There's a surprise in store for trans-Tasman visitors -- in the form of Christchurch's rebuild

Pre-Covid, card data shows Australians spent around $66.5 million a year in the Garden City, and it's hoped ski bunnies will explore the area, before hitting the slopes.

Christchurch NZ Head of Tourism, Kath Low, says Aussies who haven't visited Christchurch since post-quake, are in for a shock.

She says the city's been rebuilt from the rubble into a thriving city with bars, restaurants and laneways to entertain visitors.