & drink
An API 2025 sponsor!
Think gourmet but affordable sports bar. Same location as our after party this sports bar is one of the new hotspots in town. This bar is a MUST visit while in Christchurch.
It’s not a day in the central city without some time spent at Riverside Market. This indoor seven-day-a-week farmers’ market sells local produce and treats, and includes a karaoke bar, brewery, cooking school and cuisine from every corner of the globe.
A buzzing food court with a modern twist think gourmet pizza, sushi, Venezuelan street food, and more, all under one roof.
Chic, moody cocktail bar on The Terrace with vintage vibes and A standout drinks. Perfect for a classy night out or late-night catch-up.
Late-night dessert heaven. House-made gelato, cookie dough, sundaes, and brownies in a funky, neon-lit spot.
Inspired by the ease and flow of European bars and cafes, you will find a speakeasy
style bar housed in the most beautiful heritage building in Cathedral Square, Christchurch. With live music every weekend and carefully curated food and drinks, you.
The Terrace has eclectic architectural buildings lining the Ōtākaro Avon River. A great spot to sit riverside for a great range of restaurants, bars and fantastic hospitality.
The Terrace
Coffee Lovers, don’t miss this steampunk-style café with tubes that shoot your food to the table. Yes, really. Iconic and delicious.
Learn more about places to wine & dine at the Christchurch visitor website.
Just remember you have dodgeball tomorrow …