Baby, Come Back – Why it’s time to bring your event to Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand’s oldest city, is enjoying a reinvention and writing a new chapter in the story books following the devastating earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. There are more opportunities than ever to entice the domestic and international conference, meetings and events industry back to the city.

Many innovative developments have recently been completed or are scheduled for completion within the next 12-18 months. Key developments include Novotel Christchurch Airport, Te Pae, Turanga, The Terrace, Riverside Market and Puari Village; you can read more about these below.

It’s fair to say that Christchurch is well on its way to being able to offer the infrastructure required to successfully host and accommodate large, international events and conferences, alongside its already expanding small to medium size conferences, events and celebrations.

Let us, the team at Collective Concepts, give you a quick insight as to why Christchurch is the perfect location for your next event.

To book your next Christchurch event, contact us.

Christchurch International Airport

Let’s start with your guests’ arrival into the Garden City. The stylish and modern Christchurch International Airport is New Zealand’s second largest airport and rated one of the best in Australasia by travellers, welcoming 11 million visitors per year with 115+ international flights weekly. Efficient and sustainable, the airport meets its carbonZero accreditation. Visitors to Christchurch can get from the airport to the CBD in just 15 minutes.

 

 

 

Novotel Christchurch Airport

Events which require the combination of accommodation and in-house meeting spaces, within close proximity to the international and domestic terminals, will benefit from the new four-star Novotel Christchurch Airport hotel, scheduled to open in late 2019. With 10 meeting rooms offering a maximum capacity of 260 guests and 200 hotel rooms available, the hotel provides convenient and modern facilities in one location.

 

Te Pae

With innovation and creativity a frequent focus for event planners and event content, the new Christchurch Convention Centre, Te Pae, encapsulates both through its design and functionality.
Opening in 2020, Te Pae will be situated on the Avon River and will bring a striking design, reflecting the majestic Southern Alps. It will also reflect the culture and stories of our people. Te Pae is set to offer a unique divisible auditorium which can seat 1,400 guests or be configured to run two major events simultaneously. The Exhibition Hall will offer space for 200 booths and 24 meeting rooms will also be available.

Christchurch CBD

Christchurch CBD is pedestrian-friendly, compact and dynamic. Many of the modern shopping, dining and entertainment areas line the Avon River and sit within a mix of heritage character and contemporary spaces.

Karena Finnie, ChristchurchNZ Head of Major & Business Events says; “With an unrivalled location in the central city, the entire precinct has been carefully designed with the needs of service providers, organisers and delegates in mind”.

In 2020 the centre of Christchurch will boast 2,500 new hotel rooms. New hotels include Crowne Plaza Christchurch (opposite Te Pae), Distinction Christchurch and Sudima Christchurch City. The city will also welcome a new Holiday Inn Express and the new 200-room Peterborough Hotel.

 

Turanga

Turanga, Christchurch’s new central library opened in October 2018 and is the largest public library in the South Island. Covering five floors, the library includes two cafes, new technology, a 200-seat community arena and multiple areas for families, children and youth.

 

 

The Terrace

Only a few minutes’ walk from the central library is The Terrace which overlooks the beautiful Avon River.  Visitors are offered a stylish, sophisticated and edgy range of options within the city’s latest hospitality hotspot.  Delicious food, cocktails, craft beers and incredible live music are just a few of the highlights offered at The Terrace.

 

Riverside Market

The much-anticipated Riverside Market is located next to The Terrace and is scheduled to open in late 2019. Offering 7-day trading, the enclosed fresh farmers’ market is complimented by a range of vibrant boutique shops.

 

Art Gallery & Arts Centre

Opposite Hagley Park, the Art Gallery has its own comprehensive art collection complimented by an extensive programme of local and international exhibitions.

Nearby, the restored Arts Centre encourages visitors to enjoy the cafes and explore the spaces, which include the Great Hall, located within a 130-year-old Gothic revival-style building.

 

Puari Village

Christchurch CBD will soon be home to a new central city attraction as Ko Tāne relocates from Willowbank to a $3.5m riverside cultural centre. Puari Village, opening in late 2020, will attract local and international visitors, offering Waka tours on the Avon River, Māori cultural experiences, exhibitions, art and contemporary Māori cuisine.