Set in the heart of the South Island, with world-class facilities and excellent direct air links, Ōtautahi Christchurch has built a reputation as New Zealand’s business events hub.

Known for its natural beauty and striking new design, the compact city centre is home to cutting edge and classic venues, stylish hotels, boutique shops and award-winning hospitality.

World-class and walkable

The city has been hailed globally for its new infrastructure including Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, New Zealand’s first next-generation venue.

Sitting in the heart of the city along the banks of the Ōtakaro Avon River, its striking architecture pays homage to the landscape of Canterbury and the history of local Ngāi Tahu iwi, featuring a distinctive façade that wraps and flows around the building reflecting the braided rivers of the Canterbury Plains.

Across Victoria Square, Christchurch Town Hall is another award-winning heritage design masterpiece. Venues Ōtautahi, which manages the Town Hall runs five distinctive venues across the city, and has created a reputation for superb local cuisine.

To top it off, over 2,500 hotel rooms and all city highlights are within a five-minute walk of key venues through tree-lined riverside terraces and laneways. The city is a dream for social events — from restored heritage gems to rooftop bars, hailed sports grounds to vintage plane hangars and classic theatres.

Connected and accessible

Just three hours from Australia’s eastern seaboard, the country’s second international airport facilitates direct flights from across New Zealand, Australia, Asia and beyond. Christchurch Airport’s dedicated welcome lounge ensures the perfect arrival for business event delegates.

From here, the city centre is less than 20 minutes away and one or two hours from some of the South Island’s most spectacular destinations.

The central city is easily walkable, making for a smaller delegate carbon footprint. Transport options include electric car shares, e-scooters and e-bikes, and electric public buses.

On the Ōtakaro Avon River delegates can punt or paddle on a waka (canoe) immersed in nature as they wind through the central city’s parks and gardens. Hills and beaches are a stone’s throw away.

From Christchurch it is possible to surf and ski in the same day. Thermal pools, night sky tours, jet boating, mountain biking, golf, scenic train journeys, off-road tours, and bungy jumping are just some of the year-round outdoor escapes on offer.

Purposeful events for people

ŌtautahiChristchurch is full of opportunities to create purposeful events with long-lasting impacts. Sustainability is at the heart of the city’s identity. Venues, accommodation providers and suppliers are committed to local procurement, and sustainable design and practices.

Business events with purpose are creating real legacies for the city and its people. Options are as diverse as native tree planting, wildlife conservation, wetland restoration, and equipment building for schools.

ChristchurchNZ Business Events have all the information and contacts to help plan memorable events:  www.christchurchnz.com/meet/how-we-can-help