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 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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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
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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
The price is NZ$284 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
NZ$284
4 Aug - 5 Aug
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! (1,014 reviews)
"Everything was lovely"

Reviewed on 26 Jul. 2025

Novotel Christchurch Airport
Rydges Latimer Christchurch

Rydges Latimer Christchurch

4.5 out of 5
30 Latimer Square, Christchurch, Canterbury
The price is NZ$150 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
NZ$150
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Excellent facilities including the great gym. As always, the Rydges breakfast still holds the top spot against all of the hotels we have stated in."

Reviewed on 14 Jul. 2025

Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Fable Christchurch

Fable Christchurch

4.5 out of 5
166 Gloucester Street, Christchurch
The price is NZ$169 per night from 12 Aug to 13 Aug
NZ$169
12 Aug - 13 Aug
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 helpful staff and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
A Friday night
"Super handy to Isaac theatre, booked 3 rooms all placed together. Bottle of wine in each room. Friendly staff."

Reviewed on 26 Jul. 2025

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, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,986 reviews)
"Staff were great and the room was nice+ comfortable bed"

Reviewed on 18 Jul. 2025

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 parking (surcharge), daily housekeeping, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (222 reviews)
"Very smooth system for late checking in. Staff are all polite and helpful. Very close to CBD, walking distances from all the attractions and so close to market and restaurants. Highly recommend"

Reviewed on 21 Jul. 2025

Quest on Cambridge
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! (1,066 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on 7 Jun. 2025

Quest Cathedral Junction Serviced 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.

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