Christchurch 'not a broken place', tourists returning steadily

The Christchurch CBD. Photograph / Mark Mitchell

New tourism data has revealed Christchurch is back on the itinerary for many international visitors following the devastating quake that shattered the city in 2011.

But the South Island city still has some work to do replenishing its accommodation stock, Christchurch Central MP Nicky Wagner says.

The latest Greater Christchurch Dashboard - Tourism report looks at international visitor arrivals to Christchurch Airport, guest nights and accommodation availability.

"Overall, while tourism is not back at pre-quake levels visitor numbers and accommodation capacity are increasing," Wagner said.

"It's particularly pleasing to see annual international visitor numbers to Christchurch Airport (as at April this year) are over 500,000 for the first time since the quakes.

"Total tourism expenditure in the greater Christchurch area was estimated at $2.3 billion in the 12 months to April 2017."

Wagner said with British and Irish Lions fans "roaring into Christchurch" this weekend, it was a good time to take stock of the local tourism sector.

"Capacity at motels and holiday parks is almost back to pre-quake levels, but there is still some work to do in the hotel sector, with bed numbers in March 2017 at 56 per cent of 2010 numbers," she said.

"We know the central city was struck hard in the quakes and a lot of building stock, including hotels, was lost.

"It's heartening to see a number of hotels have reopened, two more are in the process of substantial refurbishment or repairs, and new hotels are in the pipeline, such as the Holiday Inn Express on Gloucester St, scheduled to open next year."

Wagner said the city had "come to life" this weekend with rugby fans attending the game at AMI Stadium or watching from bars and restaurants.

The Christchurch City Council also opened a temporary fan zone in the CBD's Innovation Precinct for people to gather and catch the game on the big screen.

"This all shows, that despite greater Christchurch's ongoing tourism challenges, the area is very much on the map and heading in the right direction," said Wagner.

"As a community, we can do our part by helping domestic and international visitors see Christchurch the way we do - not as a broken place, but a city of opportunity."