Christchurch tourism open for business after earthquake

Punting on Christchurch's Avon River is expected to restart Wednesday or Thursday. Photo / Jim Eagles

Christchurch's tourism industry is open for business despite the earthquake.

The International Antarctic Centre next to Christchurch International Airport re-opened yesterday.

Owner and director Richard Benton said it was business as usual at the centre, which has exhibitions including penguins and antarctic fish.

The earthquake had damaged retail stock, a cafe and bar at the centre, which expected about 600-700 visitors yesterday compared to about 1000 normally.

"But apart from superficial damage and some flooding in our penguin pool we pretty much came through with little damage," Benton said.

"The birds were squawking and of course quite shaken but fortunately they're all ok."

Tourism was a critical industry for New Zealand and Christchurch, Benton said.

"I'd suspect that there will be some significant impact on tourism in our region over coming weeks," he said.

"I think that's the key message, Christchurch is not closed but be prepared for some disruption in central city and other parts."

Christchurch International Airport re-opened on Saturday following the 7.1 magnitude earthquake.

Michael Esposito is managing director of The Wood Scenic Line which owns the iconic businesses of the Christchurch Tramway, Gondola and Punting on the Avon.

"The first priority of course was to make sure all the staff were ok and their families, and now second priority is to get the operations up and running," Esposito said.

Engineers had checked the gondola which was opened to the public yesterday, while punting and the tramway were hoped to be running on Wednesday or Thursday.

However, the company had lost its head office in the earthquake and years of information, including leases, contracts and budgets.

"It's whether we can get access to that top storey but definitely we can't do anything at the moment," he said.

The earthquake and its aftermath might have a small impact on tourism in the short-term but Esposito did not think there would be any long-term effects.

Rahul Rai, chairman of the New Zealand Hotel Council for Christchurch said all but one hotel was open.

Guests and staff could access hotels in cordoned off areas.

"One or two of the hotels have slightly reduced services but its nothing really significant at all," Rai said.

"We're trying to get that message out there that in spite of the traumatic events that have happened our businesses are really open."

There was some concern about visitors being put off.

"Once those cordons start being removed then of course the perception will also really change very quickly after that."

Tourism Industry Association chief executive Tim Cossar said the organisation had been in contact with many businesses and got reports mainly of superficial damage.

"Most of the businesses we've been in contact with today are up and operating," Cossar said.

"I don't think it probably has a huge long-term devastating impact on the tourism industry whatsoever."