Christchurch, New Zealand 🇳🇿
#605
,
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Christchurch, known as the 'Garden City', is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 400,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 NZD is approximately 0.64 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type I sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Spark, Vodafone, and 2degrees. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Commonly accepted payment methods include credit/debit cards and contactless payments. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local hostels, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, contactless payments are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Bookabach are popular for short-term rentals. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel locations include The Jailhouse and YHA Christchurch. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Central Christchurch, near Cathedral Square. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The CBD or suburbs like Addington and Merivale. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Workshop, located in the CBD, offers hot desks and private offices. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Caffeine Laboratory, known for its strong Wi-Fi and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events held regularly at the Canterbury Tech Meetup. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Christchurch Expat Meetup Group on Facebook. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates widely in Christchurch. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Citycycle offers bike rentals around the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | New Brighton Beach, approximately 20 minutes by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air New Zealand, frequently connecting to regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Qantas and Emirates operate from Christchurch Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main highways include SH1 and SH74. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Christchurch Railway Station, with services to various regions. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Metro tickets available for bus transit, including day passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operate to nearby towns like Akaroa and Kaikoura. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) operates the Christchurch Hospital. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga on the Spot offers various classes around the city. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Jetts Fitness has multiple locations across Christchurch. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat Express located downtown offers self-service washing facilities. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats operates widely in Christchurch. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Green-lipped mussels from local seafood restaurants. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Earthly Delights offers a variety of vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Chocolate Bar, known for its artisan chocolates. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Ports of Akaroa offers fresh local produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | New Zealand's Trade Me is a popular online marketplace. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Countdown and New World offer home delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Rachel's Paddock and the rooftop bars in the CBD are popular night spots. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Christchurch's good breweries include Harringtons and The Brew House. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Portfolio offers a selection of local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The Night Market at the Chch ReStart Mall. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Mari's Indian and Dux Dine offer international dining options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Christchurch Botanic Gardens and the Canterbury Museum. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Cardboard Cathedral is a unique architectural site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Christchurch Cathedral is a prominent historic site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Christchurch Arts Festival occurs biannually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Arts Centre and New Regent Street for local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Isaac Theatre Royal hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The St. Martins Farmers Market is held weekly. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Many live music venues including The Foundry and The Tannery. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Notable street art in central Christchurch showcases local talent. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Christchurch Cooking School offers various culinary experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | CoCA - Centre of Contemporary Art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old Post Office building showcases historic architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Māori heritage of the Ngāi Tahu tribe is significant here. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Port Hills provide excellent hiking and outdoor activities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Arthur's Pass National Park is within a 2-hour drive. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Avon River Trail offers a scenic cycling and walking route. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The summit of the Port Hills offers panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Waimakariri River contributes to diverse bird habitats. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated picnic areas in Bottle Lake Forest Park. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | New Zealand Post offers reliable delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | TechFix Christchurch provides tech support and repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table Tennis Club at the Arts Centre regularly hosts games. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language Lab offers various language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Sir George Seymour National Library is a central study location. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The South Library offers community programs and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Beehive Gaming Lounge caters to gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Christchurch Casino offers gaming services and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NZD 4,500 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = NZD 135,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NZD 3,600 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = NZD 108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NZD 4,200 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = NZD 210,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NZD 3,200 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = NZD 160,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NZD 3,900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = NZD 312,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NZD 2,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = NZD 224,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 28% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 33% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Worldwide income basis for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 33% |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, New Zealand enforces strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on capital value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | No, but costs associated with purchase including legal fees. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Tax on worldwide income applies only if a resident for more than 183 days. |