Christchurch, New Zealand in May 2011, is it ok to go? Heard ppl r evacuating. Need advice.
Public Question Asked by User179103 about Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
Answers (8)
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Answered by Lonely Planeter from Christchurch, New Zealand
Answer 1
The very center of the city is off limit! If you wanted to book an hotel in the CBD, it is very unlikely that you will get one in May. The infrastructure outside the city are functioning and should be returned to full capacity over the next two months. There are many activities in the outskirts of Christchurch which could be of interest to you. Places such as Akaroa, Hanmer Springs and further away Kaikoura. 1/5 of the Christchurch population has left in order to get a bit of respite from the turmoil of the aftershocks, some left out of fears of further Earthquakes. Regardless, my personal belief is things will be settled by May. In doubt, if you are coming and you are a bit fearful, stay out of the CBD, the Eastern part of town and any area with a soft soil composition nearby.
Answer 2
Things are slowly improving! Some of the cordoned off areas have been opened to the public. And traffic is improving all around the city, the military presence has also been greatly reduced and to tell you the truth I haven't seen any one of them around. The demolition is underway slowly, very slowly. This is an update for you if you are still coming here in May...
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Answered by John Rozwadowski from Christchurch, New Zealand
Christchurch city centre will be off limits because off serious damage to buildings but there are hotels and many motels in the suburbs. Roads in and out of Christchurch are open and it is possible to visit all of the wonderful sites around the South Island. You would be well advised to reserve accommodation early.
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Answered by Richard Gallagher from Christchurch, New Zealand
hI the center & eastern side of city is a mess CBC is a no go zone & will be for sometime I expect.However Eastern side city airport etc all pretty much as normal really .So do'nt be put off .
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Answered by Lennon Cameron from Christchurch, New Zealand
I wouldnt recommend coming to christchurch for long. I would reccomend places such as kaikora and hamner springs but I personally think it would be much better for you to spend the majority of your trip in other places in the south island. :D
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Answered by frank.spiewack from Christchurch, New Zealand
accommodation will be very limited. Infrastructure is not yet up and running everywhere. No immediate danger at the moment, but I still wouldn't visit at the moment. But Chch airport is ok to use as transport hub.
Situation will only slowly improve over the next couple months. Lots of hotels have been damaged in the quake and will need repair.
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Answered by Stephan from Christchurch, New Zealand
No it is NOT alright to go. As a tourist, there is nothing here for you to do. go to Queenstown instead.
Most of the central city in Christchurch is stuffed
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Answered by Melissa from Nelson, New Zealand
Christchurch is still having aftershocks and they may continue through til May. Christchurch will be more open by May so you can look around but there will be still areas which are still being cleaned up. There is always a chance of another earthquake and so far no predictions of when has been made.
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Answered by Dominic A Topia from Saint Heliers, New Zealand
Hello, I was in Christchurch for 3 weeks, I just got back from after helping a family member and others out. To tell you the truth, its not a good place to be if you are wanting to travel there. The center has been like it was hit by a bomb plus they have Army and police personnel travelling around the the red (no go) zone area. There is a place furthur north you could go travel to see which Is called Hanmer Springs nice little township as well as a Thermal Springs which is quite cheap too! Thats the best I could do for you, sorry
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