New Zealand

[Freq Flier 2013]

I'm going to Christchurch for a 3 day conference next week.
Do I need to get NZ currency in Australia or just exchange at the airport?
What is the best way to get from the airport to CBD in Christchurch?
Anything in the CBD worthwhile to see? I will probably have a few hours in the evening free. Staying at Rydges (conference is held in their conference rooms)

 

[neil37]

Easiest (and probably cheapest) thing is to use a debit or credit card at an ATM at CHC airport. If using a credit card it makes sense to be in positive balance to minimise the fees.

 

[Eija]

I bank with ANZ so no problems…ATM’s everywhere if you need cash/cash. I even paid with AUD$50 in a small shop no problems, got NZD change. Your Australian card will work fine. CHC-CBD is around 12km plenty of alternatives at airport from taxi, uber, shuttle buses. I just walked around Christchurch it’s not that big. If you like steak, the best steak I have had in my life was at The George Hotel. Been back a few times well worth the walk!

 

[Matt_01]

I alway take a bit of NZD but do not use it as I tend to use CC for everything and use a taxi to to get to the city.

In terms of what to see, the city is still a construction site, damage from the 2011 earthquake but it interesting (well at least I thought is was) to see how whole blocks disappeared, blocks that remain but are condemned or are now just ground level car parks. New Start City is worth a look, just shipping containers but you get the feeling of unity to rebuild. The parklands are a nice to stroll through, the museum in the parklands is also worth a visit, back in Feb/Mar there was an Air NZ exhibition but not sure if that was permanent.

 

[Freq Flier 2013]

Thanks for the advice. I'll use the ATM to withdraw some fund.
Will walk around and see how the new construction is going.

 

[TomVexille]

Only needed about $15 cash in my last several trips to NZ. uberx is also available in Christchurch now and CHC has free wifi

 

[Milboo]

I just use my EFTPOS/ credit card in NZ - may withdraw some cash there for small items but NZ is much more EFTPOS friendly - I left permanently 14 years ago and even then you could use your card most places, no surcharges and no minimum spend etc.

As others have noted - airport to CBD is an easy and short trip and I just grab a taxi from out front.

I have not been able to bring myself to go back to Chch post EQ - having lived there for my Uni years. Nonetheless, I'd suggest wandering around the Cashel St Mall (shipping container mall), Cathedral Square (albeit with a very broken cathedral now), along Oxford Terrace and the Avon River, through Hagley Park or the Arts Centre (the old Uni). I love New Regent St too.

All depends what your interests are! That gives you nature, architecture and urban landscape.

 

[NZflygirl]

Sign up for the Rydges PGR loyalty program, if only for free wifi, welcome drink and 20% off F&B.
Cash I'd just withdraw from an ATM (eftpos) or use your credit card for purchases.

3 days seems to short to get outside of Christchurch, there is also the Antarctic centre just by the airport.

 

[Maca44]

Thanks for the advice. I'll use the ATM to withdraw some fund.
Will walk around and see how the new construction is going.

As someone mentioned previously, ensure your card is in credit otherwise you could be charged a "cash advanced" fee by the bank and interest on a cash advance commences from the date you obtain the funds.

 

[serfty]

ANZ charged a $4 (IIRC) fee for ATM withdrawals, even at an ANZ ATM's. (This may have changed - I have used one there for well over a decade.)

For small withdrawals that becomes significant percentage wise.

Suggest a Citibank plus debit visa.