Christchurch earthquake

Christchurch and the wider Canterbury area (which surrounds the city) are recovering from the major earthquake of 4 September. New Zealand is well prepared for such instances and has strong infrastructure so essential services were quickly restored to most of the affected area.

A part of central Christchurch is cordoned off and this cordon is reviewed daily. The remainder of Christchurch is accessible.

Apart from the Canterbury area no other areas of New Zealand have been affected by the earthquake.

Christchurch International Airport is operating as normal, as are most transport links, and 98% of tourism operators in Canterbury report they are open for business.

Tourist areas around Christchurch including Hanmer Springs, Akaroa, Kaikoura and the local ski fields are unaffected, as is most of the Canterbury region.

Travellers who have bookings for travel to Christchurch and the Canterbury region over the next few weeks should contact their travel providers for the latest updates.

Those intending to transit through Christchurch to other regions will be unaffected.

Initial assessments suggest that the Rugby World Cup 2011 events planned for Christchurch in September / October 2011 will proceed as planned. The situation is being carefully monitored.

For more information please visit:

Tourists: www.newzealand.com and www.christchurchnz.com
Students: www.minedu.govt.nz
General: www.civildefence.govt.nz

The New Zealand Government site www.canterburyearthquake.govt.nz

For Ministerial announcements detailing the Government's response to the Canterbury earthquake please visit the Official website of the New Zealand Government