The good news is, flying to Christchurch is easy and offers specular views of our majestic mountains, rivers and farmlands.

Christchurch International Airport is New Zealand's second largest airport, with 12 partner airlines coming from 25 destinations. As the international gateway for Canterbury and the South Island, the airport is the busiest and most strategic air connection to the world's trade and tourism markets.

Christchurch is only a three-hour flight from the eastern seaboard of Australia, and approximately a 10-hour direct flight from most places in the Pacific Rim, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo and the west coast of the USA.

It’s also easy to get around the rest of New Zealand, with daily domestic flights to 19 cities around the country.

How to Get Here 

The Mid Canterbury region is just 80kms or 1 hour's drive from Christchurch International Airport bisected by the State Highway (SH1) to the east and by the more picturesque and spectacular Inland Scenic 72 Touring route. Between these two major highways is a network of quality roads allowing you to explore our region and visit small towns and settlements. You can experience much of Mid Canterbury with a conventional car, although vehicles with higher ground clearance are advised for some roads in the more remote areas.

By Air: 

As New Zealand's second largest airport and the gateway to the South Island's world renowned tourist attractions and spectacular scenery, we invite you to discover Christchurch International Airport. You can fly direct to Christchurch with Air New Zealand, Jetstar Airways, Air Chathams, Sounds Air, Virgin Australia, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, China Southern Airlines, China Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Fiji Airways and Qantas Airways.

By Rental car or motorhome: 

Collect your rental car or motorhome from Christchurch International Airport and journey south across the Canterbury plains.

By Coach or Shuttle: 

Methven Travel provides regular shuttle services from Christchurch International Airport and nearby accommodation to Methven and return.

Mid Canterbury Shuttle Service also provides a weekly shuttle service and can provide Christchurch airport transfers and other travel between Mid Canterbury locations, Christchurch or further afield.

Beckley Coachlines and Travel offer a range of transport serves including day trips around Canterbury, transport to shows, events and festivals and multi-day tours.

National bus operators such as Intercity operate daily to and from Christchurch to Ashburton and on to other South Island regions. For further information or bookings, contact Intercity or House of Travel Ashburton.

Experience Inland Scenic Route 72

Unlock the gems of Mid Canterbury. The Inland Scenic Touring Route highlights 180km of spectacular countryside, alpine townships and unique environments.

“As Road trips go, this one’s more trip than road, because there are a lot of very cool action-packed stop-offs for you to enjoy."

We've built a dedicated site to navigate you around the Inland Scenic Route

Weather and seasons

Visit Mid Canterbury any time of the year – the region is spectacular in the winter months with a vista of snow-covered mountains, the Southern Alps, as the backdrop.

New Zealand seasons are the opposite to that of the Northern Hemisphere, so remember to pack appropriate clothing for our climate. Mid Canterbury’s summer is from December to February, autumn or fall is from March to May, winter is from June to August and spring is from September to November.

The average daily temperature during January and February is 23 degrees Celsius (74 degrees Fahrenheit), and during July and August, the mean daily maximum is 14 degrees Celsius (57 degrees Fahrenheit).

What to wear

We can have some extremes of temperature, it’s best to cover your bases. In summer, you might spend most of your time in a t-shirt and shorts or jeans and the traditional kiwi footwear, jandals, (you may know these as thongs or flip flops), but always bring a jacket and jersey (sweater) so you’re prepared should the weather turn cooler.

Whatever the season, include a light rainproof jacket or coat just in case. If visiting between May and September, pack warm winter garments and layer your clothing, and bring your scarves, merino thermals, hats and gloves or you could always shop around the local shops and pick up some quality clothing right here.

If you’re not travelling for business, dress is informal and relaxed on most occasions. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and night spots.

Language

English is the most spoken language in New Zealand, with Māori and New Zealand Sign Language also as official languages.

If you can, it always helps to learn a few basic words and phrases in English and Māori before you come to New Zealand.

Here are a few Māori words and the English translation that you can learn:

·       Aotearoa (New Zealand, long white cloud)

·       Aroha (love)

·       Awa (river)

·       Haka (generic term for Māori dance)

·       Hangi (traditional feast prepared in earth oven)

·       Hapu (clan, sub-tribe; to be born )

·       Hīkoi (walk)

·       Hui (gathering, meeting)

·       Iwi (tribe)

·       Kai (food)

·       Karakia (Prayer)

·       Kaumatua (elder)

·       Kiwi (native flightless bird, NZ's national animal, colloquial term for NZers.)

·       Kia ora (Hello)

·       Koha (gift, present - usually money, can be food or precious items, given by guest to hosts)

·       Mana (prestige, reputation)

·       Manuhiri (guests, visitors)

·       Marae (the area for formal discourse in front of a meeting house, or applied to a whole marae complex)

·       Maunga (mountain)

·       Moana (sea)

·       Motu (island)

·       Pākehā (New Zealander of non-Māori descent, usually European)

·       Pounamu (greenstone)

·       Puku (belly, stomach)

·       Tama (son, young man, youth)

·       Tamāhine (daughter)

·       Tamariki (children)

·       Tāne (man, husband, men, husbands)

·       Tangi (funeral)

·       Wahine (woman, wife)

·       Wai (water)

·       Waiata (song or chant)

·       Waka (canoe, canoe group)

·       Whānau (extended family)

·       Whenua (land, homeland)

Visas and passports

All visitors to New Zealand must carry a passport that’s valid for at least six months from the date when you intend to leave the country. Travellers from more than 50 countries do not require a visitor’s visa for stays of less than three months. For longer stays, a visitor’s visa may be required.

Make sure you check your passport and visa requirements on the New Zealand Immigration Service website when you’re planning your trip.

Safety and health

General safety

New Zealand is one of the safest travel destinations in the world, and ‘Kiwis’ (New Zealanders) are known for being friendly, fun, free-spirited and welcoming. With a high respect for human rights and equality, our travel experiences cater for all ages and cultures and are LGBTIQ+ friendly.

Always take the same precautions with your safety and possessions that you usually would at home or travelling elsewhere, including making copies of your passports and visas and taking out travel insurance.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are not required to visit New Zealand. We are disease free and there are strict regulations on bringing animal, plant and food products into the country. Please help us keep our country safe and check our customs regulations before you leave home.

Health insurance for overseas travellers

Medical services are not free to visitors, so travel insurance that covers health and medical is strongly recommended.

Drinking water 

Tap water in New Zealand is treated, so it’s safe to drink in most places, including hotels, motels and restaurants. Check with a friendly local if you are concerned.

Water safety

There are hundreds of waterways throughout New Zealand, from stunning beaches to beautiful braided rivers. Many are suitable for swimming, however there can be hidden dangers.

Make sure you keep safe while you’re in, on and under the water – see New Zealand’s Water Safety Code for tips and Land, Air, Water, Aotearoa site for water quality of lakes, rivers and beaches.

Transport

Public transport in South Island is not widely available, you can travel between the main South Island towns with Intercity or Atomic Travel, in our opinion it's best hiring a car, joining a tour or exploring the island in a campervan or motorhome.

Find out more about driving in New Zealand at Waka Kotahi – New Zealand Transport Agency.

Money – currency, costs and taxes

Using your credit card in New Zealand 

All major credit cards can be used, and money can be changed at banks and Bureau de Change kiosks throughout the country, as well as some hotels.

Currency 

Our national currency is New Zealand dollars ($) and cents (c). There are five notes ($5, $10, $20, $50, $100) and five coins (10c, 20c, 50c, $1, $2).

Check the latest exchange rates and conversions at xe.com or visit one of the currency converters while you’re here. You can change your money on arrival at Christchurch Airport, Bureau de Change kiosks, and banks in the Christchurch city centre and Ashburton, the main town in Mid Canterbury.

Costs

Costs for flights, accommodation, vehicle hire, and some activities will vary depending on what time of year you’re visiting, and the day(s) of the week. Costs for dining out, entertainment and shopping are generally consistent year-round, though if you’re visiting around a holiday, such as Christmas or Easter, you may find some great sales.

Tipping

Tipping is not expected and hotels and restaurants in New Zealand do not add service charges to their bills – however a tip for good service is always appreciated.

Goods and Services Tax (GST)

New Zealand has a 15% goods and services tax (GST), which is included in the advertised price of goods and services, unless stated. Overseas visitors cannot claim this back. Some stores may waive GST if you show onward or return air tickets, or when international shipment of goods is arranged.

Things to do in Mid Canterbury

There’s so much to experience in Mid Canterbury year-round – walking or bike riding in the mountains, superb food and wine, boutique shopping, unique cultural experiences, romantic escapes, and plenty of action and adventure. And because it’s all so close, you can pack a lot in, even if you’re only here for a short time.

Shop Hours in Mid Canterbury

Standard shopping hours from Monday to Friday are usually from 9am to 5pm. Many shops are open on Saturday and Sunday, but with reduced trading hours. There are 24-hour convenience stores, service stations (petrol/gas stations) and supermarkets in most of our towns.

Mobile phone network

New Zealand operates on a 900 or 1800 MHz network, as do most countries except Canada and the United States. Mobile phones from these countries won’t operate in New Zealand – you can buy or rent a compatible phone or SIM card on arrival.

Wi-Fi access

You can find free wi-fi in some cafés for customers. Many accommodation providers offer free wi-fi access; check when you book your room.

Electricity

New Zealand's electricity supply runs at 230 volts/50 Hertz, and we use angled two or three pin plugs in a three-pin socket – the same as Australia and some parts of Asia. You can bring an adaptor with you or buy one for a small cost from an electrical store or at the airport when you arrive.

Smoke-free policies

It’s illegal to smoke in many indoor spaces in New Zealand, including restaurants, bars, cinemas and on public transport. However, many pubs and bars have separate outdoor areas where you can smoke. You must be 18 years or older to buy cigarettes.