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 Bridge of Remembrance 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 Russley 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
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
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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
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
The price is ¥17,410 per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
¥17,410
¥20,021 total
Jul 21 - Jul 22
includes taxes & 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! (1,000 reviews)
"Short walking distance to airport."

Reviewed on Jun 15, 2025

Novotel Christchurch Airport
Sudima Christchurch Airport
Sudima Christchurch Airport
4.5 out of 5
550 Memorial Avenue, Christchurch
The price is ¥13,473 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
¥13,473
¥15,494 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"A great hotel minutes from the terminal. Surpassed my expectations of an airport hotel. Was modern, loads of amenities and staff super helpful. Free transfer bus to terminal was great and available 24/7. Great value for money too! Would recommend."

Reviewed on Jun 10, 2025

Sudima Christchurch Airport
Crowne Plaza Christchurch by IHG
Crowne Plaza Christchurch by IHG
4.5 out of 5
764 Colombo Street, Christchurch
The price is ¥13,913 per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
¥13,913
¥16,000 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (986 reviews)
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Reviewed on Jun 18, 2025

Crowne Plaza Christchurch by IHG
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.
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! (1,063 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on Jun 7, 2025

Quest Cathedral Junction Serviced Apartments
Quest on Manchester
Quest on Manchester
4.5 out of 5
54 Manchester Street, Christchurch
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Hagley Park and High ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (361 reviews)
"Liked having a refrigerator for drinks and leftovers. They were willing to store our luggage."

Reviewed on May 26, 2025

Quest on Manchester
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! (1,981 reviews)
"Clean and friendly staff"

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

Southwark Hotel & 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
192
5 - Excellent 45%
4 - Good
188
4 - Good 44%
3 - Okay
41
3 - Okay 10%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Christchurch is a beautiful, diverse and resilient community.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Under the circumstances difficult to make many comments but from driving around it looked a pleasant place.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

A beautiful city that is incredibly resilient.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

We weren't there nearly long enough. We enjoyed riding the trolley, the Botanical Gardens, and the Earthquake Museum. It's a lovely city for strolling.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Downtown Christchurch, while still recovering from earthquake damage, is clean and filled with great restaurants and boutique shopping.