Nestled on the east coast of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Te Waipounamu South Island, Ōtautahi Christchurch is a vibrant city where innovation meets natural beauty.
Known as the “Garden City,” it blends historic charm with bold contemporary design, shaped by a remarkable spirit of recovery, resilience, and renewal.
With the Ōtākaro Avon River winding through its revitalized center, easy access to beaches and the Port Hills, and the Southern Alps just beyond, Ōtautahi Christchurch offers a unique balance of urban energy and outdoor adventure.
Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre
188 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch, New Zealand
The hotels below are offering discounted rates for conference attendees — a great way to save money and stay close to the action. IAIA is not involved in hotel bookings; you can book directly with the hotels using the links provided below.
Crowne Plaza Christchurch
764 Colombo Street, Christchurch 8011 New Zealand
Crowne Plaza Christchurch is just a short 2-minute walk (about 170 meters) from Te Pae Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre. Located in Central Christchurch just minutes from CBD dining, shopping and entertainment, this hotel offers modern accommodation and dining options for the business or leisure traveller. Overlooking historic Victoria Square and the iconic Avon River, you’ll be in the perfect spot to connect with the Christchurch, or meet with colleagues, clients or friends in Market Place Restaurant & Bar.
Rate: NZ$335 room only; King or Twin Standard
Breakfast: Available at a discounted rate of NZ$35 per person
Booking Policy: Stay dates valid for 16–24 April 2027
Cancellation Policy: Non-cancellable within 30 days of arrival
Payment Policy: N/A
Reservations: Book directly online. Click the below link – this will take you to rate page. Enter your required dates and click ‘Search’. Once the search results appear, you may select your preferred room type and proceed with the booking.
Booking Link: Select your room
Novotel Cathedral Square Christchurch
52 Cathedral Square, Christchurch 8011 New Zealand
The Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square is just a 1- to 2-minute walk (about 60 to 100 meters) from the Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre. This hotel positions you in the heart of the Ōtautahi Christchurch city center. Within walking distance of Te Pae, Riverside Market & the Terrace, the prime location allows you to make your way around the city easily. In addition, the hotel is close to some of Christchurch’s best eateries, theatres and shopping destinations, and iconic attractions such as the Cathedral and the city tram. The hotel includes 154 well-appointed guest rooms with a choice of king or twin beds, complimentary internet and 24-hour reception.
Rate: 10% discount on Public Flexible room-only rate
Booking Policy: Stay dates valid for 17-24 April 2027
Cancellation Policy: No cancellation charge applies until 30 days, 18:00HRS (Local time) before arrival. Between 30 days & 14 days, hotel will charge the first night. Thereafter, amount due is not refundable. If the hotel is unable to process first night’s payment at 30 days, the hotel reserves the right to cancel reservation.
Payment Policy: All reservations must be guaranteed with a credit card valid at 30 days to arrival, unless otherwise specified.
Reservations: Book directly online here
Hotel Ibis Christchurch
107 Hereford Street, Christchurch 8011 New Zealand
Hotel Ibis Christchurch is a short 3-minute walk (200 meters) from the Te Pae Convention Centre. This hotel is immersed in the vibrancy of the refreshed city center. Both the newly renovated lobby and Perch Dining + Bar showcase a variety of local artistry which highlights the rich history of the region and the vibrant street art Ōtautahi Christchurch is renowned for. The rebuilt city centre features state-of-the-art architecture and easy access to global cuisines, laneway shopping and rooftop bars, all within a few minute’s walk of the hotel.
Rate: 10% discount on Public Flexible room-only rate
Booking Policy: Stay dates valid for: 17-24 April 2027
Cancellation Policy: No cancellation charge applies until 30 days, 18:00HRS (Local time) before arrival. Between 30 days & 14 days, hotel will charge the first night. Thereafter, amount due not refundable. If the hotel unable to process first night payment at 30 days, the hotel reserves the right to cancel reservation.
Payment Policy: All reservations must be guaranteed with a credit card valid at 30 days to arrival, unless otherwise specified.
Reservations: Book directly online here
Hotel Give
12 Hereford Street, Christchurch 8011 New Zealand
Hotel Give is located about 0.5 miles (0.8 km) or a 10-to-12-minute walk from the Te Pae Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre. This hotel is The Kind Foundation’s accommodation offering in central Christchurch. By choosing to stay with us you are helping to fund a range of community services provided by The Kind Foundation. Centrally located next to the Botanical Gardens, Canterbury Museum and Hagley Park, Hotel Give boasts a range of accommodation options including self-contained apartments, deluxe private rooms and shared bathroom amenities dorms and rooms. Guests can enjoy our free and unlimited WiFi, a 24-hour reception, Number Six bar and bistro and Atawhai cafe. Hotel Give is a 13 minute drive from Christchurch Railway Station and just 16 minutes from Christchurch Airport.
Rate: 10% discount available; Rate fluctuates based on availability
Promo code: IAIAConf27
Booking Policy: Stay dates valid for: 14 April 2027 – 26 April 2027; must book by 14 April 2027.
Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to check-in time. After that, the guest shall be charged the total price if cancelled.
Payment Policy: Payment will be taken on arrival at Hotel Give. A valid debit/credit card alongside valid and current photo ID must be presented at check-in.
Reservations: Book directly online using promo code above or call 03 550 7005.
All attendees traveling from outside New Zealand are responsible for ensuring they have the appropriate documentation to enter the country. Depending on your nationality and length of stay, you may need either a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) or a Visitor Visa. Attendees are strongly encouraged to check New Zealand’s entry requirements as early as possible and, if a visa is required, to apply well in advance of travel. For the latest visa requirements, application information, and processing times, visit the Immigration New Zealand website. Attendees must also complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) before arriving in New Zealand.
April is one of the most pleasant times to visit Ōtautahi Christchurch, as autumn brings mild temperatures, crisp mornings, and colorful seasonal foliage. Daytime temperatures typically range from 16–19°C (61–66°F), while evenings cool to around 7–10°C (45–50°F). Rainfall is generally moderate, and visitors can expect a mix of sunny days and occasional showers.
English is the primary language spoken in Ōtautahi Christchurch and throughout New Zealand. New Zealand also recognizes Māori and New Zealand Sign Language as official languages, and visitors will often see Māori place names and greetings alongside English.
Christchurch International Airport is located 10km from the central city – about 20 minutes by car.
Taxi: From airport to city is around NZD$40 – $60. Taxis are available directly outside the international arrivals area.
Uber: From airport to city is around NZD$30 – $40. Uber pick up area is directly outside the international arrivals area.
Super Shuttle: This is a popular shared, door-to-door multi-passenger van service operating 24/7. You can find the Super Shuttle rank outside international arrivals. Booking in advance is recommended. Prices start around NZD$25.
Bus: Metro bus from airport to city is regular, and costs just NZD$3. Contactless payments such as debit or credit card and smart devices are accepted (no cash).
Car rental: All the main rental car companies have bases at the airport and in the central city.
Getting around: Ōtautahi Christchurch central city is flat, compact and walkable. Delegates should be able to easily walk between the conference venue, accommodation, and all key city highlights.
In Ōtautahi Christchurch, most businesses operate Monday to Friday, typically opening around 09:00 and closing between 17:00 and 17:30.
Retail stores and shopping centers generally open from around 09:00 to 18:00, with some offering later trading hours on selected days. On weekends, many shops are open from around 10:00 to 17:00, although hours vary.
Restaurants, cafés, and businesses in central and tourist areas often have extended hours, while banks and government offices generally follow standard weekday business hours.
The currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar. As of September 2026, the conversion rate is approximately NZD$1.00 to USD$0.59. Foreign currency exchange is available at the airport, and ATMs are readily available throughout the city. Contactless payment, Visa, and Mastercard are widely accepted, while American Express is accepted at some establishments.
Tipping is not customary in New Zealand, as service staff are generally paid fair wages and excellent service is considered part of the experience. While tips are always appreciated for exceptional service, they are entirely optional, and visitors should never feel obligated to leave one in restaurants, taxis, hotels, or cafés.
New Zealand uses a 230/240-volt electrical system with a frequency of 50 Hz. Power outlets accept Type I plugs, which have two or three flat angled pins.
New Zealand includes a 15% Goods and Services Tax (GST) in the advertised price of most goods and services, so the price you see is generally the price you pay. There are no additional state or local sales taxes. Most international visitors entering New Zealand are also required to pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) when applying for a visa or New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), helping to support tourism infrastructure and conservation efforts.
Sunday, 25 April, is ANZAC Day in Australia and New Zealand. Shops and hospitality businesses will be closed until 13:00, and visitors are welcome to attend public events. This is a “long” weekend, with a public holiday on Monday, 26 April. Flights and accommodations will be busy in main holiday locations. In New Zealand, businesses can charge a public holiday surcharge on 25-26 April (must clearly display if they are charging it).
ChristchurchNZ – Visit Ōtautahi Christchurch & Canterbury: https://www.christchurchnz.com/visit
100% Pure New Zealand: https://www.newzealand.com/
Christchurch Airport: https://www.christchurchairport.nz/travellers/flights/when-youarrive/
Immigration New Zealand – Visitor Information: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visit/what-youneed-to-visit-new-zealand/
