I'm heading to Christchurch for a work holiday in December
YAY!
Budget $100-150/day on entertainment and dining
Any suggestions for
(i) good local dining (western cuisine/exotic but no sheep as they're too fluffy to be eaten),
(ii) entertainment (theatre, museums, clubs for 20 - 25 year olds)
(iii) student get togethers, and suitable clothes
Any cultural expectations that I need to be aware of?
Take the redbus Re-build tour, it really gives insite into the earthquake.
I would also recommend having a phone with Google Mpas at all times, the lack of landmarks and constant roadworks makes it easy to get lost.
Not working during the day. No clubs or bars or fascinating restaurants? Because in passing most NZers say Christchurch is full of nightlife but didn't specify where.
Haha, maybe they meant the nightlife with 4 legs in the gardens. Was there in March and thought boring.
Get the entertainment book for meals etc and hire a car.
I was there in December 2013. Back when I was there, there was a Banksy Exhibition at the Cantebury Museum which was pretty cool. Also as esonic64 mentioned, do visit the re-build site where the shops are in shipping containers and go to Quake City while you're there. I had a much greater appreciation of the effect of the earthquake after going there..
How long? Are you working during the day and looking for things to do at night? There aren't many / any options in Christchurch. I think you will get bored. I don't think you'll be able to spend that much money on a night out if you try. Rent a car if you get a day off.