New Zealand Remains Travel Worthy

Earthquake Recovery Progress in Christchurch

Post-earthquake Conditions in Reminder of New Zealand

In response to the Christchurch-area earthquakes, I want to encourage you to travel to New Zealand, one of my favorite countries.

Unlike the sad situation in Japan, New Zealand remains travel worthy. You WILL enjoy this country immensely, in spite of the Christchurch quakes.

Nearly all significant earthquake damage occurred in the immediate area of Christchurch, and even Christchurch again welcomes travelers. Although there was some minor damage (minor to those not impacted) outside of the Christchurch area in Dunedin, this should not impact travelers.

The rest of the country, both north and south islands, remains as it was--and that means awesome!

This is great news for travelers and great news for New Zealand, because one out of every 10 New Zealanders directly depends on tourism for their livelihood.

Christchurch earthquakes

Let’s look at the damaged region.

On September 4, 2010, a 7.1 magnitude quake struck Christchurch and aftershocks followed, including one of 6.3 on February 22, with profound damage and loss of life. Deaths could top 200.

Because it occurred on a different fault line, some geologists dispute that February 22 was an aftershock.

Regardless of type, this striking 3 News NZ video shows damage from the February quake, the most destructive one.

Happily, these quakes originated under land and thus no ocean tsunamis formed.

However, 120 miles from Christchurch in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, enough ice slid off of Tasman Glacier to form tsunami waves 11 feet high on Terminal Lake according to the New Zealand Herald.

Current travel conditions in Christchurch

• As of March 8, the New Zealand National Crisis Management Centre no longer advises against non-essential travel to Christchurch.
• Today, the last of 300 Australian police officers, who had been helping in Christchurch, were able to leave.
• Christchurch airport and its rental car facilities are open. All major highways to Christchurch are open.
• As of March 17, 15 hotels and guesthouses are open in Christchurch, including the Chateau on the Park that I loved, but 23 still remain closed.
• Hammer Springs, a hot springs spa I enjoyed near Christchurch, fully reopened.
• Unfortunately, the charming central business district in Christchurch remains severely impacted by quake damage. Part remains cordoned off to anyone but emergency personnel, in spite of protests from affected merchants that a larger area should be open.
• Popular attractions such as the tram in the city center and the gondola ride near the harbor remain closed.

See Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism for updates.

In summary

You can now use Christchurch as your gateway to the South Island. However, the range of activities available remains restricted.

If you wish to arrive elsewhere on the South Island, many commercial flights, including those of several budget airlines, land at Dunedin and Queenstown. Ferry service from Wellington to the South Island also remains open. I loved this trip.

Most importantly, in all but the immediate Christchurch area, you can explore and enjoy New Zealand as before.

Travel to New Zealand. You will not regret it.