New Zealand Freephone
0508 11 22 33
0508 11 22 33
USAVE has a truck rental location close to Christchurch Airport, so we have plenty of experience of living and working here. We have compiled some information about living in Christchurch, so if you’re planning on relocating to New Zealand’s second biggest city, we hope this information will be useful.
Christchurch is located near the centre of the east coast of the South Island, flanked by the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Canterbury Plains to the west. Christchurch stretches from the Waimakariri River in the north to the Banks Peninsula in the south.
Christchurch is located in an area of immense geographical contrast, offering a diverse range of activities within a short distance. Within a 3 hour drive you can go skiing at a top alpine resort, try surfing on the east coast, head out to sea to watch dolphins, whales and penguins, float high above the Canterbury Plains in a hot air balloon, hike through rain forests, see spectacular glaciers and crystal clear lakes, or head to a national park for trekking and biking.
Christchurch has a dry, temperate climate, with mean daily maximum air temperatures of 22.5°C in January and 11.3°C in July. Christchurch is located on the east coast and during the summer regularly receives coastal breezes, which moderate the hot temperatures.
The cost of renting a 3 bedroom house in Christchurch is around $330-$440 per week depending on the suburb. The New Zealand average is $340 per week. The majority of housing in the CBD are apartments rather than houses. House prices vary considerably depending on the suburb but average house prices range from $290,000 – $530,000.
Find out more about the cost of living in New Zealand, including a cost of living calculator.
Christchurch has a thriving business centre with a range of large companies and small businesses offering a full and part time employment. Agriculture and dairy farming are key industries and tourism has become a significant sector due to Christchurch’s position as the hub of the South Island.
Schools in Christchurch are among the best in the country, with a good selection of primary, intermediate and secondary schools. These include both government-funded (state) and private schools, many of which have a traditional English “public school” feel. There are also a range of private and funded day care centres and kindergartens for pre-school children (age 2 – 5).
State primary schools are co-educational while some high schools are single sex. Admission to state schools is usually by residential zoning, so it pays to check out your preferences for schools before buying a house in Christchurch. Houseprices in areas close to popular schools can be high.
View a list of Christchurch schools for more details.
Christchurch is an educational hub with 2 major Universities within 20 minutes of each other and an estimated 60 further study institutions. Canterbury University has around 22,000 students, while Lincoln University is much smaller with around 4,500 students and a focus on agriculture, viticulture and science.
According to the Canterbury Crime Survey, the wider Canterbury region reported 956.7 incidents of crime per 10,000 people in 2009. This was a 2% increase on the previous period. This compares with Auckland, which received 1,333.1 incidents of reported crime per 10,000 people and 1,049.2 incidents in Palmerston North.
Inner Suburbs (clockwise, from north of the city centre)
Mairehau, Shirley, Dallington, Richmond, Avonside, Linwood, Woolston, Opawa, Waltham, St Martins, Beckenham, Sydenham, Somerfield, Spreydon, Addington, Riccarton, Ilam, Burnside, Fendalton, Bryndwr, Strowan, Merivale, Papanui, St Albans.
Outer Suburbs (clockwise, from north of the city centre)
Marshland, Burwood, Parklands, Waimairi Beach, Avondale, New Brighton, Bexley, Aranui, South Brighton, Southshore, Bromley, Mt Pleasant, Redcliffs, Sumner, Ferrymead, Heathcote Valley, Hillsborough, Murray Aynsley, Huntsbury, Cashmere, Westmorland, Hillmorton, Hoon Hay, Halswell, Oaklands, Wigram, Middleton, Sockburn, Hornby, Islington, Templeton, Yaldhurst, Russley, Avonhead, Harewood, Bishopdale, Casebrook, Redwood, Regents Park, Northwood, Belfast, Spencerville, Brooklands.
Satellite Towns
Lyttelton, Tai Tapu, Lincoln, Prebbleton, Rolleston, West Melton, Rangiora, Kaiapoi, Akaroa, Motukarara.
Are you about to relocate to Christchurch? We have a range of truck rental options to cater for small apartment moves right up to large family homes so take a look at our great range of truck hire vehicles.
Moving Tips | Christchurch Demographics | Christchurch Transport Options | New Zealand Relocation Advice