Canterbury

Tertiary medicine with the Southern Alps on your doorstep

Canterbury runs from the Southern Alps across a wide plain to the sea, with Christchurch in the middle.

It holds the largest tertiary, teaching and research hospital in the South Island, and the mountains are close enough to ski and be home for dinner.

Canterbury at a glance

Main centres:
Christchurch, Ashburton, Rangiora, Kaikōura

Population:
Regional population: 633,400
Largest urban centre: 556,500

Health district:
Canterbury

Main hospital:
Christchurch Hospital

Summer average high:
23°C in January

Winter average high:
11°C in July

Sunshine:
2,100 hours a year

Rainfall:
650 mm a year

Living in Christchurch, a flat city with mountains on the skyline

Christchurch is the biggest city in the South Island. Flat, easy to cycle, and rebuilt in large part since the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes, which has left it with a newer centre than most New Zealand cities.

The Port Hills rise at the southern edge, with Banks Peninsula and the harbours of Lyttelton and Akaroa past them. The Southern Alps and the ski fields sit west.

Ashburton, Rangiora and Kaikōura cover the districts around it, and the Chatham Islands health centre is run from here.

Christchurch Hospital, the South Island's tertiary hub

Health New Zealand describes Christchurch Hospital as the largest tertiary, teaching and research hospital in Te Waipounamu, with a tertiary birthing unit and a children's hospital.

Christchurch Women's Hospital delivers a full range of tertiary and secondary maternity services.

Burwood Hospital covers rehabilitation, elective orthopaedic surgery, older persons health and specialist spinal rehabilitation. Hillmorton is the mental health hospital. Christchurch Outpatients at Waipapa handles outpatient work.

Ashburton Hospital runs after-hours accident and medical, a primary birthing unit and aged care, without an emergency department. Rangiora Health Hub and Kaikōura Health cover North Canterbury.

If you want tertiary and academic work without living in the country's biggest city, Canterbury is one of the few places that offers both.

Moving to Canterbury with family

Christchurch has the schooling, sport and cultural infrastructure of a major city with commutes that stay sensible.

Housing goes further than Auckland or Wellington for a comparable home, and the flat ground makes cycling to school and work normal rather than heroic.

Skiing, tramping, surfing and the Alps are all day trips rather than expeditions. A tertiary hospital with that on the doorstep is a rare combination anywhere.

The fuller picture

The rebuild has given Christchurch new facilities including Te Pae convention centre, Tūranga central library and Te Kaha stadium, and a city centre that feels fresh and modern.

Christchurch International Airport has direct flights to Australia and beyond, making it the South Island's main gateway.

This is a big service, with the structure and process that come with scale. Different rhythm from a rural post, so it's worth knowing which one you're after.

Talk to us about Canterbury

We'll work through which site and which service fits your specialty, since Canterbury covers a wider range of settings than most districts. For international doctors, registration, immigration and relocation sit alongside the role conversation.

Talk to our team

What doctors ask us about Canterbury

Talk to us about working in Canterbury

Is Christchurch Hospital a tertiary hospital?

Yes. Health New Zealand describes Christchurch Hospital as the largest tertiary, teaching and research hospital in Te Waipounamu, the South Island. Christchurch Women's Hospital delivers a full range of tertiary and secondary maternity services.

What other hospitals are in Canterbury?

Burwood Hospital for rehabilitation, elective orthopaedic surgery, older persons health and specialist spinal rehabilitation, Hillmorton Hospital for mental health, Christchurch Outpatients at Waipapa, Ashburton Hospital, Rangiora Health Hub and Kaikōura Health.

How close is Christchurch to the ski fields?

The Southern Alps and the ski fields sit west of the city and work as a day trip. Banks Peninsula, the Port Hills and the harbours of Lyttelton and Akaroa are right on the doorstep.