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Christchurch, New Zealand π³πΏ
#605
,
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| ποΈ City | Christchurch, known as the 'Garden City', is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand. |
| π₯ Population | Approx. 400,000 |
| π» Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 100 Mbps. |
| πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 NZD is approximately 0.64 USD. |
| π° Tap Water | Drinkable |
| π Power | 230V, 50Hz, π Type I sockets |
| πΆ SIM Card | Providers include Spark, Vodafone, and 2degrees. |
| π³ Banking for Expats | Commonly accepted payment methods include credit/debit cards and contactless payments. |
| π Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local hostels, and serviced apartments. |
| π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, contactless payments are widely accepted. |
| π Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Bookabach are popular for short-term rentals. |
| ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel locations include The Jailhouse and YHA Christchurch. |
| ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Central Christchurch, near Cathedral Square. |
| ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The CBD or suburbs like Addington and Merivale. |
Working and Networking
| π’ Best Coworking Space | The Workshop, located in the CBD, offers hot desks and private offices. |
| β Best Cafe for Work | Caffeine Laboratory, known for its strong Wi-Fi and good coffee. |
| πΌ Networking Events | Events held regularly at the Canterbury Tech Meetup. |
| π₯ Social Events for Expats | Christchurch Expat Meetup Group on Facebook. |
Transportation
| π Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates widely in Christchurch. |
| π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Citycycle offers bike rentals around the city. |
| ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | New Brighton Beach, approximately 20 minutes by car. |
| βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Air New Zealand, frequently connecting to regional destinations. |
| βοΈ Top International Airline | Qantas and Emirates operate from Christchurch Airport. |
| π£οΈ Highway Access | Main highways include SH1 and SH74. |
| π Main Train/Transit Hub | Christchurch Railway Station, with services to various regions. |
| π Public Transport Passes | Metro tickets available for bus transit, including day passes. |
| βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses operate to nearby towns like Akaroa and Kaikoura. |
Health and Wellness
| π₯ Best Hospital | Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) operates the Christchurch Hospital. |
| π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga on the Spot offers various classes around the city. |
| ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Jetts Fitness has multiple locations across Christchurch. |
| π§Ί Laundry Services | Laundromat Express located downtown offers self-service washing facilities. |
Food and Drink
| π± Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats operates widely in Christchurch. |
| π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Green-lipped mussels from local seafood restaurants. |
| π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Earthly Delights offers a variety of vegetarian dishes. |
| π« Best Dessert Spots | The Chocolate Bar, known for its artisan chocolates. |
| π Affordable Shopping Spots | Ports of Akaroa offers fresh local produce. |
| π E-commerce/Online Store | New Zealand's Trade Me is a popular online marketplace. |
| π Grocery Delivery | Countdown and New World offer home delivery services. |
| πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Rachel's Paddock and the rooftop bars in the CBD are popular night spots. |
| π» Local Brewery | Christchurch's good breweries include Harringtons and The Brew House. |
| π· Wine Bars | The Wine Portfolio offers a selection of local wines. |
| π² Street Food Stalls | The Night Market at the Chch ReStart Mall. |
| π Popular International Cuisine | Mari's Indian and Dux Dine offer international dining options. |
Culture and Attractions
| ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Christchurch Botanic Gardens and the Canterbury Museum. |
| ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | The Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o WaiwhetΕ«. |
| π° Historical Sites | The Cardboard Cathedral is a unique architectural site. |
| π Religious Sites | Christchurch Cathedral is a prominent historic site. |
| π Annual Events | The Christchurch Arts Festival occurs biannually. |
| π¨ Cultural Districts | The Arts Centre and New Regent Street for local culture. |
| π Theater Venues | The Isaac Theatre Royal hosts various performances. |
| ποΈ Local Markets | The St. Martins Farmers Market is held weekly. |
| πΌ Music Scene | Many live music venues including The Foundry and The Tannery. |
| π¨ Street Art | Notable street art in central Christchurch showcases local talent. |
| π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | The Christchurch Cooking School offers various culinary experiences. |
| π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | CoCA - Centre of Contemporary Art. |
| π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The old Post Office building showcases historic architecture. |
| π΄ Local Heritage | The MΔori heritage of the NgΔi Tahu tribe is significant here. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| π Nearby Nature Escapes | The Port Hills provide excellent hiking and outdoor activities. |
| ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Arthur's Pass National Park is within a 2-hour drive. |
| π² Cycling/Walking Paths | The Avon River Trail offers a scenic cycling and walking route. |
| π Scenic Viewpoints | The summit of the Port Hills offers panoramic views of the city. |
| π¦ Birdwatching Locations | The Waimakariri River contributes to diverse bird habitats. |
| π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated picnic areas in Bottle Lake Forest Park. |
Other Services and Amenities
| π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | New Zealand Post offers reliable delivery services. |
| π οΈ Tech Repair Services | TechFix Christchurch provides tech support and repairs. |
| π Table Tennis Spots | Table Tennis Club at the Arts Centre regularly hosts games. |
| π§βπ« Language Classes | Language Lab offers various language courses. |
| π Libraries & Study Spots | Sir George Seymour National Library is a central study location. |
| ποΈ Community Centers | The South Library offers community programs and events. |
| πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Beehive Gaming Lounge caters to gaming enthusiasts. |
| π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Christchurch Casino offers gaming services and entertainment. |
Business
| π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NZD 4,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 30 mΒ² = NZD 135,000) |
| π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NZD 3,600 per mΒ² (e.g., 30 mΒ² = NZD 108,000) |
| π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NZD 4,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 50 mΒ² = NZD 210,000) |
| π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NZD 3,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 50 mΒ² = NZD 160,000) |
| π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NZD 3,900 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = NZD 312,000) |
| π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NZD 2,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = NZD 224,000) |
| πΌ Corporate Tax | 28% |
| π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 33% |
| π¦ Tax System | Worldwide income basis for residents. |
| π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 33% |
| π§Ύ VAT | 15% |
| π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, New Zealand enforces strict CFC rules. |
| π Property Tax | Yes, based on capital value. |
| π Property Transaction Tax | No, but costs associated with purchase including legal fees. |
| π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Tax on worldwide income applies only if a resident for more than 183 days. |