Christchurch Travel Tips

Banks: 09:30 to 16:30, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Government Offices: 09:00 to 16:30, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 09:00 to 16:30, Monday to Friday
Shops: 09:00 to 17:30, Monday to Thursday; 09:00 to 21:00, Fridays; 09:00 to 17:00 Saturdays; some open on Sundays

Overall, Christchurch is a very safe place for visitors. Locals are generally very helpful and considerate of tourists. However, there are occasional stories of scams targeting tourists. Security in hotels is usually very good.

The best way to stay safe is to practice a good measure of common sense. Be careful walking after dark, avoid back alleyways and abandoned buildings, and if possible travel in a group.

Some urban areas have significant homeless populations. As a result, bus and train depots can become undesirable places after dark. Some of the country’s seedier pubs are notorious for rough, late-night crowds.

The biggest nuisance for visitors to Christchurch is petty theft. Avoid flashing large quantities of cash, as this can draw unwanted attention. Keep in mind that money belts are clear indicators that you’re a tourist carrying valuables. Criminals sometimes stakeout parking lots, so be sure to lock your car. 

Electricity: 240 volts, 50 hertz

New Zealand’s health standards are high, and there is very little in this pristine environment to trouble visitors. If a traveller does become ill, it is usually due to one of the usual holiday culprits: sunstroke or dehydration. With that in mind, sunscreen, a cap and plenty of water are the best lines of defence against illness and fatigue in Christchurch.

Even so, there are a few rare hazards to watch out for. Giardia is found in some freshwater streams—especially those frequented by mammals. If you choose to drink from streams while camping or hiking, be sure to boil, treat or filter the water first.

‘Duck itch’ is another ailment caused by contact with a microscopic organism in fresh, shallow water. It causes an extremely uncomfortable (though entirely treatable) skin reaction. If you do swim in fresh water, opt for deeper pools.

A final water-related illness can be contracted from geothermal pools and springs. Amoebic meningitis, while extremely rare, can be contracted when water from thermal springs enters the body through either the nose or mouth.

The largest hospital on South Island is found in Christchurch. It is located at the corner of Oxford terrace and Riccarton avenue, and offers 24-hour emergency care.

Christchurch Hospital: +64 3 364 0640

One of the official languages of New Zealand is English, though this very colloquial rendition can sound quite foreign at first. Learning the vernacular and local slang words is half the fun of travelling to Christchurch. While you may occasionally find yourself in the dark as to what a particular word means, you’ll have no trouble understanding the majority of what you hear.

The Maori language is also an official language and has found its way into the English dialect as well. These two languages borrow heavily from one another when it comes to light greetings and everyday speech.

The New Zealand dollar (NZ$) is the standard unit of currency, and is divided into 100 cents. Coins are issued in NZ$1 and 2 increments, and coins into 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent intervals. Banknotes appear in NZ$5, 10, 50 and 100 increments.

ATMs are widely available throughout Christchurch and these days most of the smaller communities have an ATM or two. Currency can be exchanged at the airport, or at any of the major bank branches. Keep in mind that exchange counters in banks close before the rest of the bank (usually by 15:00).

International credit cards are widely accepted throughout most of Christchurch, though it pays to check in advance just in case. Of course, when dealing with small merchants or shopping at the weekend market, you’ll want to carry a little cash. Traveller’s cheques are accepted by most urban establishments.

Import or export of the following items is restricted: firearms and other weapons; food items; and animal or plant materials. Since it is a series of islands, New Zealand has to be careful with regards to allowing the import of organic materials. Illegal drugs are strictly prohibited, and penalties are severe.

Everyone entering New Zealand must fill out a customs declaration form. Per person duty-free allowances are as follows: 1.125 litres of spirits (one bottle); 250 grams of tobacco (or either 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars); 4.5 litres of wine; and not more than NZ$700. These restrictions apply to everyone 17 years of age and older.

New Zealanders are a decidedly relaxed and easy-going group. As with Australia, egalitarianism is an important aspect of New Zealand culture. As a result, formal titles and any hint of hierarchy are typically omitted. Once others have begun to address you by your first name, feel free to return in kind. Above all, wear a smile in all circumstances and you’ll be sure to win the hearts of the New Zealanders you meet.

Greetings usually consist of a handshake and little more. Locals appreciate smart, casual dress and you’ll seldom come across a dress code in Christchurch, except when visiting the casino.

When travelling among the Maori, you’ll find yourself immersed in an entirely different culture. Ceremonial welcoming rites (powhiri) may be performed in the most formal settings, for example, at the annual reiteration of the Treaty of Waitangi. Visitors should not enter a Maori sacred site or marae (the front part of a Maori meeting hall) unless clearly invited.

If a New Zealand family invites you into their home, a token gift is appreciated—something pertaining to your home country would be of special interest. Gifts are usually opened upon receipt.

Initially, New Zealanders may appear somewhat reserved. However, this usually fades in a short amount of time, creating a more relaxed atmosphere. Above all, New Zealanders appreciate sincerity and a direct (though polite) sense of honesty.

Dining Etiquette
Dining etiquette is relaxed in mainstream New Zealander culture. Many restaurants serve meals family style, with side dishes presented on large serving plates for diners to share. The majority of diners conform to continental dining style, which places the fork in the right hand and the knife in the left. However, it isn’t considered a breach of etiquette if you adhere to your own tableside customs.

Locals may find it rude if you eat with your elbows on the table. It is also polite to keep your hands above the table while dining. Indicate to your server or host that you have finished with your plate by placing the fork and knife on the plate parallel to one another with handles pointing to the right.

The Maori practice greater formality at the dinner table. Refrain from eating until an elder has blessed the food, even as the food is cooling. Generally, older Maori work in the kitchen while younger Maori serve. Once the meal is finished and you have thanked your hosts, you may be asked to sing a song. Guests who participate are held in high esteem.

Tipping is appreciated though not necessarily expected. In general, outstanding service in a nice restaurant warrants a 5 to 10 per cent gratuity.

As visa requirements are in a state of constant flux, visitors are advised to seek current visa information from their local New Zealand embassy before travel.

New Zealand’s tourist visa requirements are highly dependent on tourists’ nationality. In general, your passport must be valid for a minimum of three months after the date you intend to exit the country. Most tourists must apply for a visa before travelling to New Zealand. Potential tourists are screened to assure that they are able-bodied and of good character.

When you enter New Zealand, customs officials will likely check to see that you have sufficient funds for your stay. Generally, NZ$1,000 per month is enough to satisfy officials, except when you have pre-paid your accommodation, in which case NZ$400 per month is sufficient. Credit cards, traveller’s cheques, bank drafts and cash are acceptable means of demonstrating funds.

The Christchurch visitor information centre is located in the Old Post Office building on Canterbury square. This is an excellent place to enquire about local hotel bookings, travel arrangements and bicycle hire. Phone: +64 3 379 9629; website: www.christchurchnz.net.

In addition, the visitor centre publishes a monthly magazine called the Canterbury Today/Tonight. This is a great resource on local attractions and events.