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The 4 Biggest Tourist Information Center in Christchurch, New Zealand

4 min read February 1, 2024

Christchurch, New Zealand, is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s many attractions, taking a day trip to the surrounding areas, or simply finding a place to eat or shop, the city’s tourist information centers can help you make the most of your visit.

These centers are staffed by friendly and knowledgeable locals who are eager to share their insights into the city. They can provide you with maps, brochures, and other resources, as well as answer any questions you may have about Christchurch and its attractions.

Top Tourist Information Center in Christchurch, New Zealand

Christchurch (; Māori: Ōtautahi) is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand and the seat of the Canterbury Region. Christchurch lies on the South Island's east coast, just north of Banks Peninsula on Pegasus Bay. The Avon River (Ōtākaro) flows through the centre of the city, with an urban park along its banks. The city's territorial authority population is 396,200 people, and includes a number of smaller urban areas as well as rural areas. The population of the urban area is 384,800 people. Christchurch is the second-largest city by urban area population in New Zealand, after Auckland. It is the major urban area of an emerging sub-region known as Greater Christchurch. Notable smaller urban areas within this sub-region include Rangiora and Kaiapoi in Waimakariri District, north of the Waimakariri River, and Rolleston and Lincoln in Selwyn District to the south. The first inhabitants migrated to the area sometime between 1000 and 1250 AD. They hunted moa, which led to the birds' extinction by 1450, and destroyed much of the mataī and tōtara forest. The first iwi to settle the area that would later become known as Christchurch were the Waitaha, who migrated to the area in the 16th century. They were followed later by the Kāti Māmoe, who conquered the Waitaha. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the Ngāi Tahu migrated to the area and subjugated the Kāti Māmoe. Over time the Ngāi Tahu tribe would develop a large pā based around Kaiapoi, which was a major centre for the trade of pounamu.Christchurch became a city by Royal Charter on 31 July 1856, making it officially the oldest established city in New Zealand. The Canterbury Association, which settled the Canterbury Plains, named the city after Christ Church, Oxford. The new settlement was laid out in a grid pattern centred on Cathedral Square; during the 19th century there were few barriers to the rapid growth of the urban area, except for the Pacific to the east and the Port Hills to the south. Agriculture is the historic mainstay of Christchurch's economy. The early presence of the University of Canterbury and the heritage of the city's academic institutions in association with local businesses has fostered a number of technology-based industries. Christchurch is one of five Antarctic gateway cities, hosting Antarctic support bases for several nations.The city suffered a series of earthquakes between September 2010 and January 2012, with the most destructive occurring at 12.51 p.m. on 22 February 2011, in which 185 people were killed and thousands of buildings across the city suffered severe damage, with a few central city buildings collapsing. By late 2013, 1,500 buildings in the city had been demolished, leading to ongoing recovery and rebuilding projects. The city later became the site of a terrorist attack targeting two mosques on 15 March 2019, in which 51 people were killed, and which was described by the Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, as "one of New Zealand's darkest days".

Top Tourist Information Center in Christchurch, New Zealand

Christchurch Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre

  • Address: Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.7 (182)
  • Phone: +64 3 941 7590
  • Website:
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Ōtautahi Christchurch isite Visitor Information Centre in Christchurch, New Zealand
Ōtautahi Christchurch isite Visitor Information Centre in Christchurch, New Zealand

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Embark on a thrilling journey through the diverse array of Tourist Information Center in cities like Wellington, Auckland and Wodonga across the Oceania continents, revealing hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a local business or a multinational company, these cities proudly display a rich tapestry of profesional services designed to cater to a wide array of preferences.

The 4 Best Tourist Information Center near Christchurch, New Zealand

Ōtautahi Christchurch isite Visitor Information Centre in Christchurch, New Zealand
Ōtautahi Christchurch isite Visitor Information Centre in Christchurch, New Zealand

Kaiapoi isite Visitor Information Centre

  • Address: 143 Williams Street, Kaiapoi 7644, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.4 (23)
  • Phone: +64 3 327 3134
  • Website:
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
    Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
    Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
    Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
    Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
    Saturday: Closed
    Sunday: Closed
  • Reviews:
    Roy Bowers✭✭✭✭✭
    8 months ago
    Anna and the team at Kaiapoi iSite have been a huge help in planning our boxing club’s trip to Christchurch – in fact it has been such a huge success that we are making it an annual trip from Taupo to Christchurch and bringing more of our club down. We had to organise flights, rental vans and accommodation in Christchurch, and also find team building activities and places to eat. This was all a bit overwhelming and being volunteers we did not have a huge amount of spare time. The Kaiapoi iSite were amazing and professional and first clarified our requirements and budget and then within a matter of days provided us with a range of options of which we booked a number including a great Christchurch hostel to sleep our group of 21, rental vans and a couple of fun activities to do. We would not have found the quality accommodation without the iSite and there is no question that our trip turned out better than expected because of the help and support the iSite gave us.
    Inge Sheck✭✭✭✭✭
    a year ago
    As well as furnishing us with maps and touring suggestions, Anna gave us a lunch recommendation which was just perfect and suggested we visit the Kaiapoi museum where we spent a pleasant and informative hour. Fantastic and super helpful service.
    Beth Biederman✭✭✭✭✭
    2 years ago
    Earlier this year I booked an incredibly last minute trip and wouldn’t have been able to do it without the help of Gwen at the Kaiapoi i-Site. In a very short timeframe, she went beyond what was necessary to help me find the best deals and helped plan a fantastic trip. She was so friendly, committed and a great communicator. Thanks so much Gwen!
    Stephanie Sherwood✭✭✭✭✭
    2 years ago
    I made a last minute decision to take a trip requiring a rental car. I didn’t realize it was school holidays and that it would be challenge to get a car. Through the Kaiapoi i-Site I interacted several times with Gwen who went above and beyond to assist me in locating a car. Eventually she was able to obtain a car for me through Smash Palace in Oamaru. The car was easy to collect, in good condition, and friendly staff. I was able to leave my car there secured in the lot for the week which was a huge help. I really valued the assistance from both Gwen and Smash Palace. Thanks to both of them I was able to have an amazing holiday!
    Katherine James Schuitemaker✭✭✭✭✭
    3 years ago
    Fantastic, friendly, well-stocked BRAND NEW i-SITE facility, married with business centre services. The staff are long-time locals and experts on the area (as well much of NZ), and can make excellent recommendations as well as book any activities for you, at no extra cost to you. I was especially impressed with the knowledge and service orientation of the team there. We needed to scan two documents as well, and to our surprise, they offer scanning, printing, meeting room and other business services as well. Gwen, the manager, is incredibly service-oriented and a real pro. A great find in the Christchurch area, worth seeking out!

Ōtautahi Christchurch isite Visitor Information Centre

  • Address: 52 Cathedral Square, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4 (8)
Explore  Discover the Biggest Historical Site in Palmerston North, New Zealand

Weeks

  • Address: 31A Somerset Crescent, Spreydon, Christchurch 8024, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating:

Thank you for reading! If you have any additional information on the best Tourist Information Center in Christchurch, New Zealand, please leave a comment above. We would love to hear from you!

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Syarif Muhamad

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5 Replies to The 4 Biggest Tourist Information Center in Christchurch, New Zealand

  3. one of the best parks i have ever visited. cool place, lush vegetation and near the clear river. The calm atmosphere makes us relax for a moment. The place is easily accessible, by tram line.

    Reply

  4. Here you find an expected gift shop, restaurant, toilets as well as a two-room display setup with interesting information about the Garden and Christchurch’s long history and interest in gardening as well as local and foreign flora.

    We particularly like the small section where you can listen to the sounds of indigenous birds of New Zealand.

    Definitely worth spending 10-15 minutes at the Visitor Centre wen visiting the Botanic Garden for the first time.

    Reply

  5. Very Beautiful gardens loved my time there. Nice walk with beautiful flowers and plantation. Worth a visit when in town. Parking is also very convenient and next to the park.

    Reply

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