Christchurch has come a really long way since the earthquakes five years ago. Not only has the rebuild created a huge amount of jobs for workers who have come from all over the world to help transform the city, but it has also transformed it into arguably one of the most innovative, vibrant and unique destinations in the country.

It has even captured the attention of Lonely Planet, and was named one of the top ten cities in the entire world for its Best in Travel publication in 2013, saying it was “bouncing back with a new energy and inventiveness” and “rising from the rubble ... with a breath-taking mix of spirit, determination and flair.”

"In the city itself, exciting things are going on ... Live-music venues have popped up all over the place and innovative artworks fill empty demolition sites."

The rebuild is of course now well under way and dotted among the rapidly changing face of the city are a collection of funky new cafes, bars, restaurants and music venues to keep you entertained.

Cute laneways in the centre of the town are teeming with a mixture of fabulous places to eat and drink including Strange’s Lane on Lichfield Street with restaurants Orleans, Vespa Bar, Lower 9^th Diner and Strange and Co, all located around a central courtyard. The nearby Poplar Lane on Tuam Street is the new home of Dux Central, a large bar complex containing four unique spaces that boasts a craft beer bar, a spirit and wine bar, a speak-easy style bar and a functions venue.

Victoria Street has also become a popular local drawcard with a cluster of excellent bars and restaurants all within strolling distance including the ever popular Mexicanos and the adjacent Dirty Land bar, Tequila Mockingbird provides some South American flavours, King of Snake has cocktails and delectable Asian fusion food, as well as Boo Radleys Food and Liquor and the Harlequin Public House to name just a few. You really are spoiled for choice!

A great way to keep track of the many new cafes, restaurants and bars that continue to pop-up all over Christchurch as well as the tried and tested favourites is by visiting www.neatplaces.co.nz.

But it isn’t just the thriving new entertainment scene that makes Christchurch so exciting; it’s the massive estimated 40 billion dollar rebuild project that is replacing key infrastructure and developments in the city. The Government has a big vision for the city and that is also providing work opportunities in trade industries for those that want to come and live and work in New Zealand.

OrbitProtect are passionate about ensuring that visitors to New Zealand are protected in case the unexpected should happen, and that is no different for the many workers who have come to Christchurch to help rebuild the city.

An excellent option for rebuild workers is the Orbit Protect Experience New Zealand plan which covers manual work for building and related trades as well as dairy farming. It’s an excellent plan that can prevent you spending all your hard-earned cash on unexpected medical bills or flights home! Learn more about the plan here.