Business as usual for Christchurch following South Island earthquake

Tourism operators in Christchurch are emphasising that they have been unaffected following the 7.5 magnitude earthquake centred near Hanmer, 130 kilometres north of Christchurch, early this morning.

Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism Chief Executive Vic Allen says the airport, hotels, car and campervan hire companies, conference and meeting venues and visitor attractions in Christchurch are all operating as normal.

Damage in the Christchurch CBD appears to be minimal, although building assessments are still being carried out.

Allen explained “Christchurch is now one of the safest cities in the world, following our infrastructure rebuild and strengthening upgrades.

“We are encouraging people to keep their plans to come to Christchurch.”

At Horncastle Arena a conference proceeded after inspections of the venue by engineers.

Further north of Christchurch, the popular visitor centres of Hanmer Springs and Kaikoura are currently inaccessible by road and rail.

More information on this will follow, with updates will be available at www.christchurchnz.com

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