10 Reasons to Hold Your Conference in Christchurch
1. Urban Edge and Alpine Cool
Christchurch is located on the east coast, in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island. Here it’s possible for delegates to breakfast in the Southern Alps, enjoy lunch on the Canterbury Plains, savour cocktails in the city and dine by the sea. Christchurch is New Zealand’s second largest city and boasts a world-class city and conference infrastructure.
2. Easy Access
As the major airport access for New Zealand’s South Island, Christchurch International Airport is gateway for a number of airlines flying direct services from Australia, Asia and the Pacific Islands with connections from cities worldwide. Australia is only three hours by air from Christchurch with direct daily trans-Tasman flights provided Air New Zealand, Qantas, Emirates, Jetstar,
Virgin Pacific Blue and Singapore Airlines.
3. Sophisticated City
A quick 15 minutes from the international airport, Christchurch is a relaxed and friendly city, offering a great variety when it comes to culture, food, shopping and entertainment. The attractive city centre is perfect for exploring on foot, and each precinct has its own distinct character. A lively café scene and world-class restaurants are matched by a thriving creative scene, and the city has its own stunning modern art gallery, professional theatre company, symphony orchestra and opera.
4. High-quality Accommodation
There are over 2500 quality hotels rooms within 10 minutes walk of the centrally located Christchurch Convention Centre, and close to the many restaurants, shops, nightlife and cultural attractions. Within minutes of the city are diverse resort and lodge options offering acres of activity and relaxation space.
5. Team Building Activities
Within the city, you can make the most of magnificent Hagley Park - 161 hectares of greenery with tree-lined walkways, lakes, Christchurch Botanical Gardens, a golf course and playing fields. Meandering through the park and city is the enchanting Avon River, ideal for a punting adventure. Just beyond the city, the beautiful South Island and Canterbury environment offers a wealth of possibilities. Dolphin cruises, albatross & dolphin encounter, ballooning, horse trekking, aerial obstacle courses, whale watching, wildlife & Maori cultural performance, Airforce Museum, golfing, and relaxing at an alpine spa are among a myriad of options for team activities.
6. Unique Dining
Christchurch offers an astounding array of dining venues for private and corporate events. Choose one of the many reputable international restaurants, historic pubs and casual bars or opt for something a little different – an historic home, heritage village, harbour cruise, theatre, winery, art gallery, lawn marquee or cocktails aboard an historic tram. Or simply transform a hotel function room with the flare of local theming companies. The fertile Canterbury plains and clean ocean waters are the source of superb local produce. Waipara wines, famous Canterbury lamb, Akaroa salmon and Kaikoura crayfish are all on the menu at a host of the 
city’s award-winning restaurants and dining venues.
7. World-class Facilities
Meeting venues vary from golf resorts like Clearwater, thermal spa hotels and high country retreats to university campuses and the country’s largest purpose-built Convention Centre. A strong network of support service providers, audio-visual experts and quality local entertainment rounds out the range of facilities.
8. Cost-effective
Accommodation, food and transport are all good value for international visitors, and the city’s world-class facilities are competitively priced on the domestic market as well.
9. Safe and Sustainable
New Zealand has been voted number two in the world and number one in Asia Pacific as most peaceful and safe country in the 2007 Global Peace Index. As a carbon-neutral organisation, Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism is committed to assisting conference organisers in managing carbon-neutral events.
10. Free Professional Assistance
The professional team at Christchurch & Canterbury Convention Bureau offers a wide range of free resources and free planning advice. This includes an informative website and the latest Meeting and Incentive Planner: a comprehensive directory of the region’s capabilities including programme enhancers, venues, accommodation, dining, entertainment, activities, tours and transport. Seed funding and event loan options are also available in Christchurch, through Christchurch & Canterbury Convention Bureau.
Accommodation suitable for conference attendees
Athena Motel
Bellagio Motel Suites
CentrePoint on Colombo
Chateau Blanc Suites - A Clarion Collection Hotel
Chateau on the Park - Your Inner City Resort Hotel
Elms Hotel
Fyffe On Riccarton Motor Lodge
Lorenzo Motor Lodge
Milano Motor Lodge
Quality Pavilions
Quest Christchurch
Riccarton Mall & Deans Bush Motel
Roma on Riccarton
The Latimer Hotel
Event coming up in 2008: 3-day Small Business Expo - Christchurch
Over 100 exhibitors, all under one roof for three days, providing quality products and services to small to medium size business owners. Get all the information you need to be a better business owner, make better business decisions and improve your productivity. Work 'on' rather than 'in' your business. Free seminar series, specialist advice, mentoring and business brokering. This is the largest event held for business in New Zealand, travelling to Auckland (16-18 April) and Wellington (25-27 June) in 2008 also.
Dates
Tuesday 20 May 2008 - 9am to 4pm
Wednesday 21 May 2008 - 9am to 8pm
Thursday 22 May 2008 - 9am to 4pm
Location
Christchurch Convention Centre, Christchurch
Tickets
$20 (incl GST), available through www.businessexpo.co.nz
Handy Information
Most images courtesy of Christchurch & Canterbury Convention Bureau™