Christchurch

Christchurch has a temperate climate, although summers can be hotter than the norm for the South Island. They are usually pretty dry too, thanks to the shelter of the nearby mountains. Winter temperatures can be cold, with snow at sea level not unheard of. Christchurch has its own notorious wind - a fiery springtime nor'wester - that can cause widespread damage when at gale force.

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Trains run to Picton via Blenheim with connections to the Interislander ferry to Wellington. The train station is 2km (1.2mi) southwest of the city centre. There is a daily TransAlpine train service that runs from Christchurch to Greymouth via Arthur's Pass - dubbed one of the world's great train journeys.

Regular coach services will get you north to Picton, south to Queenstown, Mt Cook and Dunedin and west to Greymouth and Hokitika via Arthur's Pass. Christchurch's bus service is good, cheap and efficient. Most city buses run from the well-organised City Exchange, which can be accessed from Colombo Street.

Christchurch's compact size and flat topography make it ideal for cycling, and hired bikes can be delivered to your accommodation. Taxis are plentiful, as are car rentals. Christchurch is the best place on the South Island to rent a car or a motor home.

Airport