The Otautahi Christchurch isite is one of New Zealand's official visitor information centres, on the corner of Cathedral Square in the central city. It is the place to ask about trips across Canterbury. The website highlights the region's range: boat, plane or helicopter trips from Kaikōura to see whales and dolphins, Hanmer Springs' natural hot pools, Akaroa and Banks Peninsula, the North Canterbury wine region, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, and the Arthur's Pass train from Christchurch. Christchurch is also close to the Pacific Ocean and the Southern Alps, and the Mackenzie district's dark sky reserve is among the places the centre can point you to.
Customers say the staff are enthusiastic, professional and friendly, and that they will help plan a route and share ideas. One group stayed well past closing time to get their plans sorted. Another describes the office as bright and inviting. One reviewer says they were charged the full adult rate for an Antarctic Centre visit when they were entitled to the seniors rate, and that the staff did not resolve the problem at the first query. Staff are the main thing customers praise.