Chris Lynch interviewed international visitors for their opinions on Christchurch
As tourists make their eagerly awaited return, the vibrant pulse of Christchurch has certainly returned, much to the delight of local businesses and the broader community.
Curious about the perspectives of these visitors, I embarked on a bit of a mission to gauge their first impressions of our city.
Having lived in Christchurch for years, it’s easy to maintain a somewhat indifferent attitude, but the feedback I received was positive and heartening. Enough to make me feel proud.
Among the visitors, was a man from Darwin who found Christchurch “so beautiful and clean,” humorously whispering to me, a stark contrast to his hometown he said accompanied by a nervous chuckle.
Oxford Terrace / PHOTO: ChristchurchNZ
This light-hearted comparison highlighted the diverse expectations and surprises visitors encounter.
I spoke with a man from Beijing, who was visiting with his young family.
He was pleasantly surprised by the ease with which he could navigate the city on foot, free from the dense crowds typical of his home city.
Numerous tourists expressed their admiration for the picturesque Ōtākaro/Avon River, using it as a landmark throughout their travels. PHOTO: ChristchurchNZ
He appreciated the tranquility and sense of freedom he and his family experienced traversing Christchurch.
He looked genuinely shocked when I told him our city’s population.
The more I spoke to tourists, the more they challenged my own familiarity-induced apathy.
A mother and her adult son from the Netherlands praised the harmonious blend of classic and modern architecture that now defines our cityscape.
Meanwhile, young friends from China were impressed by the pristine condition and “beauty” of the central city, a sentiment that resonated with everyone I spoke to.
The cleanliness of Christchurch was a consistent highlight among the visitors’ remarks.
A young Londoner found solace in the city’s cycling culture, enjoying the serene departure from the frenetic pace of downtown London.
New Brighton Beach / PHOTO: ChristchurchNZ
His also visited New Brighton beach, with his friend, a local, and enjoyed the simple joy of walking a friend’s dog there adding to his overall positive experience.
A retired married couple from Washington D.C. were initially drawn by the narrative of a “broken city” post-earthquakes, but instead were pleasantly surprised to find only faint indications of the city’s past.
Worcester Boulevard in Autumn / PHOTO: ChristchurchNZ
They told me they particularly enjoyed the Art Centre, noting the convenience of having access to excellent coffee, art galleries, and a delightful café all in one place.
An Australian couple, celebrating their wedding anniversary, marvelled at the abundance of greenery, especially in the central city, and found the Avon River to be the perfect navigational guide in their explorations.
Their appreciation for the city’s natural elements made me reconsider the beauty of Christchurch —a testament to our successful integration of nature within its urban fabric.
This journey of discovery has been a bit of a revelation, reminding me of the unique charm and appeal of Christchurch.
It’s easy to take for granted the place we call home, but through the eyes of our visitors, I’ve come to appreciate the balance of work, play, and nature that our city offers—a balance many can only aspire to.
This experience has not only renewed my affection for Christchurch but also underscored the importance of seeing our city through a fresh lens, one that appreciates its beauty, resilience, and community
In partnership with ChristchurchNZ
