Host City
Discover Ōtautahi Christchurch
PESA Conference 2024, Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre
Renowned for the timeless beauty of its parks and gardens, Christchurch is now a city focused on the future. Easily accessible through its international airport, Christchurch is a connected city with a flat compact CBD and a fascinating mix of stunning heritage venues and smart new architecture. The city is a place of transformation where change and innovation are embraced, creating a strong economy, a vibrant place to visit, and an exceptional place to live. The city has new business, shopping, arts and entertainment precincts.
Facts:
Population
500,000 people
12km Airport to central city
15 minute drive
New Zealand's newest city
International gateway
to the South Island
New Zealand’s Garden city
with over 790 parks and gardens and more than 55,000 trees lining it’s streets.
Access
Christchurch International Airport is located 12 km northwest of the city centre and is the major international gateway into the South Island. Visitors can travel from the airport to the city by taxi, ride share, shuttle, rental car, or public bus.
Direct international flights arrive from Singapore, China, Australia and Fiji. Linking flights are available from a wide range of other destinations in Asia, Europe, USA, South America and the Middle East. Air New Zealand and Jetstar offer daily flights linking all major cities and many regional towns across New Zealand.
Accommodation
There are more than 5,500 rooms on offer across Christchurch in a wide variety of accommodation, from boutique luxury lodges and self-serviced apartments to modern hotels, many brand new or totally refurbished with conference facilities on site.
Those wanting to stay outside of Christchurch will find a wide selection of quality accommodation throughout the Canterbury region.
Getting around
Christchurch’s compact layout means a short walk can have you within easy reach of Te Pae Convention Centre and many other facilities, riverside retail and hospitality venues, botanic gardens, art galleries, a museum, health retreats, gritty street art, beautiful Spanish architecture and stylish accommodation.
Christchurch has a great range of transport options including shuttles, taxis and public buses, making it easy for visitors to travel between the airport, accommodation, event venues and city attractions. For those travelling outside the city, luxury coach companies can organise tours to popular nearby destinations such as Akaroa, the North Canterbury boutique wine region, the alpine town of Hanmer Springs, Kaikoura, and Aoraki/Mt Cook Mackenzie.
Sustainability
As a destination, Ōtautahi Christchurch is leading the way in sustainability and looking after its natural environment, with a target to halve the city’s emissions by 2030 and reach net zero emissions by 2045. As a city aligned to the United Nations SDG's, we recognise being sustainable has three-fold benefits: environmental, social and economic.
One of the key areas where Christchurch is making progress is in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The city has already made significant strides in reducing emissions from transportation, buildings, and waste.
One of the key areas where Christchurch is making progress is in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
exploreŌtautahi Christchurch
Things to do in Ōtautahi Christchurch
Christchurch Attractions
Christchurch Attractions operate some of the city’s most iconic activities. Admire the beautiful Christchurch Botanic Gardens on a guided tour, or the changing face of the city centre as you jump onboard an historic tram. Then glide gently along the Avon River aboard the Edwardian-style Punting tours before heading up the Christchurch gondola for magnificent views of the city and picturesque Lyttelton Harbour and the Port Hills.
Christchurch Adventure Park
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. Go downhill mountain biking, ziplining, enjoy leisurely walking trails, or a scenic chairlift ride. After enjoying the park relax in the café which is nestled amongst the trees, and enjoy the hospitality on offer.
Explore The Tannery
The Tannery provides multiple options for a fabulous day out. Browse the shops in the boutique emporium, relax at the stunning day spa, take in a movie at the gorgeous cinema, experience a brewery tour and tasting, and enjoy a meal or drinks at one of The Tannery’s fine hospitality establishments.
International Antarctic Centre
Shelter in an ice cave, ride in a genuine Antarctic all-terrain vehicle or brave the wind, snow and ice of an Antarctic storm at Christchurch’s International Antarctic Centre. Don’t miss the penguin encounter, the 4D movie experience, the husky dogs, and the interactive Antarctic exhibits.
Hagley Park and Botanic Gardens
Christchurch is known as New Zealand’s Garden City, with one acre of parkland and gardens for every eight acres of developed and residential land. The Christchurch Botanic Gardens, on the banks of the Avon River, are home to one of the finest assortments of native and exotic plants in New Zealand. Hagley Park is one of the largest inner city parks in the world.
Arts and Culture
Christchurch city has an exciting arts and culture scene with a range of fabulous art galleries, museums and street art to explore, and an excellent programme of productions and performances to enjoy.
There are also some wonderful Māori cultural experiences to enjoy such as Waka on Avon or a guided walk with Amiki Tours.
Golf
Practise your swing at one of almost 60 golf courses in Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region. No matter what your ability there are options to suit, from world-class championship courses to delightful country courses, many with stunning views of the Canterbury foothills and Southern Alps. There is even a golf course right in the middle of Christchurch city, in Hagley Park, one of the world's largest inner-city parks.
Jet Boating
Experience the spectacular scenery of the Waimakariri or Rakaia Rivers at speed on an exhilarating jet boat ride. Twist, turn and surge through narrow gorges and braided shallows, against a backdrop of the towering Southern Alps and serene Canterbury plains.
