The following is intended as an operational update for international travellers in New Zealand, intending international travellers to New Zealand and family and friends of international travellers. For the most up-to-date source of information, people should go to www.civildefence.co.nz or http://canterburyearthquake.org.nz/.
§  People in New Zealand concerned about the wellbeing of friends and relatives who are in Christchurch should call 0800 REDCROSS (0800 733 276).

§  For people enquiring about family from outside New Zealand should call +64 7 850 2199

§  International travellers in Christchurch who need non-medical assistance should call 0800 779 997

§  It is important that you get in contact with your embassy if you are visiting New Zealand. Click here for information on Diplomatic and Consular services

Background
Considerable damage has been reported in the Christchurch Central Business District and in Lyttelton.
A state of national emergency has been declared, however this only applies to Christchurch area and does not have any direct impact on other areas of New Zealand. It is expected to last for seven days at this stage.
There is a cordon around the central business district. Rescue work is ongoing. Damage assessment is underway.

Information for travellers currently in the Christchurch area
Christchurch International Airport is open for domestic flights and international flights. Passengers are advised to confirm check in times and revised flight details with their airline. Delays are expected. Departing passengers should not go to the airport unless they have confirmation their flight is scheduled. Latest information is at www.christchurchairport.co.nz The airport is providing free parking.

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.
Travellers not holding tickets for flights today but wishing to leave Christchurch are being assisted by Civil Defence. 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.

All New Zealand airports, including Christchurch are open and operating. International travelers planning to visit New Zealand are advised that the emergency declared applies only to the Christchurch area and does not have any direct impact on other areas of New Zealand. As a precaution, travelers are advised to check with their airline or travel agent before commencing travel in case of delays.

Lyttelton Port status. Lyttelton Port of Christchurch is completing a full engineering assessment. Port operations are currently suspended.

Rail. All trains in the Christchurch region are stopped until further notice. Trains are moving south of Ashburton and able to move north of Rangiora to Picton.
The ‘TranzAlpine’ which operates Christchurch/Arthurs Pass/Greymouth and Greymouth/Arthurs Pass/Christchurch train services and the ‘TranzCoastal’ Christchurch/Kaikoura/Blenheim/Picton and Picton/Blenheim/Kaikoura/Christchurch train services will resume on 01 March. Disrupted passengers are to call KiwiRail for alternative travel arrangements on 0800 808 400.

Road status. All highways are open apart from the Lyttelton Tunnel and State Highway 74, which is closed at Anzac Bridge between Wainoni and New Brighton Road. 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 and arrive on 23 and 24 February from the corner of Colombo St and Bealey Avenue in Christchurch.

Rental Car/Campervan collection and drop off. Travelers that have booked rental vehicles should contact their provider to establish points of collection and drop off.  Due to the cordon around the central city some operators have temporarily relocated their depots.

Information for travellers with a trip planned to the Christchurch area
Travellers intending to travel to or from Christchurch over the next seven days are advised to avoid any non-essential travel.
Travellers with a trip planned to the Christchurch area in the next seven days should check with their airline or travel agent.

Information for travellers with a trip planned to other parts of New Zealand

The state of national emergency applies only to the Christchurch area and does not have any direct impact on other areas of New Zealand. It is expected to last for seven days at this stage.

All New Zealand airports, including Christchurch are open and operating. International travelers planning to visit New Zealand are advised that the emergency declared applies only to the Christchurch area and does not have any direct impact on other areas of New Zealand. As a precaution, travelers are advised to check with their airline or travel agent before commencing travel in case of delays.

Information for family and friends of people travelling in the Christchurch area

People in New Zealand concerned about the wellbeing of friends and relatives who are in Christchurch should call 0800 REDCROSS (0800 733 276).
People from outside of New Zealand should call +64 8 850 2199. If you are unable to contact a friend or relative in the Christchurch area Red Cross will be able to tell you if they have registered with Civil Defence. People are encouraged to do this before reporting friends and relatives missing.

Other useful contacts
Air New Zealand. From New Zealand 0800 737 000, www.airnewzealand.co.nz
Jetstar. From New Zealand, 0800 800 995, www.jetstar.com
Qantas. From New Zealand, 0800 808 767, www.qantas.com
Air Asia. From New Zealand, 0800 45 2566, www.airasia.com
Air Pacific. From New Zealand, 0800 800 178, www.airpacific.com
Emirates. From Air New Zealand, 0508 364 728, www.emirates.com
Pacific Blue. From New Zealand, 0800 670 000, www.pacificblue.co.nz
Singapore Airlines. From New Zealand, 0800 808 909, www.singaporeair.com
Click here for updates for international students and parents.