Internships in Christchurch

Christchurch with a population of 375,000 people is the largest city in the South Island. Many of our interns have enjoyed taking internships placements in the garden city and have primarily been placed with agricultural, manufacturing, business and technology-based organisations. Being the largest city in the region there is a broad-based economy for all other fields and with the construction re-build since the earthquakes of 2005 there is a sense of optimism and a newly settled population from around New Zealand and around the world. If Christchurch is your preferred placement location and you don’t see a vacancy or field that suits you, simply make an enquiry or apply for our tailor-made internship program and we’ll find something that meets your requirements and expectations.

About Christchurch

Christchurch (Maori Ōtautahi) is located on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand. The Avon River flows through the city centre and it is framed by Hagley Park and the Botanic gardens throughout the city. Being a flat city, it is easy to get around by bike yet is only an hour from majestic Southern Alps and its activities including ski fields and activities like river rafting. To the East there are the Port Hills and the historic French settlement of Akaroa as well as Sumner and the beaches of the Pacific Ocean. To the north and south are the Canterbury Plains, a major New Zealand agricultural region. Evidence indicates that people first settled in the Christchurch area around 1250. Christchurch became a city by Royal Charter on 31 July 1856 making Christchurch officially the oldest established city in New Zealand.

Key industries in Christchurch

Agriculture has always been the economic core of Christchurch with many of New Zealand’s leading agribusinesses based there. These include malting, seed development, dressing wool and meat processing. Dairy farming has also grown in the surrounding area with high world prices for milk products and the use of irrigation to lift grass growth on dry land. Christchurch is also the second largest manufacturing centre in New Zealand (behind Auckland). During the last few decades technology-based industries have popped up in Christchurch, spin-offs from the electrical department from the University of Canterbury engineering school. More recently the University of Canterbury engineering school and computer science department have played an important role in supplying staff and research for technology industries.  With the re-build since the earthquakes in 2005 Design and Construction have also been key drivers of industry as the city has rebuilt.

Intern accommodation in Christchurch

We offer two kinds of accommodation: homestay and hostel residence, whichever you choose we can promise that your accommodation will be safe, comfortable and no more than 40 minutes commute to your internship location.

In homestay accommodation, you’ll live with one of our registered host families in their home. You’ll have access to your own private bedroom, a shared bathroom and kitchen, and utilities including WIFI. Breakfast and dinner will be provided, and you’ll be expected to help out with cooking and cleaning. Homestay accommodation is a great option for travellers wanting to get to know some locals and experience the culture and lifestyle of New Zealanders from the inside.

Hostel accommodation involves living in a downtown Hostel. You’ll have your own private bedroom containing a fridge, single bed, writing table, lamp, and wardrobe. Bathroom and kitchen facilities are shared with other guests on your floor, and you’ll also have access to a communal area with a pool table, TV, and gym, as well as coin-operated laundry facilities. Hostel accommodation is perfect for those looking to have a more independent lifestyle while on placement.