News release: June 18, 2012

Magic time for Christchurch

In another sign of Christchurch’s recovery, popular tour bus company Magic has re-introduced the city into all its national itineraries.

“This is fantastic news and shows how far we’ve progressed over the past 15 months,” says Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism chief executive Tim Hunter.

“We’re thrilled that Magic sees Christchurch as an exciting and viable destination and we welcome their young clients to the city.’’

Magic product manager Daryl Raven says the time is right to bring international tourists back to Christchurch.

He says of late Magic passengers have been expressing a curiosity and desire to experience Christchurch and to learn first-hand about the earthquakes and their impact on the Canterbury region.

“Magic believes that by facilitating this our passengers will in turn pass on their stories and experiences and hopefully inspire others to head back to the City of Christchurch as it rebuilds for the future.

“The infrastructure in Christchurch is very good and is developing creatively every day. The Magic team looks forward to giving passengers the ability to say that they were present during the rebuilding and re-birth of one of New Zealand’s most iconic cities and supporting the economy of Christchurch get back on its feet,’’ says Mr Raven.

Magic’s return is the latest in a long line of positive developments in Christchurch. And with Canterbury ski areas open for the winter season, tourist operators are hoping the next few months will see an influx of both domestic and international visitors.

“Winter traditionally sees a lot of Australians heading over here for ski holidays and we’re hoping a lot of those visitors will take time out to also explore Christchurch and see for themselves the progress the city is making,’’ Mr Hunter says.

The cordoned area of Christchurch’s CBD is steadily reducing and new pockets of the city are being opened up. The city’s funky Re:Start container mall is expanding and new bars and restaurants are popping up everywhere.

Christchurch’s live-music scene has rebounded with the reopening of The Bedford, an iconic venue that regularly showcases the best of Kiwi bands and DJs. The Bedford’s former building was damaged in the earthquakes so now it’s become a mobile location, popping up at the Christchurch Polytechnic and in temporary marquees around the city.

Live rugby is also back in the city, with the region’s super successful Crusaders’ franchise playing regularly at the newly constructed AMI Stadium in Addington. The stadium has just had another 3300 seats added to it, bringing its total seating capacity to 20,000 for the All Blacks' winning test match against Ireland on Saturday.

“Lonely Planet has been keeping a very close eye on what’s been happening in Christchurch and they’ve been amazed by all the exciting things going on and have produced some very useful guides for visitors which can be downloaded from their website,’’ says Mr Hunter.

"There's also really good information about what is happening around Christchurch on our regular blog <>. It will tell you what's popped up and where so that you don't miss out on the chance to visit places like Smash Palace - our newest pop-up bar, which draws together the best of retro Kiwi style and our No. 8 wire mentality."

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