Christchurch update from Tourism New Zealand
Considerable damage has been reported in the Christchurch Central Business District and in Lyttelton. The Christchurch central city has been cordoned off and is not accessible.
Christchurch International Airport opened for domestic flights at 8am (NZT) this morning. Travellers are advised to go to www.christchurchairport.co.nz for the latest information on international and domestic departures or to call their airline for flight details.
Departing passengers should not go to the airport unless they have confirmation their flight is scheduled.
All other South Island and New Zealand airports are open and operating.
International travellers planning to visit New Zealand are advised that all regions outside of the Canterbury area remain operational.
As a precaution, travellers are advised to check with their airline or travel agent before commencing travel.
People who have tickets for flights booked for today
Travellers holding airline tickets are advised to check with their airline or travel agent before commencing travel to the airport.
Travelers not holding tickets for flights today but wishing to leave Christchurch
Opportunities are being provided for visitors to leave Christchurch by Civil Defence. This will help to free up accommodation in Christchurch and also reunite people with friends and family.
People in this situation should make their way to collection points at the Burnside High School welfare centre, corner of Memorial Avenue and Greers Road or the welfare centre at North Hagley Park.
Please note, do not go to the airport directly if you wish to be on these flights. Please go only to the collection points.
Road status
All highways are open apart from Lyttelton Tunnel, State Highway 74 and Anzac Avenue Bridge for which a detour is available.
There are reports of major damage to local roads in the city and liquefaction and surface flooding. There are also some road closures in the Selwyn District.
Coach Services
Intercity Coach Services are operational and will depart from the corner of Colombo St and Bealey Avenue in Christchurch.
Lyttleton Port status
The harbour is closed for at least 24 hours.
Useful contacts:
• A New Zealand Red Cross Person Enquiry Line should call 0800 REDCROSS (0800 733 276)
• For people enquiring about family from outside New Zealand should call +64 7 850 2199
• International Visitors in Christchurch who need assistance should call 0800 779 997
• New Zealand Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management website, www.mcdem.govt.nz or http://www.civildefence.govt.nz/
• Environment Canterbury’s earthquake site at http://canterburyearthquake.org.nz/.
• Christchurch Airport: http://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/
Ian Jarrett
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Digital Travel Reporter of the Mirror totally seduced by HotelPlanner AI Travel Agent
Strike action set to cause travel chaos at Brussels airports
All eyes on Qatar as Qatar Airways leads a season of global events