UPDATED 12.50pm Canterbury's Earthquake Recovery Authority spent over five million dollars on staff travel both domestically and internationally in just five years.

Figures show the now defunct entity cost the taxpayer almost $4.7 million on domestic travel for its staff.

Greater Christchurch Group Director Kelvan Smith said teleconferencing and videoconferencing was encouraged as much as possible

The cost of flights between Christchurch and Wellington from 2011 to mid-2015 was just under $2 million, and CERA also sent staff members on trips around the world, costing over $600,000.

Taxpayers' Union Executive Director Jordan Williams said it's astounding residents have to foot the bill.

"In an era where we have Skype we have video conferencing this clearly wasn't a few executives going for regular meetings with ministers. This looks like the whole department would up and go to Wellington regularly."

Staff went to drum up investment, look at international stadiums and attend leadership courses.

It is understood the travel costs included flights, accommodation and other expenses.

The figures were released under the Official Information Act to stuff.co.nz.