Moving to Christchurch
Located half way down the east coast, Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island. The Avon River runs through the centre and both the Cathedral and many other old stone buildings throughout the city are reminders of Christchurch's English heritage.
Christchurch has earned the title of the ‘Garden City’ due to its expansive public parks and gardens and the tree-lined avenues that surround the Central Business District (CBD). Throughout the suburbs and the adjacent Port Hills there is an extensive network of parks, walkways and cycle ways plus the sea and mountains are both on the doorstep.
Living in Christchurch
It is likely that when you move to Christchurch you will initially want to rent a property in order to get a feel for the place and decide on an area in which to settle. The city is generally very safe and the wide roads and well-designed layout make it easy to get around. Some of the more popular areas to settle in include:
- Merivale / Fendalton – These two leafy, established suburbs are two of the most sought-after areas in Christchurch due to their proximity to the CBD (only 5-10 minutes drive) and the fact that they are both largely in the zones for Christchurch Girls High and Christchurch Boys High schools.
- Cashmere – This is another beautiful, old leafy suburb, situated on the Port Hills. Homes in Cashmere enjoy panoramic views over the city and through to the sea and mountains. Travel in to CBD is less than 15 minutes.
- Sumner – This popular seaside suburb is around 20 minutes from the CBD and has a climate slightly milder than in the city. Sumner's hill properties have spectacular sea, city and mountain views. The lifestyle is casual and there is a huge cafe culture but house prices are generally high.
- Burnside / Ilam – Both of these suburbs are also popular with expats due to their proximity to Burnside High School and one of the city’s universities – Canterbury University - situated in Ilam.
If you choose to rent a property when you live in Christchurch, you will need to pay a ‘bond’ of two to three weeks’ rent. Rent is paid in advance and if sourcing a property through a letting agent you will need to pay a fee of one week’s rent plus GST (Goods and Services Tax – 12.5%). So in total it is likely you will need to pay the equivalent of five to six weeks’ rent up front before you can move in.
Getting around the city
The roads in Christchurch are generally wide and well laid out and congestion is very minimal. In fact, if you’re moving to Christchurch from a built-up city in the UK you might even find that driving there is a pleasure! Most households in Christchurch will own at least one car as driving is generally the easiest way to get around the city. There is, however, a good public bus system, with buses serving most suburbs and terminating at the centrally-located Bus Exchange.
It is possible to drive on an International Driving Permit (IDP) for up to a year after moving to Christchurch, however during this time you’ll need to apply for a New Zealand licence. If you’re not planning to apply for a New Zealand licence straight away you would be wise to familiarise yourself with the road rules as there are several which will be different from those you’re used to.