Christchurch is the educational, horticultural, commercial and tourism hub for New Zealand's South Island. With the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Southern Alps to the west, our environment is one of extraordinary beauty.
Christchurch is home to thousands of students who come from all over the world to study. One of the oldest cities in New Zealand, Christchurch is home to people of many cultures and has thriving sports, arts, and entertainment scenes and a wealth of restaurants, cafes and bars. The climate is temperate, with mild winters and warm, dry summers. For more detailed information about Christchurch, its surroundings and events, see:
Student life
We have great cafes on campus and our calendar regularly features exciting opportunities to make friends and practise your English with New Zealanders and other international students. You can join in our cultural festivities, forums, exhibitions, gigs and shows, as well as attend concerts and events hosted by other music and arts groups in our venues.
Learn more about student life at CPIT.
Recreation and sport
Christchurch is the destination for many sporting events and is fortunate to have a number of international standard facilities.Our region is also renowned for adventure sports like surfing, skiing, snowboarding and kayaking. Golfing is enjoyed year round with low cost green fees and more than 30 stunning courses in Canterbury,
Several arts, music and cultural festivals are held each year throughout our region and international artists regularly feature at the CBS arena. Hagley Park is spectacular throughout the year and is the main venue for outdoor concerts, expos and events.
Dance and live theatre is very popular in our city with stage shows to entertain and numerous studios teaching steps as varied as Ballroom and Salsa to Hip Hop.
Specialist food and craft markets are held every weekend and diverse ethnicities are well represented in the city's restaurants and shopping districts.
CPIT has a comprehensive activities programme which includes trips, excursions and activities for all CPIT students. You can try something new, have access to discounted trips, practice your English and meet new friends.
Staying in Christchurch
Christchurch has many accomodation options for you to consider. We strongly recommend that you stay with a homestay family when you first arrive in Christchurch. A homestay provides a warm, family environment. You will have your own room, meals with the family and the opportunity to practice your English every day. All of our homestays are carefully selected and supervised.
Our homestay services include:
- full inspection of all homes and interviews with host families;
- airport pick-up;
- police vetting of all host families;
- a 'welcome pack' upon arrival;
- banking assistance on your first day at CPIT;
- translators to assist communication; and
- follow-up meetings with you and your homestay family to ensure everyone is happy and comfortable.