Nau mai, haere mai ki Aotearoa
Welcome to New Zealand
Aotearoa, the Land of the Long White Cloud
Set in the heart of the South Pacific, Aotearoa New Zealand has long been renowned as a sought after visitor destination. With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and warm, welcoming atmosphere, New Zealand rightly sits at the top of many must-visit lists.
Home to five million people, the country offers a combination of bustling urban environments and spectacular natural beauty. Despite its small population, New Zealand is widely recognised internationally for a wide range of achievements, from leadership on progressive social issues, to innovative technology, creative arts and design.
ki Te Waipounamu
to the South Island
Experience the incredible beauty
From the heights of the majestic Southern Alps, through lush native rain forests, dramatic crystal-blue lakes, and tranquil pastures, to golden beaches and rugged coastlines,the South Island highlights the true beauty of New Zealand. A world away, yet easily accessible, a trip to the South Island is an experience like no other. And, in a region where you can be skiing in the morning, surfing in the afternoon, and dining at a winery in the evening, everything to create the perfect visitor experience is within reach.
Christchurch
A vibrant, modern and future-focused city in the heart of the South Island.
Renowned for the timeless beauty of its parks, gardens and heritage architecture, Christchurch is also a city focused on the future. A smart, connected city with a flat, compact inner-city, Christchurch boasts a fascinating mix of stunning heritage venues and smart, contemporary architecture.
The city is a place of transformation, where change and innovation are embraced – creating a strong economy, a vibrant place to visit and an exceptional place to live. With a number of key urban regeneration projects, New Zealand’s most walkable city is home to brand-new business, shopping, arts and entertainment precincts.
- The central city area of Ōtautahi Christchurch was of great significance to local Māori as a traditional meeting place. Local iwi Ngāi Tahu made the region their home in the early 1700s.
- Home to almost 400,000 people, Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island. It is one of New Zealand’s oldest cities.
- Central Christchurch is home to nearly 4,000 businesses, employing around 40,000 people.