Christchurch Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Christchurch
New Regent Street which includes outdoor eating and railway items as well as a small group of people
Christchurch showing a church or cathedral
Christchurch
Christchurch
The Garden City delights visitors with native parklands, Māori culture and adrenaline-charged adventures through the countryside.

Take your time unlocking Christchurch, a dynamic adventure destination that acts as the gateway to New Zealand's South Island. Founded in 1856, the Garden City, in the Canterbury region, has become the country's largest metropolis.

In town, stroll the inner city parks and spot photogenic urban designs interspersed between the greenery. Admire manicured gardens alongside historic buildings at Riccarton Bush & Ilam Homestead. Browse native species in the visually stunning Christchurch Botanic Gardens.

Be sure to visit attractions that tell the stories of the city, the surrounding region and the country. One remarkable landmark is the Cardboard Cathedral, a “transitional” church that was built after the original Anglican cathedral was damaged in the 2011 earthquake. It's the world’s only cathedral built mostly of cardboard. The Canterbury Museum building suffered only minor damage in the earthquake so you can still appreciate its original Gothic Revival architecture. Inside, browse some of the museum’s millions of items, including Māori artifacts from before their contact with Europeans.

Discover more Māori culture at Ko Tane Māori Village. Learn about the fierce Māori warriors and watch powerful traditional dancing. Stay for an authentic Māori dinner cooked in a stone-heated pit. 

Explore the scenic high trails of the surrounding Canterbury region via mountain bike or four-wheel drive. Spend a day in the Selwyn district trying the area's distinct wine flavours, playing a round of golf or hiking through the scenic environment. You can also see lions being fed at the Orana Wildlife Park.

Pump up the adrenaline with a skydiving or paragliding experience over the countryside. Tour the Adrenalin Forest and test your skills on high wires, flying foxes and challenging obstacle courses. For a calmer adventure with a view, take a helicopter tour. 

Escape the summer heat with a kayak tour around the coast or a white-water rafting trip. Spot whales at Kaikoura, just north of Christchurch, and try delicious crayfish at Nin's Bin, nearby. 

In winter, clamp on your skis and carve down the Tasman Glacier. Guided mountaineering also offers some of Canterbury's most satisfying and sweeping views. 

Get to Christchurch via its international airport or board a train from Wellington. Get around town on foot, public bus or by taxi.For a great daytrip, cruise into Akaroa Harbour. This seaside village is just 90 minutes by boat from Christchurch and features coastal vistas, fishing opportunities and cuisine with French flair.

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(1,855 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 Bridge of Remembrance 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 Russley Golf Club.

Christchurch Airport
Mona Vale which includes a park

Riccarton

4/5(513 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(142 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
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Merivale

4.5/5(319 area reviews)

Travellers come to Merivale for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Merivale Mall and Papanui Road while you're in town.

Merivale
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Fendalton

3/5(1 area review)

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

Fendalton
Novotel Christchurch Airport
Novotel Christchurch Airport
4.5 out of 5
30 Durey Road, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch, NZ
The price is AU$228 per night from 21 May to 22 May
AU$228
includes taxes & fees
21 May - 22 May
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! (984 reviews)
"Very clean property that is right next to the airport. Extremely convenient. The restaurant on the 6th floor is also very good!"

Reviewed on 18 Apr. 2025

Novotel Christchurch Airport
Sudima Christchurch Airport
Sudima Christchurch Airport
4.5 out of 5
550 Memorial Avenue, Christchurch
The price is AU$217 per night from 18 May to 19 May
AU$217
includes taxes & fees
18 May - 19 May
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! (1,003 reviews)
Great transit option
"Great option for transit / passing through"

Reviewed on 17 Apr. 2025

Sudima Christchurch Airport
BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch
BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch
3.5 out of 5
165 Cashel Street, Christchurch
The price is AU$91 per night from 2 May to 3 May
AU$91
includes taxes & fees
2 May - 3 May
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"On my first evening, I noticed an issue with the toilet - it constantly made a dripping sound that was quite maddening when trying to sleep. I told the front desk, in hopes that they could send maintenance to fix it, but as it was the start of the weekend, I was told that might be a while, so instead ..."

Reviewed on 14 Apr. 2025

BreakFree on Cashel 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! (1,968 reviews)
"Close to everything, clean and affordable"

Reviewed on 13 Apr. 2025

Southwark Hotel & 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 New ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (335 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on 19 Mar. 2025

Quest on Manchester
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 (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (684 reviews)
"Spent a great week at the Terre Vive. Lovely apartment. Friendly host, easily able to walk to the city. Would highly recommend."

Reviewed on 15 Apr. 2025

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

Activities

Reviews of Christchurch

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1065
5 - Excellent 37%
4 - Good
1461
4 - Good 51%
3 - Okay
302
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
22
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
5
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Christchurch has a huge amount to offer, all within a very walkable area.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Any easy city to get around, nice people

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveller

Awful.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Busy

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A great city now.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Christchurch is such a beautiful city and the people are very friendly

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