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 artefacts 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 which includes 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 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 featuring 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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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
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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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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
Novotel Christchurch Airport

Novotel Christchurch Airport

4.5 out of 5
30 Durey Road, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch, NZ
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$284 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
NZ$284
per night
28 Sept - 29 Sept
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! (1,006 reviews)
"Great hotel in a great location - if you’re flying from Christchurch airport of course… Only negative - receptionist was surly and unfriendly. Not only at check in but on departure too. Question for her - why are you in a hospitality role?"

Reviewed on 15 Sept 2025

Novotel Christchurch Airport
Rydges Latimer Christchurch

Rydges Latimer Christchurch

4.5 out of 5
30 Latimer Square, Christchurch, Canterbury
The price is NZ$223 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
NZ$223
per night
21 Sept - 22 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 22 Sept to 23 Sept
NZ$86
per night
22 Sept - 23 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
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! (1,074 reviews)
"We loved the location. Was super quiet for the city. Super reasonable. Would stay again."

Reviewed on 5 Sept 2025

Quest Cathedral Junction Serviced Apartments
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! (1,995 reviews)
"New, clean, comfortable and spacious. Good location. Cafe adjacent was excellent spot for breakfast."

Reviewed on 15 Sept 2025

Southwark Hotel & Apartments
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! (732 reviews)
"Good location if you have a car."

Reviewed on 14 Sept 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

Cities near Christchurch