Canterbury Healthcare

Canterbury's health providers have received international recognition for their integrated system which includes a number of hospitals in Christchurch, Ashburton and Timaru.
Looking for general healthcare information?
 

Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand Waitaha Canterbury

Health services in Christchurch and the Canterbury region are provided by Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand Waitaha Canterbury, and South Canterbury.

Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand Waitaha Canterbury 

Te Whatu Ora South Canterbury

Public Hospitals

Canterbury and Ashburton

The main hospital in the Canterbury region is Christchurch Hospital, with a smaller one in Ashburton. There are also several small rural hospitals. For all hospitals in the Canterbury region check the Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury website.

Hospitals | Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury

Timaru

Timaru Hospital is the only hospital in the South Canterbury region.

Timaru Hospital | Te Whatu Ora South Canterbury

Private Hospitals

To find private hospitals in this region search on the Ministry of Health webpage.

Private hospitals | Ministry of Health

Dentists

All dentists are registered with the Dental Council of New Zealand. Use their website to find a dentist near you.

Dental Council of New Zealand

Doctors (GPs) and local health centres

Doctors (GPs)  are fully trained medical doctors who can advise you on your health and refer you for further tests or specialist treatment if needed. GPs are registered with a Primary Health Organisation (PHO). 

Enrolling with your local doctor will save you money and help keep you and your family healthy.

To find a GP near you use the links below.

Enrolling with your local doctor

Find a GP | Healthpoint

North and central Canterbury

Find a GP | Pegasus Health

South Canterbury

Finding a GP | Te Whatu Ora South Canterbury

Mental Health Services

Mental health services in Canterbury are provided by Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury. Mental health services in South Canterbury are provided by Te Whatu Ora South Canterbury. See their websites for details.

If you are feeling distressed or if you need someone to talk to, you can call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor. This is a free service and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Mental health services | Te Whatu Ora Canterbury

Search mental health services - Timaru | Healthpoint

After Hours Medical

For information about after hours healthcare and emergencies see the relevant Te Whatu Ora website.

After hours - Emergencies | Te Whatu Ora Canterbury 

After hours GP services | Te Whatu Ora South Canterbury

If you are feeling unwell or need some urgent medical advice, Healthline offers a 24 hour health service over the phone. You can call them on 0800 611 116.

About Healthline | Ministry of Health

Plunket

The Plunket Society (Plunket) offers information, support and developmental assessments of children at varying stages between birth and 5 years. They also organise parenting education and parenting groups. See the links below for services in your area.

Plunket also offers a free parent helpline and advice service available to all families and caregivers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 0800 933 922 for parenting help.

Canterbury | Plunket

Plunket Line | Plunket

Having a baby

There are various options available for giving birth in the Canterbury region. Check on the Ministry of Health website to see what is available in your area.

Canterbury maternity facilities | Ministry of Health

South Canterbury maternity facilities | Ministry of Health

Senior line

Senior Line is a phone service and online portal with information for older people and their carers who are making decisions about staying at home, retirement villages, day care options and rest homes. Call 0800 725 463 or visit the website.

Canterbury | Senior line

South Canterbury | Senior line

Hospice

Hospice is specialist care is given to those with life-limiting illness. Hospice Canterbury provides hospice care in Canterbury free of charge and in the setting of their choice.

Hospice Canterbury

Hospice South Canterbury

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