Christchurch

Travel Guide
New Regent Street featuring railway items and outdoor eating as well as a small group of people
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 centre 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 colour 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 showing outdoor eating and railway items as well as a small group of people

Christchurch City Centre

4.5/5(126 area reviews)

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

Christchurch City Centre
International Antarctic Centre featuring interior views

Christchurch Airport

While Christchurch Airport may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like International Antarctic Centre and Harewood Golf Club.

Christchurch Airport
Mona Vale which includes a park

Riccarton

4.5/5(28 area reviews)

Riccarton is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Westfield Riccarton Mall and Riccarton Road.

Riccarton
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Addington

4/5(5 area reviews)

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

Addington
Lyttelton

Lyttelton

You'll enjoy the sandy beaches and museums in Lyttelton. You might want to make time for a stop at Lyttelton Harbour or Lyttelton Farmers Market.

Lyttelton
Cave Rock showing caves

Sumner

If you're spending some time in Sumner, Sumner Beach and Cave Rock are top sights worth seeing.

Sumner
BreakFree on Cashel, an Accor hotel
BreakFree on Cashel, an Accor hotel
3 out of 5
165 Cashel Street, Christchurch
The price is S$88 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
S$88
per night
22 Apr - 23 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
Just a step up from a hostel.
"The bathroom was tiny, no closet space for clothes, and the bed was small and uncomfortable."

Reviewed on 24 Mar,2024

BreakFree on Cashel, an Accor hotel
Novotel Christchurch Airport
Novotel Christchurch Airport
4.5 out of 5
30 Durey Road, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch, NZ
The price is S$158 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
S$158
per night
22 Apr - 23 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (578 reviews)
"Accommodations were lovely."

Reviewed on 28 Mar,2024

Novotel Christchurch Airport
Fable Christchurch
Fable Christchurch
4.5 out of 5
166 Gloucester Street, Christchurch
The price is S$158 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
S$158
per night
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"The Fable is lovely, great location, the staff are helpful, and the rooms are clean and tidy."

Reviewed on 25 Mar,2024

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, onsite parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,835 reviews)
"Lots of the hotel was still being built ( Spain in the 70’s??) but the location was good and lots of eateries nearby"

Reviewed on 17 Mar,2024

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 onsite parking, laundry facilities, and an in-room washer/dryer. Popular attractions Hagley Park and Bridge ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (59 reviews)
"Was clean and tidy but the decor felt more like a commercial office space than a hotel. Not very comfortable."

Reviewed on 26 Mar,2024

Quest on Cambridge
Terra Vive Luxury Suites & Apartments
Terra Vive Luxury Suites & Apartments
4 out of 5
175 Bealey Avenue, Christchurch
Stay at this 4-star luxury aparthotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (572 reviews)
"Very nice owners, great place, very roomy. Not an easy walk to town or city parks, but a wonderful place to start our New Zealand vacation!"

Reviewed on 16 Mar,2024

Terra Vive Luxury Suites & 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Christchurch

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
67
" "5 - Excellent 44.078947368421055%
4 - Good
67
" "4 - Good 44.078947368421055%
3 - Okay
17
" "3 - Okay 11.18421052631579%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.6578947368421053%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
18 Mar 2020

The tram tour was extremely informative and, in places, amusing. The tram drivers are all really keen to get their passengers involved with the regeneration of the city centre.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
19 Feb 2020

We loved the city... laid back and friendly

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
14 Feb 2020

Beautiful coastal area . Nice smallish city

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
12 Feb 2020

Christchurch is trying hard to come back after the earthquake. Lots of construction going on but there were activities around and a bout to see.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
4 Feb 2020

The views from the gondola are stunning. Also went to the Antarctic centre - well worth doing for adults and children - you get to ride over an assault course in Antarctic tracked vehicle

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
1 Feb 2020

Why are they not repairing the old buildings since the earthquake