City endorsed by travel guide

9:41 am on 14 July 2011

The Lonely Planet travel guide is encouraging tourists not to shy away from visiting Christchurch.

Writer Errol Hunt says a lot of people are asking whether the city is safe to visit.

Mr Hunt, who visited Christchurch in May, says plenty of bars, cafes and places to stay have popped up since the earthquake.

He encourages Rugby World Cup visitors in particular to make a pit-stop in the city if they're attending South Island games.

Mr Hunt says the Lonely Planet encourages people to look at the building and land damage, but to be sensitive around local people.