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Air Force Museum of New Zealand, Christchurch

Solo travel · Christchurch · New Zealand

Solo travel in Christchurch

How to enjoy Christchurch at your own pace.

Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team

Photo: Winstonwolfe, Public domain

Quick answer

Christchurch is an easy, relaxed city for solo travellers, with hostels in the centre, walkable streets and plenty of group tours and shuttles heading to the rest of the South Island. Many solo travellers base themselves in Addington.

Key facts

Base
Addington
Getting around
Walking
Emergency number
111 (police, fire, ambulance)
Language
English and Māori

Solo travel tips

  • Stay in the Central City for walkable access to bars, markets and the bus interchange.
  • Join shuttles or small-group tours to Akaroa, Kaikōura or Arthur's Pass if you are not driving.
  • The TranzAlpine is an easy way to see the Southern Alps alone and meet other travellers.
  • Tell someone your plans before tramping on the Port Hills or in the mountains, and check the weather.
  • Riverside Market and the Terrace are comfortable places to eat and drink alone.

Where to stay

$$ · Best for budget, nightlife and solo travellers

Addington

South-west of the centre, Addington has the raceway and event venues, converted warehouses with pubs and eateries along Lincoln Road, and a cluster of motels. It is close to the railway station where the TranzAlpine departs.

Good
Close to the TranzAlpine station; Lively on event nights; Good-value motels
Watch out
Little scenic appeal; Busy during major events
Nearby
Addington Raceway, Hagley Park, Christchurch railway station

Great on your own

Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, Christchurch
Photo: Michal Klajban, CC BY-SA 4.0

Gallery · Central City

Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū

Look for the large outdoor works around the building and nearby streets, part of the gallery's public art programme.

Time needed
1.5 hours
Cost
Free
  • Art
  • Free
  • Rainy day
Transitional Cathedral, Christchurch
Photo: Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK, CC BY 2.0

Religious site · Central City

Transitional Cathedral

Visit when the sun is behind the coloured glass window in the afternoon.

Time needed
30 minutes
Cost
Free
  • Architecture
  • Free
  • Off the beaten path
Christchurch Gondola, Christchurch
Photo: Anon Mouse, CC BY 2.0

Viewpoint · Port Hills

Christchurch Gondola

Go on a clear morning for the best chance of seeing the Alps, and walk part of the Crater Rim track.

Time needed
1.5 hours
Cost
Mid-priced
  • Views
  • Kids
  • Couples
  • Outdoors
New Regent Street and the heritage tram, Christchurch
Photo: Yvanyblog, Public domain

Street · Central City

New Regent Street and the heritage tram

A tram ticket is a hop-on, hop-off pass for the day and comes with a driver's commentary.

Time needed
30–60 minutes
Cost
Free
  • Architecture
  • Free
  • Kids
  • Photo spot

Architecture · Central City

Tūranga central library

Head to the upper levels for a view over Cathedral Square and the rebuilding cathedral.

Time needed
45 minutes
Cost
Free
  • Free
  • Rainy day
  • Kids
  • Architecture

Meeting people

  • Saturday farmers' markets — The markets at Riccarton House and in Lyttelton on Saturday mornings sell local cheese, bread, berries, coffee and hot breakfasts; arrive early for the best choice.
  • Riverside Market and the Terrace — Graze through the Riverside Market's food counters, then move to the bars and restaurants overlooking the Avon on Oxford Terrace.
  • The Terrace (Oxford Terrace) — A strip of bars and restaurants overlooking the Avon, busiest on warm evenings and weekends.
  • Victoria Street — Cocktail bars, restaurants and late venues just north of the central city.

Sensible precautions

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.

Emergency number
111 (police, fire, ambulance)
Staying connected
Prepaid SIM and eSIM plans from One NZ, Spark and 2degrees are sold at the airport; free Wi-Fi is available in the central city and libraries.

Questions travellers ask

+Is Christchurch good for solo travellers?

Christchurch is an easy, relaxed city for solo travellers, with hostels in the centre, walkable streets and plenty of group tours and shuttles heading to the rest of the South Island.

+Where should solo travellers stay in Christchurch?

Addington: Former industrial area with event venues, pubs and motels.