Working in Christchurch New Zealand
Christchurch is the second largest city in New Zealand and the first port-of-call for anyone visiting the South Island. If you are looking to base yourself somewhere that is more immediately accessible to a range of outdoor activities, then starting out on the South Island is probably more suited to your taste. While you can easily access both inland and water-based activities on the North Island, the South Island is truly the place to be for adventurers and thrill seekers.
Christchurch itself is a beautiful, picturesque city with plenty to see and do. Although currently in a rebuilding phase following the earthquakes of 2011, Christchurch is open for business and well worth considering especially if you are looking for easy access to the outdoors.
For working holidaymakers, Christchurch offers some unique opportunities – especially if you have skills that are in demand during the rebuilding phase. Even if you are not looking to pick up that sort of work, Christchurch still has a vibrant café and restaurant culture and is also the jumping-off point for working in adventure-tourism in the mountainous country of the South Island.
- Airport
- Railway station
- Transportation
- Cost of Living
- Accommodation
- Shopping
- Emergency
- Insurance and Healthcare
Location
Tourism Video
Airport
Christchurch Airport
Christchurch Airport is the gateway to the South Island of New Zealand. Located just 13 short kilometres outside of the city, the airport provides travellers with easy access both to Christchurch and the amazing surrounding countryside.
The airport has been through some recent renovations – as work commenced on the Domestic Terminal upgrade in 2009. The new terminal will replace the original Domestic Terminal as well as assist with the expansion of facilities in the International Terminal.
The airport is serviced by a range of airline as well as New Zealand’s national carrier, Air New Zealand and in total sees about 5.48 million passengers pass through its halls each year.
Transport between the Christchurch Airport and the city is typically via shuttle or taxi, although you can also rent and collect a car from any of the major agencies while at the airport. The trip to the city centre should take about 15 – 20 minutes although a shuttle ride could be a bit longer depending on how many pick-ups and drop-offs are required.
A ride on Supershuttle direct to the CBD should run about NZ$24. A taxi from the airport to the city should cost between NZ$45 – NZ$65 but prices do vary from service to service so it is advisable to inquire before starting out.
There are also a number of regional shuttle services that offer transport between Christchurch Airport and a number of South Island cities and towns. These include: Great Sights; Knight Rider; West Coat Shuttle; Budget Shuttles and Newman’s Coachlines.
Railway station
There are limited but outstanding rail services across New Zealand. Travelling by rail makes for an excellent way to take in the varied and breathtaking scenery of both Islands. There are two main rail journeys on the South Island the Christchurch / Picton line and the Christchurch / Greymouth line. The first is for travel between Christchurch and the northern tip of the South Island while the second enables travellers to bisect the South Island on an east / west journey.
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A Scenic Rail Pass allows unlimited travel on the long distance passenger train network (including the ferry transfer between Wellington in the North and Picton in the South). Travelling by rail pass means that you can get off and on as often as you like ensuring that you can explore New Zealand at your leisure.
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The Scenic Essential Pass includes both train and coach bus travel.
Transportation
Christchurch is a very “walkable” city but there are public transport options as well. The Metro bus service provides a hub-and-spoke model connecting Christchurch with the surrounding suburbs as well as service within the city. Christchurch Tramway offers a one-way tram circuit of the city and while primarily a tourist attraction, there are commuter passes available.
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Using a Metrocard will save you about 25% on bus travel.
Cost of Living
Compared with other cities around the world, Christchurch is relatively expensive with most goods and services costing a bit more than they would in other locations. However, in overall terms, you can spend your money wisely in New Zealand and the quality of life is amongst the best in the world.
Average monthly after tax salary NZ$2,958.50
According to the online database, Numbeo (www.numbeo.com) prices for typical items are as follows:
| Food | |
| Cheap meal (inexpensive restaurant) | NZ$20.00 |
| Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | NZ$95.45 |
| Domestic beer (500mL) | NZ$6.94 |
| Coke (330mL) | NZ$2.72 |
| Milk (1 litre) | NZ$2.31 |
| Loaf of bread | NZ$3.00 |
| Eggs | NZ$3.93 |
| Transport | |
| One way ticket (local transport) | NZ$2.89 |
| Monthly pass | NZ$93.50 |
| Petrol (1 litre) | NZ$2.16 |
| Rent (monthly) | |
| One bedroom apartment (central area) | NZ$1,204.00 |
| Three bedroom apartment (central area) | NZ$2,052.86 |
| Accommodation | |
| Hostel bed (one night) | NZ$35.00 |
| Five star hotel room (one night) | NZ$400.00 |
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Moneyconverter.com is an excellent resource for converting any local currency to that of your home country. This is a great tool for budgeting and stretching your “hard-earned” cash.
Accommodation
Christchurch offers a range of accommodation options. From backpackers to five-star hotels, you are sure to find a place to stay that suits your style and your budget.
Where you ultimately decide to stay depends in large part on whether you are looking to set-up in one place for the long-term or prefer to move around from place-to-place during your time in New Zealand.
In Christchurch, some accommodation options include:
Budget
Jailhouse Accommodation
Around the World Backpackers
Kiwi Basecamp
Mid-range
Arthurs Court Motor Lodge
Salerno Motel Apartments
Alpha Motel Christchurch
High-end
Tangley on Clyde
The George Hotel
Dyers House
Shopping
Christchurch offers excellent shopping experiences – on a smaller scale than in other cities. In the CBD there are a number of retail outlets, specialty stores as well as some great cafes, restaurants and bars. Following the earthquake a number of funky retail areas have cropped up – many featuring innovative uses of shipping containers and other temporary structures.
Emergency
Emergency telephone numbers
Police, Fire and Ambulance 111
Insurance and Healthcare
A number of countries, including Australia, have signed reciprocal health care agreements with New Zealand. The agreement provides all residents of Australia who are temporarily in New Zealand with immediate necessary hospital and pharmacy services. However, charges do often apply for visits to the GP (General Practitioner) and other medical services,
Many New Zealanders take out private health cover to further support their overall access to health care so it is important to explore your options before you depart to ensure that you have more than adequate coverage should you need to access any medical services.
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As with any travel experience, before heading off to New Zealand for holiday or work, you should confirm the specific health-care services that will be available to you and also consider taking out your own, personal travel insurance.
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Some insurance policies will have waiting periods and exclusions. Make sure you fully understand the limitations of your cover before signing up.