Located on the east coast of the South Island, Christchurch is New Zealand’s third largest city.
‘The Garden City’ has a rich history and welcomes many tourists and students as they arrive at the city’s international airport ready to explore the South Island.
Living in Christchurch as a student
English New Zealand has two member schools in Christchurch. CCEL is located on a university campus, within easy travelling distance of the city centre. LSNZ Christchurch is located in the heart of the CBD.
Staying with a homestay family at the start of your course is a popular choice. Long-term students often move to a campus residence or share a house with other students.
Further study options include quality high schools, private colleges, and tertiary institutions. Ara Institute of Canterbury, the University of Canterbury (UC), and Lincoln University offer world-class diploma and degree programmes.
What to do in Christchurch
Explore the central city by foot to check out the outstanding street art, grab a coffee at the Arts Centre, then walk through the beautiful English-style Botanic Gardens.
At the weekend, walk along the beach at Sumner or go mountain biking at the Christchurch Adventure Park. Visit the Riccarton Farmers’ Market to sample gourmet and organic foods, enjoy the entertainment, and talk to friendly people from Christchurch and overseas.
Visiting the International Antarctic Centre, punting down the Avon River, and relaxing in the He Puna Taimoana Hot Pools by the sea are just a few more must-do activities.
Eating and drinking in Christchurch
Christchurch has many great restaurants and cafe options to enjoy.
Visit one of the fantastic restaurants or cocktail bars in New Regent Street or The Terrace, and make sure you try the gourmet ice cream at Rollickin Gelato.
Little High Eatery and Riverside Market are two upmarket food courts offering delicious local and international cuisine. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to practise your English while socialising with friends at one of these great venues!
Venues, facilities and events in Christchurch
Every year, a range of fun festivals and events are organised in Christchurch. You can watch hilarious street performances at the Bread and Circus Buskers Festival and see beautiful light displays at the Lantern Festival.
Home to the internationally-renowned Crusaders rugby team, Christchurch hosts many sports games throughout the year.
International music artists perform at the Christchurch Arena or Christchurch Town Hall, and Hagley Park holds family friendly events such as Sparks in the Park, which combines classical music with spectacular fireworks.
What to see and do in the Christchurch region
Within two hours of Christchurch city, you can ski or snowboard, enjoy a round of golf, bungy jump, go white water rafting, or try some of New Zealand’s finest wines at a winery in Waipara.
Just a few hours north of Christchurch, you’ll find Kaikoura, a small seaside town which is home to an amazing seal colony.
Trips to Hanmer Springs hot pools and to Akaroa to see the Hector’s Dolphins are two more things you should definitely do while studying in Christchurch.
Why learn English in Christchurch?
Choose Christchurch if you want to learn English in a city that combines a rich history with an exciting future.
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