Christchurch, New Zealand - history built from scratch
The name Christchurch (Christchurch) or the Church of Christ was given to the settlement on the island by English settlers - its first colonizers. Prior to this, the region was called Ōtautahi or Te Whenua o Te Potiki-Tautahi by the local Maori population. Due to the difficulty of pronouncing Te Fenua O Te Potiki-Tautakhi, the short version is most often used, although in official reference books the administrative center of Canterbury is still called Christchurch. Interest in this tourist destination is fueled not only by the unique history of the region, but also by its interesting location - only in Christchurch there is an opportunity to literally visit the center of the volcano, although it is no longer active.
City and Region Features
Introducing New Zealand for arrivals begins with communication with the strictest customs officers of the Old World. This is the second largest and most trafficked public airport of the two New Zealand ones. All products (including chewing gum and nuts in a sealed bag) will have to be handed over. You will also have to lay out:
wooden products and bio-products (soil, water, flowers);
toys for animals and similar ones;
b/ have agricultural tools.
One must be prepared that even shoes, significantly soiled with the dust of other people's roads, will have to be left. There are no exceptions - infant formula or a favorite woven straw keychain will also be seized, packaged and disposed of. If you try to circumvent the law, you can get a fine of up to $400.
These requirements are not a whim or an attempt to make money on tourists who will have to buy everything from scratch. This is how the state is trying to preserve its unique ecosystem, to isolate itself from pathogens, microbes, and parasites imported from the continent.
To city center from airport available by bus, taxi and rental car. Stops are located right at the exit, there are also conspicuous tables - terminals for renting a car. Prices differ a little, you can approach any. The requirements are standard - rights, age from 21 years old, the presence of a credit card. The central roads after the 2011 earthquake, which in Christchurch will be reminded of at every turn, have been restored, so driving does not cause inconvenience. The cost of a taxi and a bus is not the most affordable (you will have to pay $14 for a ride to the center). A car will cost only 2-3 times more, so the benefits of renting are really felt. There is only one minus - it makes no sense to take it for a long time - the town itself is easier to get around on foot.
What to see in Christchurch
The city center is welcome. Even in 10 years, it was not possible to completely restore the historical objects that the city was proud of. For some, restoration is impossible, but the administration does not raise a hand to sign a demolition order. These buildings with props and technical clamps will periodically come across.
The second feature is the places of memory all about the same earthquake. This is a symbolic monument with stones on which the names of the dead (185 people) are written and temporary installations that are updated every year.
It is the strong destruction that explains the peculiarities of urban architecture. Next to the buildings of the 18-19th century, container prefabricated shops and banks, as well as the know-how of the city - cardboard buildings. The dense pressed material perfectly tolerates bad weather, well, it is light and earthquake-resistant, which is priceless in a region with potential volcanic activity. An example of such a building is Cardboard Cathedral (New Cathedral). The stained-glass windows in the triangular opening are an exact copy of the old ones that have been lost.
The old Anglican cathedral ChristChurch Cathedral, or rather what is left of it, can also be seen. You don't have to look for the address - this is the very center, the cathedral square. The official website helps to compare projects https://www.cardboardcathedral.org.nz /.
You can also walk from anywhere to the main attractions:
Oran Zoo ( Orana Wildlife Park) is an open-type park where visitors will have to sit in a cage. Predators, for whom, apparently, the tour is being conducted, look at the slightly hushed exhibits with pleasure.
The Victoria Clock Tower or the Diamond Jubilee is a spectacular architectural creation by Benjamin Mountfort in the heart of the city.
Peterborough Centre, built by George Penlington. Restored almost completely with private funds, allows you to evaluate how the city would look without earthquakes.
Taking a car to travel around the city is not worth it. It is easier to get around the parks and alleys on foot or on a lime scooter, which have already become popular.
Where to go near Christchurch
Without transport, you can comfortably climb Mount Cavendish. A funicular runs to the top, which has become one of the preserved walls of the volcano. For trips around the area, a car is useful, there are too many places where you want to stop for the sake of photos. Interesting destinations:
The Lyttelton Road Tunnel is the one that goes through the volcano. It links the two parts of the island. There is nothing interesting on the way, except for the fact and the views at the entrance to the administrative crossing.
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve (Reserve Willowbank Wildlife Reserve) is an area inhabited by rare animals and birds. Address: 60 Hussey Road, Christchurch 8051 New Zealand.
There are three ski resorts in the vicinity of the city. Porters (with artificial snow) and Mt. Hutt (with natural) are located 30 minutes from the city.
Another original form of transport for tourists is the punta pleasure boat. Locals organize boat trips on the Avon River almost all year round.
The best restaurants in Christchurch
The national cuisine of New Zealand is British with local island flavor. But restaurants offer a full range of destinations from Thai to European. Worth a visit:
Christchurch Tramway Restaurant — gourmet restaurant focusing on local traditions. Included in the top five most unusual restaurants in the world because of the chosen premises - the building of an old tram. Address: Cathedral Junction, 109 Worcester Street, Christchurch 8011 New Zealand. Phone: +64 3-366 7830.
Permit Room is heaven for vegetarians and more. Indian and Asian cuisine. Address: 779 Colombo street opposite Crown Plaza. Phone: +64 3-925 9280.
5th Street - Reasonably priced seafood with local flair. There is a menu for vegetarians and those who do not eat gluten. 5 Elgin Street Sydenham Christchurch 8022 New Zealand. Phone: +64 3-365 9667.
There are cafeterias with an international menu in any tourist place. The employees are responsive, easily agree to provide an unfamiliar dish for tasting.
Where to park in Christchurch
The average cost of parking for 2 hours is $5. They will ask for at least $15 per day. That is why it is worth leaving the car at the free parking lots provided by hotels. Free open in the center - 271 Barrack Rd Parking (Christchurch, England BH23 2AY, UK), the best reviewed and inexpensive - Priory Car Park (Christchurch, Dorset BH23 1BU, UK +44 1202 795000). You can pay not only by card and cash, but also from the balance of the cell.
Good to know
Most Popular Agency
Sixt
Most popular car class
Compact
Average price
32 € / Day
Best price
23 € / Day
Estimated price for 7 days rental in Christchurch:
January
€255
February
€174
March
€222
April
€205
May
€200
June
€224
July
€160
August
€166
September
€297
October
€172
November
€199
December
€371
* The average cost of renting a car in Christchurch for seven days. The data is calculated based on car bookings for the previous 365 days.
The best month to rent a car in Christchurch is November. There are fewer tourists and a lot of available cars. You can book a compact class model at a price from €24. This is 31% cheaper than the average during the year.
The best time to rent a car in Christchurch is November. During this period the cost of renting a car of a compact category starts from €24, which is approximately 32% lower compared to the average price during a year.
In summer, the demand for car rental reaches its peak. The choice of available cars is decreasing. At the same time, the price of the service almost doubles! For example, in July, the average rental price of the popular car model Ford Fusion reaches €33 per day.
In Christchurch you can choose from over 40 models of different car classes and for any budget. We provide only new cars with low mileage. You can easily choose a familiar car, and we guarantee its safety and perfect technical condition.
The cost of renting a car in Christchurch depends on the car class, rental period, as well as the season of the year. For long-term rentals, rental companies provide good discounts. During the high season, in the summer months, the rental price is much higher than in winter. For example, a daily rental of Ford Focus or another budget car in the spring will cost about €24 per day. If you decide to rent this car for a week, then for each day you will have to pay about €14. The daily rental of middle-class cars, Ford Fusion, Renault Megane Estate, BMW X1 will be on average €42-€88. In Christchurch convertible rental price starts from €77. Luxury cars can be rented for €331, and the cost of renting the most expensive, exclusive models can exceed 550€ per day.
In recent years in Christchurch the demand for electric rental cars has been growing steadily. Their popularity is due to the presence of numerous free parking lots and recharging stations. You will be able to rent KIA E-Niro in Christchurch by selecting start and end dates of the rental in the search filter.
Documents required for car rental
Driving license
Credit card
Voucher
Passport
Attention!
A valid international driver's license is required!
Everything you need to know about car hire in Christchurch
Download Google maps offline
Before the trip, we recommend that you download the necessary maps to the Google Maps application on your smartphone. This will allow you to build travel routes and use offline navigation on the ground. Thus, you can significantly save on Internet roaming charges, as well as on the "Navigator" service. Downloading the map is easy. You should select the required area, set the desired scale and enter "ok maps" in the search field.
Book in advance
Christchurch is a popular holiday destination and the car rental service is in great demand here. Therefore, it is recommended to book a car in advance. When booking online, you know exactly which car, for what price and under what conditions you will get in Christchurch. The main advantage of early booking is the cost savings. The less time left before the start of the rental, the higher the cost of the rental becomes. The optimal period for booking in rental companies is 6 weeks before receiving the car. If you book early, two days before receiving the car, you can cancel the order without any penalties.
Which car to choose
Tourists who expect to drive only around the city and its immediate surroundings prefer to rent compact cars, Renault Twingo or Ford Focus. For trips to the mountains, you need a car with increased power. You should go on such a trip with a full tank, as fuel consumption in the mountains increases one and a half to two times. An all-wheel drive crossover would be the ideal car for this. Renting Renault Megane Estate in Christchurch will cost €33 per day.
What you need to pay attention to when receiving a car
Before picking up, you are required to carefully inspect the car and point out to the rental company manager for scratches, damage and defects, such as dirty seat upholstery. You should check the ignition and the fuel level in the tank. You need to know the conditions for returning the car - where exactly, with what amount of fuel to return the car.
The rental agreement must include a telephone number to contact the rental company. It is designed so that customers can get help in emergency situations, such as when a car breaks down or in the event of an accident. A call to the rental company should be done first, even before the arrival of the police.
Insurance advice
When you pick up your rental car, you need to take it seriously. This is especially true if you do not intend to purchase additional insurance. You should carefully inspect the received car and fix all scratches, dents, and other defects in the contract. It is also recommended to take a picture of the existing damage to the car, its number, write down the name of the rental company employee.
What types of insurance are available for car rental?
Third Party Liability (TPL). This is a third party liability protection. If you are the culprit of an accident, the insurance will compensate for the costs of the victims for you.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This is to protect your vehicle from any damage. She works with a franchise. This is the amount that you will have to pay in case of damage in any case. The company will cover anything over the limit. The insurance does not cover theft.
Theft Waiver (T.W.). This is car theft protection. Operates with a franchise.
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI). This is medical insurance for the driver and passengers.
Check out the fuel policy
For trips over long distances, it is better to choose the option with the already included payment for a full tank. If you have a short trip, then this service is inappropriate. Be sure to read the fuel policy before making a booking:
If necessary, use the special filter to select the most convenient option for you.
Unlimited mileage
According to the rental conditions, the mileage can be limited or unlimited. Travel lovers should choose the option without a limit. It will cost more, but in the end it will save. Check the appropriate box to filter offers with unlimited mileage.
Compare conditions of different rental companies
When choosing a rental car in Christchurch, you should carefully read all the terms of the rental. This is due to the fact that different companies may differ not only in rental prices, but also in conditions for limiting mileage, the cost of additional services, and the amount of the deposit. To compare rental conditions, it is convenient to use the search and booking system on our website.
Which rental company to choose
When renting a car in Christchurch, you should carefully read all the conditions offered by the rental company. Depending on the specific company, they may differ in mileage, insurance coverage, deposit amount, accompanying services and their cost. You should choose proven and reliable companies that offer new cars and stand out due to the well-thought-out organization of work with customers. Additionally, you can study the rating of distributors, which is also available on our website.
If we talk about the best companies in Christchurch, then it is worth highlighting sixt with a rating 9.8 and budget, the average rating of which is 9.7 points.
Getting a car at a rental office
You should show a voucher and personal documents. A manager draws up a lease agreement. The deposit is blocked on the card.
Before leaving the rental, turn on the ignition, find out the amount of fuel and compare it with what is written in the contract.
Inspect the car carefully. Point out to the manager any paint chips and scuffs. The employee must record the damage. Take a photo yourself: they should show the defect, the number of the car and the employee of the rental company. This will help to avoid problems when returning the car: it will prove that it was not you who torn the upholstery or scratched the fender.
Our main advantages
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Change or cancel within 48 hours for free!
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Car rental reviews: Christchurch
Based on 8255 reviews
Rate 4,8/5
Based on 8255 reviews
Tony
4,8
Without a doubt, I will continue to use Bookingautos on a regular basis. Thank you very much for your assistance!
Michael
4,7
Excellent value for money. The pick-up process was a little confusing, but I would use it again!
Luna
4,5
The search was very simple to use, the price was really low, and there were no problems with the rental car company.
Jody
4,9
Everything proceeded as expected. The complete coverage compensation really worked.
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