2023 RCPA AACB 
Chemical Pathology Course

13-17 February 2023 | Christchurch, New Zealand




Visit Christchurch

A Guide to the Christchurch CBD

Christchurch is one of the world’s most unique destinations, combining urban regeneration and innovation with heritage, culture and exhilarating activity.

Christchurch is the city of exploration, where urban regeneration and heritage thrive. The city is constantly evolving, always giving locals and visitors something new to explore. Expect street art and innovative projects, a bustling hospitality scene and established green spaces. 

The central city is filled with cutting-edge architecture alongside some of the oldest buildings in New Zealand. The Avon River intersects the city, bringing a natural landscape to the urban environment. Christchurch is the basecamp for South Island exploration, with the Banks Peninsula within reach, as well as the stunning Southern Alps and famed Canterbury Plains.

The surrounding Canterbury region offers visitors unforgettable journeys and picturesque towns, zen-like retreats and thrill-seeking opportunities. Escape to Hanmer Springs for a thermal soak, or north to Kaikōura to encounter the local wildlife. Everything New Zealand has to offer can be found here.

We've provided a number of links to sites and activities below:

Canterbury Destinations 

From the Pacific Ocean, ancient volcanic peninsula and wondrous marine life, across patchwork plains, home to adrenaline pumping activities, lush vineyards and braided rivers rising to pristine glacial lakes and the majestic Southern Alps presided over by Aoraki / Mount Cook. You'll find something special in Canterbury.


Train Trips

Coastal Pacific

Coastal Pacific scenic train departs from the seaside town of Picton, travelling through the stunning vineyards of Blenheim and along the breath-taking Kaikōura Coastline as you make your way through the idyllic Canterbury Plains to the Garden City of Christchurch.

Take a relaxing break and hop on the 7am from Christchurch before arriving mid-morning in Kaikōura, famous for its marine mammals and whale watching. Stay on a little longer and spend your afternoon among the vines of Blenheim, enjoying a drop of the world renowned, locally produced sauvignon blanc.

A journey on Coastal Pacific combined with the Interislander ferry it is the perfect way to connect between Wellington, Blenheim, Kaikōura and Christchurch.

Departing Picton at 2.15pm daily, the Coastal Pacific operates an extended summer season from September to late Autumn.

TranzAlpine

TranzAlpine traverses through the Southern Alps connecting the South Island's east and west coasts. Following the Waimakariri River through the Canterbury Plains and eventually climbing into the Southern Alps, the TranzAlpine stops in Arthur's Pass before passing through the Otira tunnel and continuing to Greymouth.

For a slice of the West Coast, TranzAlpine departs Christchurch daily at 8.15am. Spend the day exploring the beech forests and waterfalls at Arthur’s Pass. Carry on to Moana and enjoy a fishing excursion at Lake Brunner for a relaxing afternoon on the water.

The TranzAlpine departs daily from Christchurch at 8.15am and Greymouth at 2.05pm, enjoy this spectacular journey coast to coast year round.

Course Secretariat:

AACB Services
E: conference@aacb.asn.au
P: +61 2 9669 6600