Christchurch, New Zealand π³πΏ
Nomad Score:
70%
Essentials
| ποΈ City | Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island and the third largest city in New Zealand, known for its English heritage and beautiful gardens. |
| π₯ Population | Approx. 380,000 |
| π» Internet Speed | Average of 80 Mbps |
| πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 NZD β 0.60 USD; major banks include ANZ, Westpac, and ASB. |
| π° Tap Water | Drinkable |
| π Power | 230V, 50Hz, π Type I sockets |
| πΆ SIM Card | Vodafone, Spark, and 2degrees offer flexible prepaid plans. |
| π³ Banking for Expats | Cards widely accepted, and services like Wise and Revolut are also popular. |
| π Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, Bookabach, and local property management services. |
| π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely. |
| π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, Bookabach, and local rentals available. |
| ποΈ Budget Accommodation | YHA Christchurch and nomad-friendly hostels like Base Christchurch. |
Working and Networking
| π’ Best Coworking Space | Colab Christchurch located in the city center. |
| β Best Cafe for Work | Caffeine Laboratory offers a great atmosphere and Wi-Fi. |
| πΌ Networking Events | Christchurch Tech Meetup is held monthly. |
| π₯ Social Events for Expats | Christchurch Expat Community on Facebook organizes various meetups. |
Transportation
| π Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates consistently throughout the city. |
| π² Bike/Scooter Rental | The Christchurch City Council offers a bike-share system called 'Smart Bikes'. |
| ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | New Brighton Beach, about 20 minutes away by car. |
| βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Air New Zealand offers regional flights. |
| βοΈ Top International Airline | Jetstar and Qantas provide international routes. |
| π£οΈ Highway Access | Access to State Highway 1 and 73. |
| π Main Train/Transit Hub | Christchurch Railway Station connects to regional destinations. |
| π Public Transport Passes | Christchurch Metro offers day passes and monthly cards. |
| βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses operated by Christchurch Metro serve nearby towns and attractions. |
Health and Wellness
| π₯ Best Hospital | Christchurch Hospital is the largest teaching hospital in New Zealand. |
| π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga in the City and AYM Yoga Studio offer a variety of classes. |
| ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | F45 Training Christchurch and Les Mills Christchurch are popular options. |
| π§Ί Laundry Services | Laundromat Express provides self-service laundry and wash-dry-fold options. |
Food and Drink
| π± Best Food Delivery App | MenuLog and Uber Eats dominate the food delivery scene. |
| π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Whitebait fritters are a local delicacy. |
| π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Lotus-Heart Vegetarian Cafe is a great choice. |
| π« Best Dessert Spots | The Cakery offers exquisite cakes and pastries. |
| π Affordable Shopping Spots | Riccarton Market is popular for fresh produce and affordable goods. |
| π E-commerce/Online Store | The Warehouse and other local retailers have online storefronts. |
| π Grocery Delivery | Countdown and New World provide grocery delivery services. |
| πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | The Strip on Victoria Street is known for its vibrant nightlife. |
| π» Local Brewery | Three Boys Brewery is famous for its craft beers. |
| π· Wine Bars | Cameronβs Brewery offers a fine selection of wines. |
| π² Street Food Stalls | The Christchurch Night Market features numerous street food vendors. |
| π Popular International Cuisine | Korean BBQ options available at places like Aroha Restaurant. |
Culture and Attractions
| ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | The Christchurch Botanic Gardens and the Cardboard Cathedral. |
| ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | The Canterbury Museum and The Arts Centre. |
| π° Historical Sites | The Christchurch Punting on the Avon River and the Sign of the Takahe. |
| π Religious Sites | The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament is notable. |
| π Annual Events | The Christchurch Arts Festival occurs biennially. |
| π¨ Cultural Districts | The 'Cultural Precinct' around Worcester Boulevard. |
| π Theater Venues | The Court Theatre is renowned for its productions. |
| ποΈ Local Markets | The Christchurch Farmers Market showcases local produce. |
| πΌ Music Scene | Check out venues like The Foundry for live music. |
| π¨ Street Art | Explore the street murals throughout the city, especially in the CBD. |
| π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Bistro 16 offers various cooking classes. |
| π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | CoCA (Centre of Contemporary Art) features interesting exhibitions. |
| π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The former Christchurch Post Office is an architectural gem. |
| π΄ Local Heritage | The MΔori culture is an integral part of the local heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| π Nearby Nature Escapes | The Port Hills provide stunning views and hiking trails. |
| ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Arthur's Pass National Park is approximately 1.5 hours away. |
| π² Cycling/Walking Paths | The Avon River Path is a popular cycling and walking route. |
| π Scenic Viewpoints | The Sign of the Kiwi on the Port Hills offers breathtaking views. |
| π¦ Birdwatching Locations | The Travis Wetland is excellent for birdwatching. |
| π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | New Brighton Beach has designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | Courier companies like NZ Post and Fastway are reliable. |
| π οΈ Tech Repair Services | The Tech Shop provides various device repair services. |
| π Table Tennis Spots | The YMCA in Christchurch offers table tennis facilities. |
| π§βπ« Language Classes | English language schools are abundant, such as Language Schools NZ. |
| π Libraries & Study Spots | The Christchurch City Library is a great place to study. |
| ποΈ Community Centers | The Christchurch Community Centre offers various programs. |
| πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Level Up Gaming Lounge is equipped with high-end gaming setups. |
| π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Christchurch Casino offers gaming experiences and entertainment. |
Business
| π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NZD 5,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = NZD 200,000) |
| π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NZD 4,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = NZD 160,000) |
| π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NZD 4,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = NZD 270,000) |
| π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NZD 3,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = NZD 210,000) |
| π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NZD 4,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = NZD 320,000) |
| π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NZD 3,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = NZD 256,000) |
| πΌ Corporate Tax | 28% |
| π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 33% |
| π¦ Tax System | Taxed on a territorial basis. |
| π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 39% |
| π§Ύ VAT | 15% |
| π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply. |
| π Property Tax | Yes, based on market value. |
| π Property Transaction Tax | No standard property transaction tax, but legal fees apply. |