Christchurch Travel Guide, Hotels & Things to Do

Where to stay

Hotels in Christchurch

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Restful in Riccarton - Christchurch

2/29 Picton Avenue | Christchurch, 8011, NZ

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Jeffreys Road - Christchurch Holiday Homes

89a Jeffreys Road | Christchurch, 8052, NZ

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Worcester Terrace Eleven - Christchurch Holiday Homes

11/200 Gloucester Street | Christchurch, 8011, NZ

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Modern and Central - Christchurch Apartment

102/242 Manchester Street Christchurch Central | Christchurch, 8013, NZ

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Peaceful Elegant Designated Park King Bed

112 Purchas Street Unit 2 | Christchurch, 8013, NZ

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Central Apartment Stone Throw from Hospital

466 Hagley Avenue Unit 3 | Christchurch, 8011, NZ

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Sunlit Sanctuary with Private Patio in Wigram

Hubbard Street 9 | Christchurch, 8042, NZ

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Quirky New Stylish Free Park

120 Edward Avenue 3 | Christchurch, 8013, NZ

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At a glance

Climate

Temperate

Languages

English and Māori

Local currency

NZD (NZD)

Local time

11:58 (GMT+13)

Ideal trip length

2–5 days

Cost level

3 of 5 · our research

Suggested area to stay

Central City

Tap water

Generally described as safe to drink

Tipping

Not expected

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 80 · Very good

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Lamb Pavlova Hāngi Whitebait Fritters

When to visit Christchurch

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: January, December Busiest: Dec-Feb

Jan

85

Warm, sunny, peak
Feb

80

Warm, sunny, busy
Mar

75

Mild, pleasant autumn
Apr

70

Cooler, colourful leaves
May

60

Chilly, crisp air
Jun

50

Cold, frosty mornings
Jul

50

Coldest, some snow
Aug

55

Cold, warming slightly
Sept

65

Mild, fresh spring
Oct

70

Pleasant, blooming gardens
Nov

75

Warm, pre-summer
Dec

85

Warm, sunny, festive

85

Jan Warm, sunny, peak

80

Feb Warm, sunny, busy

75

Mar Mild, pleasant autumn

70

Apr Cooler, colourful leaves

60

May Chilly, crisp air

50

Jun Cold, frosty mornings

50

Jul Coldest, some snow

55

Aug Cold, warming slightly

65

Sept Mild, fresh spring

70

Oct Pleasant, blooming gardens

75

Nov Warm, pre-summer

85

Dec Warm, sunny, festive

Things to do in Christchurch

7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the afternoon

2 places

Punting on the Avon River

Central City 0.5 hrs

Enjoy a serene, chauffeured punt ride through the city's heart.

Outdoors Good for children

Christchurch Gondola

Heathcote Valley 1.5 hrs

Ascend the Port Hills for panoramic views of the city, mountains, and harbour.

Indoors Good for children

Any time of day

5 places

Christchurch Cathedral

Central City 1 hr

Witness the iconic earthquake-damaged cathedral and its ongoing restoration.

Outdoors

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Central City 2 hrs

Explore stunning floral displays, conservatories, and tranquil riverside walks.

Outdoors Good for children

International Antarctic Centre

Near Airport 3 hrs

Experience life in Antarctica with interactive exhibits and a Hagglund ride.

Indoors Good for children

Riverside Market

Central City 1.5 hrs

Savour local produce, artisanal foods, and diverse eateries in a vibrant indoor market.

Indoors Good for children

Canterbury Museum

Central City 2 hrs

Discover Māori heritage, Antarctic exploration, and natural history.

Indoors Good for children

Christchurch itineraries

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With the family

3 Days in Christchurch — Family with Kids

Discover Christchurch's family-friendly charm, from wildlife encounters to thrilling adventures and serene parks.

This 3-day itinerary is crafted for families with children, blending educational experiences with exciting outdoor activities. Explore Christchurch's vibrant city center, meet native wildlife, and enjoy playgrounds and scenic rides, ensuring fun for all ages.

3 Days 14 Stops

See the full plan