Christchurch Maps

Christchurch is the largest city in South Island, New Zealand, and the second-most populous urban area in the country. Located on the east coast, it serves as the seat of the Canterbury Region. The city was established in 1848 by the Canterbury Association and received its name from Christ Church, Oxford. The urban area is home to approximately 415,100 residents, making it a significant economic and cultural hub of the South Island.

The city's landscape is characterized by the Canterbury Plains and is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Port Hills, a part of Banks Peninsula, to the south. The Avon River flows through the center of the city. Christchurch experiences a temperate climate with mild summers and cool winters, typical of New Zealand's South Island. The city's grid layout, designed by surveyor Edward Jollie in 1850, reflects its British colonial heritage and earned it the nickname "The Most English City outside England."

Christchurch faced significant challenges following the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, which caused widespread damage to the city's infrastructure and historic buildings. The subsequent rebuild has transformed the urban landscape, blending modern architecture with restored heritage sites. Notable new developments include the Tūranga Central Library and the Transitional Cathedral, also known as the Cardboard Cathedral due to its unique construction materials.

The city boasts several significant cultural attractions and landmarks. The Canterbury Museum showcases the region's natural and cultural heritage, while the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, established in 1863, spans 21 hectares and features an extensive collection of native and exotic plants. The historic New Regent Street, with its Spanish Mission style architecture, remains a popular shopping and dining destination. The International Antarctic Centre reflects the city's role as a gateway to Antarctica, serving as one of five Antarctic research program headquarters globally.

Education plays a vital role in Christchurch's identity, with the University of Canterbury, established in 1873, being the second-oldest university in New Zealand. The city is also a major transportation hub, served by Christchurch International Airport, which handles significant domestic and international traffic. The local economy is diverse, encompassing technology, manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and education sectors. The surrounding Canterbury region is known for its agricultural production, contributing significantly to New Zealand's export economy.

The Facts:
Region: Canterbury.
Island: South Island.
Population: ~ 415,100 (June 2024).
Metropolitan population: 545,000.

Neighborhoods of Christchurch: Christchurch Central City, Mairehau, Edgeware, St Albans, Papanui, Upper Riccarton, Shirley, Dallington, Merivale, Richmond, Avonside, Linwood, Phillipstown, Strowan, Woolston, Bryndwr, Opawa, Waltham, Fendalton, St Martins, Beckenham, Sydenham, Burnside, Somerfield, Spreydon, Addington, Riccarton, Ilam.

Main sights in Christchurch: Cathedral Square, Christchurch Art Gallery, Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Christchurch Gondola, Christchurch Tramway, New Regent Street.
Postcodes: 8011, 8013, 8014, 8022, 8023, 8024, 8025, 8041, 8042, 8051, 8052, 8053, 8061, 8062, 8081, 8082.
Area code: 03.
Google Map of Christchurch
Website: www.ccc.govt.nz.

Major highways: Christchurch Northern Motorway, Christchurch Southern Motorway, Christchurch-Lyttelton Motorway.
Major Streets: Deans Avenue, Rolleston Avenue, Harper Avenue, Montreal Street, Kilmore Street, Bealey Avenue, Park Terrace, Colombo Street, Cranmer Square, Durham Street, Manchester Street, Latimer Square, Madras Street, Fitzgerald Avenue, Salisbury Street, Peterborough Street, Chester Street, Gloucester Street, Victoria Street.

Colleges and universities: Ara Institute of Canterbury, Lincoln University, University of Canterbury, University of Otago.