Christchurch

Travel Guide

Christchurch
New Regent Street featuring railway items and outdoor eating as well as a small group of people
Christchurch which includes a church or cathedral
Christchurch which includes cuddly or friendly animals and farmland
Christchurch featuring a park

Known for its green spaces, New Zealand’s “Garden City” also offers plenty of restaurants, bars, boutiques and outdoor adventure sports.

One of New Zealand’s largest cities and the gateway to the South Island, Christchurch is known as the “Garden City” for good reason. Its parks and gardens, including the expansive Hagley Park and Mona Vale on the banks of the River Avon, are a point of pride for locals. The city has transformed itself following the 2011 earthquake, when much of the center and its classical neo-Gothic architecture was destroyed. Old buildings are being rebuilt and repaired and new complexes are cropping up. Visitors will find an ever-changing city with an innovative edge as residents make the most of the opportunities presented following the disaster. Look out for plenty of new restaurants, cafés and boutiques to explore.It’s easy to get around Christchurch by tram, ferry and bicycle, or on foot. Cycle along the riverbank, enjoy an array of shopping and dining options and take a stroll around lively markets. Christchurch Farmers' Market is on each Saturday and offers local produce and great coffee. In summer, cool off at the beautiful New Brighton beach nearby or take a trip to scenic Lyttelton Harbour.The city comes alive with color twice a year when it hosts two popular festivals. The annual Festival of Flowers is held in February and the Ellerslie International Flower Show is every March. Christchurch is popular with adventure seekers looking to explore the surrounding countryside. It’s one of a few cities in the world where just 15 minutes from downtown you can hike up mountain trails or surf a wave at the beach. Other activities offered close to Christchurch include hot air ballooning, mountain biking, rafting and whale watching. There are several internationally acclaimed wineries nearby, as well as a world-class ski resort. Book tours and rent a car and equipment in town, then grab a map and hit the highway.

Where to stay in Christchurch

New Regent Street featuring railway items and outdoor eating as well as a small group of people

Christchurch City Centre

4.5/5(344 area reviews)

Christchurch City Centre is a destination visitors seek out for is abundant dining options, interesting museums, and colorful gardens. You might want to check out attractions like Christchurch Art Gallery or Cathedral Square while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Christchurch City Centre
International Antarctic Centre showing interior views

Christchurch Airport

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Christchurch Airport and surrounding area, you can visit International Antarctic Centre and Harewood Golf Club.

Christchurch Airport
Mona Vale which includes a park

Riccarton

4.5/5(73 area reviews)

A noteworthy feature of Riccarton is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Westfield Riccarton Mall and Riccarton Road.

Riccarton
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Merivale

4.5/5(19 area reviews)

Merivale is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Merivale Mall or Papanui Road.

Merivale
Visiting this farmers market in Riccarton Bush, just outside of the center of Christchurch is a wonderful way to sample the areas foods and mix with locals.

Fendalton

5/5(1 area review)

Travelers like the historic sites in Fendalton, and Riccarton House is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Fendalton
Great place to stay in Christchurch. It's a 20 minute walk to the center of town, but there's a dairy, some take aways and bars nearby. It's clean and comfy. I had a great stay!

Addington

4.5/5(12 area reviews)

Unique features of Addington include the theaters and live music. Make a stop by Apollo Projects Stadium or Addington Raceway while you're exploring the area.

Addington
Novotel Christchurch Airport

Novotel Christchurch Airport

4.5 out of 5
30 Durey Road, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch, NZ
$132 nightly
The price is $152 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$152 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,015 reviews)
"Friendly helpful staff, clean"

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

Novotel Christchurch Airport
Rydges Latimer Christchurch

Rydges Latimer Christchurch

4.5 out of 5
30 Latimer Square, Christchurch, Canterbury
$77 nightly
The price is $88 total per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
$88 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Excellent facilities including the great gym. As always, the Rydges breakfast still holds the top spot against all of the hotels we have stated in."

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Fable Christchurch

Fable Christchurch

4.5 out of 5
166 Gloucester Street, Christchurch
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
A Friday night
"Super handy to Isaac theatre, booked 3 rooms all placed together. Bottle of wine in each room. Friendly staff."

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2025

Fable Christchurch
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Southwark Hotel & Apartments

Southwark Hotel & Apartments

4 out of 5
25 Southwark Street, Christchurch
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,986 reviews)
"Staff were great and the room was nice+ comfortable bed"

Reviewed on Jul 18, 2025

Southwark Hotel & Apartments
Quest on Cambridge

Quest on Cambridge

3 out of 5
79 Cambridge Terrace, Christchurch, Canterbury
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Christchurch. Enjoy parking (surcharge), daily housekeeping, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (222 reviews)
"Very smooth system for late checking in. Staff are all polite and helpful. Very close to CBD, walking distances from all the attractions and so close to market and restaurants. Highly recommend"

Reviewed on Jul 21, 2025

Quest on Cambridge
Quest Cathedral Junction Serviced Apartments

Quest Cathedral Junction Serviced Apartments

4 out of 5
113 Worcester Street, Christchurch
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,066 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on Jun 7, 2025

Quest Cathedral Junction Serviced Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Getting around Christchurch

The Christchurch Metro is the name given to the city’s bus system, which is a cheap and efficient way of getting around the city center and beyond. If you’re staying around the city center, it’s possible to walk between many attractions, or you can take the atmospheric Christchurch Tramway, a restored vintage streetcar which runs in a loop around downtown. Christchurch is very flat, making cycling popular. Visit the Metro ChristchurchOpens in a new window website.Browse Christchurch rental cars.

Best time to visit

Christchurch sees four distinct seasons over the course of the year, each offering something different to travelers. Winter is chilly but not overly cold, with average high temperatures in the mid 50s F (around 12 C), and this is the time to visit to enjoy Christchurch’s ski areas and snowy mountains. Spring, summer and fall are pleasantly mild, all perfect for countryside hiking and city exploration.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

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