Christchurch City Centre Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

New Regent Street which includes outdoor eating and railway items as well as a small group of people
Christchurch Art Gallery which includes modern architecture as well as a small group of people
Canterbury Museum showing heritage architecture and a garden as well as a small group of people
Christchurch City Centre
Bridge of Remembrance featuring night scenes, a bridge and heritage elements

Explore the picturesque and vibrant heart of the city that is getting back to normal after a series of devastating earthquakes.

Heritage buildings, green spaces, pedestrianized shopping streets and the Avon River draw visitors to Christchurch city centre. This was one of the most heavily damaged parts of the city during the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. But unbowed by these natural disasters the city is picking itself up with an extensive regeneration programme parts of which are already completed. Visit Christchurch City Centre’s for museums, memorials, gardens and an eclectic mix of shops.

In the heart of the city centre is Cathedral Square, once dominated by the 19th-century Christchurch Cathedral. This grand building was badly damaged during the 2011 earthquake and will undergo restoration. Nearby is The Chalice, a large public art installation in the shape of an inverted cone. From here walk over to the Cardboard Cathedral, a temporary structure to replace the original.

To discover more about the impact of the quakes and how Christchurch is regenerating and looking to the future visit Quake City. This multi-sensory special exhibition by Canterbury Museum encompasses artefacts, rescue and survival stories, and interactive exhibits on the science of earthquakes.

Wander down City Mall, the main pedestrianized shopping area. In addition to the shops are a couple of heritage structures that survived the earthquakes. These are Beath's Department Store Building, which dates back to 1935, and the Bridge of Remembrance, an ornate archway dedicated to those who lost their lives during World War I.

One of the joys of spending some time in Christchurch City Centre is visiting its natural attractions. Unwind amid the green surroundings of Hagley Park which hosts Christchurch Botanic Gardens, an inner-city haven of exotic and native plant species. Stroll along the banks of the Avon River and pause by the Earthquake Memorial. This marble wall is inscribed with the names of the 185 victims of the 2011 earthquake.

Christchurch City Centre is compact and easy to get around on foot. Alternatively, travel by taxis or public transportation. For drivers there is parking available for a fee in parking lots.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Christchurch City Centre Hotel Deals

Rydges Latimer Christchurch

Rydges Latimer Christchurch

4.5 out of 5
30 Latimer Square, Christchurch, Canterbury
The price is NZ$214 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
NZ$214
per night
28 Sept - 29 Sept
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Excellent property & so well located! Everything is within walking distance. Loved Rydges Latimer & Christchurch"

Reviewed on 25 Aug 2025

Rydges Latimer Christchurch
BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch

BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch

3.5 out of 5
165 Cashel Street, Christchurch
The price is NZ$86 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
NZ$86
per night
21 Sept - 22 Sept
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"Perfect size room for me small compact for late arrival well priced nice friendly bar down stairs"

Reviewed on 15 Sept 2025

BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch
Hotel Give

Hotel Give

3.5 out of 5
12 Hereford Street, Christchurch
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$113 per night from 30 Sept to 1 Oct
NZ$113
per night
30 Sept - 1 Oct
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (998 reviews)
"Had everything we needed and was close to the hospital and central city."

Reviewed on 16 Sept 2025

Hotel Give
Sudima Christchurch City

Sudima Christchurch City

5 out of 5
47-49 Salisbury Street, Christchurch, Canterbury
The price is NZ$294 per night from 25 Sept to 26 Sept
NZ$294
per night
25 Sept - 26 Sept
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (465 reviews)
"Excellent hotel.Great location and excellent customer service. The sheets on the bed weren’t clean and there was hair and dust all over them, which was very dissapointing"

Reviewed on 16 Sept 2025

Sudima Christchurch City
Wyndham Garden Christchurch Kilmore Street

Wyndham Garden Christchurch Kilmore Street

4 out of 5
64 Kilmore St, Christchurch, Canterbury
The price is NZ$188 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
NZ$188
per night
21 Sept - 22 Sept
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (334 reviews)
"Odd noise at 6 in the morning, maintenance of door hinges would be appreciated to reduce noise"

Reviewed on 14 Sept 2025

Wyndham Garden Christchurch Kilmore Street
Carnmore Hotel Christchurch

Carnmore Hotel Christchurch

4 out of 5
840 Colombo St, Christchurch, Canterbury
The price is NZ$202 per night from 26 Sept to 27 Sept
NZ$202
per night
26 Sept - 27 Sept
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (769 reviews)
"Great location, easy walk to town. Easy car parking. Very clean and comfortable."

Reviewed on 15 Sept 2025

Carnmore Hotel 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.

Other neighbourhoods around Christchurch City Centre

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Sydenham

4/5(16 area reviews)

Sydenham is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like The Colombo and Science Alive.

Sydenham
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Addington

4/5(142 area reviews)

Unique features of Addington include the theatres and live music. Make a stop by Apollo Projects 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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Saint Albans

4/5(163 area reviews)

Saint Albans is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Papanui Road and Bealey Avenue while in the area.

Saint Albans
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Waltham

While Waltham isn't home to many top sights, Riverside Market and Cashel Mall are some notable places to visit nearby.

Waltham
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Phillipstown

2/5(1 area review)

The gardens and shopping are a few reasons travellers visit Phillipstown. Want to see more of the surrounding area? Eastgate Mall and Wilding Park Tennis Center are a few top sights nearby.

Phillipstown


Christchurch City Centre Travel Guide

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