Ōtautahi Christchurch is a vibrant, energetic city where urban regeneration, creativity and innovation thrive. Explore amazing street art, innovative projects, a booming hospitality scene, and state-of-the-art architecture that is changing the way the city looks, feels, and functions.
Christchurch lifestyle
Christchurch is the regional capital of the province of Canterbury. Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island with a population of 405,000.
Christchurch prides itself on its arts, its sports, its history, and its gardens.
Close to the city there are opportunities for mountain biking in the Port Hills, and surfing or windsurfing at nearby beaches.
From Christchurch there is easy access to the Southern Alps, with 13 ski areas within 2–4 hours’ drive of Christchurch.
Culture and entertainment are well provided for with a number of live theatres, art galleries, and numerous restaurants and cafes popular with staff and students.
Christchurch’s renewal
Christchurch is in an exciting period of renewal following a series of earthquakes in 2010–2011.
One development following the quakes is the Health Precinct. Our campus, plus the city’s other health, research and teaching leaders, are co-located within this physical space. The opportunity for collaboration between these institutions is creating the country’s most dynamic and integrated healthcare and research precinct.
“We love Christchurch” photo gallery
To get a sense of life in Christchurch, our staff and students are compiling a collection of images expressing what we love about Christchurch and the Canterbury region.
View the UOC “We love Christchurch” photo gallery
Links to more information about Christchurch
ChristchurchNZ is the city’s economic development and city profile agency charged with igniting bold ambition, excitement, connecting changemakers, stimulating economic activity and attracting visitors to Ōtautahi Christchurch.