Travel guide · New Zealand
Christchurch travel guide
A rebuilt garden city on the Avon and the gateway to the South Island
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand, CC0
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Quick answer
Christchurch (Ōtautahi), the South Island's largest city, was largely rebuilt after the 2010–2011 Canterbury earthquakes, and its compact centre now mixes new architecture, street art and the Riverside Market with heritage survivors such as New Regent Street and the restored tramway. The Avon River winds through the Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park, where you can go punting under willows, while the Port Hills, Sumner beach and the harbour town of Lyttelton are 20 minutes away. It is the main starting point for road trips to Akaroa, Kaikōura, Hanmer Springs and the Southern Alps via Arthur's Pass. Plan 3 days for a first visit; the best months are December–March.
Key facts
- Country
- New Zealand
- Best time to visit
- December–March
- Ideal stay
- 3 days
- Main airports
- CHC
- Mid-range daily budget
- $170–$300 per person (estimate)
- Known for
- Garden City, Punting on the Avon, Earthquake rebuild and Gateway to the South Island
Why visit Christchurch
- The Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park give the city centre 180 hectares of lawns, old trees and riverside paths, all free.
- The rebuilt centre has new landmarks such as Tūranga library, the Transitional Cathedral and the Riverside Market, plus large-scale street art.
- The International Antarctic Centre, Orana Wildlife Park and Willowbank make the city one of New Zealand's best for families.
- Akaroa's harbour, Kaikōura's whales, Hanmer Springs' thermal pools and the TranzAlpine to Arthur's Pass are all day trips.
- Port Hills walks, the gondola and the beaches at Sumner and New Brighton put the outdoors within half an hour of the centre.
Top things to do
The six sights most first-time visitors build a trip around. See all 18 things to do.
Garden · Central City
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Founded in 1863 inside a loop of the Avon River, the 21-hectare gardens include a heritage rose garden, a New Zealand plants section, glasshouses and some of the country's largest exotic trees.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- Outdoors
- Nature
- Kids
Experience · Central City
Punting on the Avon
Punters in boaters and striped jackets pole flat-bottomed boats along the Avon (Ōtākaro) beneath willows and past the Botanic Gardens.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- Couples
- Kids
- Outdoors
Gallery · Central City
Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū
The city's public art gallery, behind a curving glass facade completed in 2003, holds New Zealand art from colonial painting to contemporary Māori and Pacific work, alongside changing exhibitions.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Art
- Free
- Rainy day
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Religious site · Central City
Transitional Cathedral
Designed by the Japanese architect Shigeru Ban and opened in 2013, the 'Cardboard Cathedral' replaced the earthquake-damaged Christ Church Cathedral as the city's Anglican cathedral.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Architecture
- Free
- Off the beaten path
Viewpoint · Port Hills
Christchurch Gondola
Cabins climb Mount Cavendish on the Port Hills to a summit station with a café and views over Lyttelton Harbour, the Canterbury Plains and, on clear days, the Southern Alps.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Views
- Kids
- Couples
- Outdoors
Museum · Christchurch Airport
International Antarctic Centre
Next to the airport, where Antarctic programmes have flown south for decades, this centre has a storm room with sub-zero wind chill, a colony of rescued little blue penguins, a 4D theatre and rides in an all-terrain Hägglund vehicle.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Expensive
- Kids
- Rainy day
- Nature
Where to stay
Central City is the easiest base for a first visit. Compare all 6 areas.
$$$ · Best for first-timers, families, food lovers and nightlife
Central City
The rebuilt core around Cathedral Square, Oxford Terrace and the Avon
$$$ · Best for couples, quiet stays and food lovers
Merivale
Leafy villas, boutiques and wine bars north of Hagley Park
$$ · Best for budget, families and shopping
Riccarton
Motels, Asian eateries and a big mall west of Hagley Park
$$ · Best for budget, nightlife and solo travellers
Addington
Former industrial area with event venues, pubs and motels
What to eat
- Canterbury lamb — Lamb raised on the Canterbury Plains is a regional point of pride, served as roast rack, slow-cooked shoulder or lamb shanks in pubs and restaurants.
- Whitebait fritter — Tiny juvenile fish bound with egg into an omelette-like fritter and served on buttered white bread with lemon.
- Green-lipped mussels — Large New Zealand mussels with a green-edged shell, steamed with white wine and garlic or served in chowder.
- Akaroa salmon — King salmon farmed in Akaroa Harbour on Banks Peninsula, served raw, cured, hot-smoked or pan-fried.
- Mince and cheese pie — The classic Kiwi bakery pie of minced beef in gravy topped with melted cheese, eaten as a quick lunch or roadside snack.
- Pavlova — A meringue dessert with a crisp shell and marshmallowy centre, topped with whipped cream and fruit such as kiwifruit and berries; a summer and Christmas favourite.
When to go
The best time to visit Christchurch is December to March, when days are warm and long, the beaches and Port Hills are at their best and road trips through Canterbury are easiest. April brings autumn colour and calmer prices, while October and November are lovely for gardens. Winter (June to August) is cold and frosty, but suits travellers combining the city with skiing in the Southern Alps.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | December–February | Warm, long days around 21–23°C, beaches and outdoor dining; the busiest and most expensive season. |
| Autumn | March–May | Settled early autumn weather, golden trees in Hagley Park in April and cooling, frosty nights by May. |
| Winter | June–August | Cold, crisp days and frosty nights; quiet in the city and the gateway to ski fields inland. |
| Spring | September–November | Blossom, daffodils and lambs, with changeable weather and the lively Cup and Show Week in November. |
Getting there and around
Christchurch Airport is about 12 km north-west of the centre. Metro buses, including the Purple line and route 29, run to the central Bus Interchange in about 30 minutes; a taxi takes about 20 minutes.
The central city is flat and easy to walk or cycle, and Metro buses connect it with the suburbs, beaches and Lyttelton. A car is the most practical way to explore Banks Peninsula and the rest of Canterbury.
Plan your days
Two days covers the Botanic Gardens, punting, the Art Gallery, the rebuilt centre and the gondola or the Antarctic Centre. A third day allows Akaroa or Lyttelton; with five days add Kaikōura and Hanmer Springs or the TranzAlpine to Arthur's Pass.
Practical information
- Currency
- NZD
- Language
- English and Māori
- Plugs
- Type I sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe to drink and generally of high quality.
- Emergency number
- 111 (police, fire, ambulance)
- Tipping
- Tipping is not expected; prices include tax and staff are paid a minimum wage.
Christchurch is generally relaxed for visitors. New Zealand is seismically active, so learn the 'Drop, Cover, Hold' drill; the sun's UV is very strong, and beaches can have rip currents, so swim between the flags.
Flights to Christchurch
Questions travellers ask
+How many days do you need in Christchurch?
Two days covers the Botanic Gardens, punting, the Art Gallery, the rebuilt centre and the gondola or the Antarctic Centre. A third day allows Akaroa or Lyttelton; with five days add Kaikōura and Hanmer Springs or the TranzAlpine to Arthur's Pass. How to split your days.
+When is the best time to visit Christchurch?
The best time to visit Christchurch is December to March, when days are warm and long, the beaches and Port Hills are at their best and road trips through Canterbury are easiest. April brings autumn colour and calmer prices, while October and November are lovely for gardens. Winter (June to August) is cold and frosty, but suits travellers combining the city with skiing in the Southern Alps.
+What is Christchurch known for?
Garden City, Punting on the Avon, Earthquake rebuild, Gateway to the South Island, TranzAlpine train, Antarctic gateway and Canterbury lamb. The Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park give the city centre 180 hectares of lawns, old trees and riverside paths, all free.
+Is Christchurch expensive?
Christchurch is expensive for international visitors: a mid-range trip costs roughly $170–$300 per person per day before flights (AMZBooking estimate). Costs and money-saving tips.
+Do you need a car in Christchurch?
Not for the city itself, where walking, buses and bikes work well. For Akaroa, Kaikōura, Hanmer Springs, Castle Hill and the wider South Island, a car or campervan is by far the easiest option.