Where to stay · Christchurch · New Zealand
Where to stay in Christchurch
6 neighbourhoods compared, with the trade-offs hotel listings don't tell you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Anon Mouse, CC BY 2.0
Quick answer
For a first visit, stay in Central City. The rebuilt core around Cathedral Square, Oxford Terrace and the Avon. Best alternatives — budget: Riccarton.
Key facts
- First visit
- Central City
- Families
- Central City
- Budget
- Riccarton
- Nightlife
- Central City
Best area for each kind of trip
| Trip type | Area | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First-timers | Central City | The rebuilt core around Cathedral Square, Oxford Terrace and the Avon |
| Families | Central City | The rebuilt core around Cathedral Square, Oxford Terrace and the Avon |
| Couples | Merivale | Leafy villas, boutiques and wine bars north of Hagley Park |
| Budget | Riccarton | Motels, Asian eateries and a big mall west of Hagley Park |
| Nightlife | Central City | The rebuilt core around Cathedral Square, Oxford Terrace and the Avon |
| Food lovers | Central City | The rebuilt core around Cathedral Square, Oxford Terrace and the Avon |
| Solo travellers | Addington | Former industrial area with event venues, pubs and motels |
| Shopping | Riccarton | Motels, Asian eateries and a big mall west of Hagley Park |
| Quiet stays | Merivale | Leafy villas, boutiques and wine bars north of Hagley Park |
| Beach | Sumner | Beach village with surf, cafés and Cave Rock at the foot of the Port Hills |
Christchurch neighbourhoods in detail
$$$ · Best for first-timers, families, food lovers and nightlife
Central City
Inside the four avenues, the central city holds the Riverside Market, the Terrace bars and restaurants on Oxford Terrace, Tūranga library, the Art Gallery and the Margaret Mahy Family Playground, with the Botanic Gardens a short walk west. The heritage tram loops past most sights, and hotels range from apartments to new boutique properties.
- Good
- Walk to most city sights; Best choice of restaurants and bars; Tram and bus hub
- Watch out
- Some vacant lots and construction remain; Weekend noise around the Terrace
- Nearby
- Riverside Market, Christchurch Art Gallery, Tūranga, Botanic Gardens
$$$ · Best for couples, quiet stays and food lovers
Merivale
Merivale is an upmarket residential suburb about 2 km north of the centre, centred on Papanui Road and Merivale Mall with boutiques, delis and well-regarded restaurants. Motels along Papanui Road are a good-value, quiet base within walking distance of Hagley Park and Mona Vale.
- Good
- Quiet, attractive streets; Good restaurants and cafés; Motels with parking
- Watch out
- A 25-minute walk or short bus ride to the centre; Little nightlife
- Nearby
- Mona Vale, Hagley Park, Botanic Gardens
$$ · Best for budget, families and shopping
Riccarton
Riccarton Road runs west from Hagley Park past Riccarton House and Bush, the University of Canterbury area and Westfield Riccarton, one of the South Island's largest malls. Its many motels and inexpensive Asian restaurants make it practical for budget travellers and families with a car.
- Good
- Wide choice of motels; Inexpensive food; Easy airport access
- Watch out
- Busy main road; Suburban feel
- Nearby
- Riccarton House and Bush, Hagley Park, Westfield Riccarton
$$ · 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
$$$ · Best for beach, couples, families and quiet stays
Sumner
Sumner is a seaside suburb about 12 km south-east of the centre, with a sandy beach, the Cave Rock landmark, an esplanade of cafés and a small cinema. It suits travellers who want sea views and walks on the Port Hills, with buses to the city.
- Good
- Beach on the doorstep; Relaxed village atmosphere; Coastal and hill walks
- Watch out
- Limited accommodation; 20–25 minutes to the centre
- Nearby
- Sumner Beach, Cave Rock, Taylors Mistake, Port Hills
$$ · Best for food lovers, couples and solo travellers
Lyttelton
Through the road tunnel from the city, Lyttelton sits on the steep slopes of an old volcanic harbour, with a working port, independent bars, cafés and a farmers' market on Saturday mornings. Guesthouses and small B&Bs make it a characterful base for Port Hills walks and harbour trips.
- Good
- Strong local character; Harbour views; Easy access to Port Hills walks
- Watch out
- Steep streets; Few hotels; Bus or car needed for the city
- Nearby
- Lyttelton Harbour, Bridle Path, Port Hills, Diamond Harbour ferry
Areas compared
| Area | Price | Nearby |
|---|---|---|
| Central City | $$$ | Riverside Market, Christchurch Art Gallery, Tūranga, Botanic Gardens |
| Merivale | $$$ | Mona Vale, Hagley Park, Botanic Gardens |
| Riccarton | $$ | Riccarton House and Bush, Hagley Park, Westfield Riccarton |
| Addington | $$ | Addington Raceway, Hagley Park, Christchurch railway station |
| Sumner | $$$ | Sumner Beach, Cave Rock, Taylors Mistake, Port Hills |
| Lyttelton | $$ | Lyttelton Harbour, Bridle Path, Port Hills, Diamond Harbour ferry |
Getting to your hotel
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.
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best area to stay in Christchurch for first-time visitors?
Central City. Inside the four avenues, the central city holds the Riverside Market, the Terrace bars and restaurants on Oxford Terrace, Tūranga library, the Art Gallery and the Margaret Mahy Family Playground, with the Botanic Gardens a short walk west.
+Where should families stay in Christchurch?
Central City: Walk to most city sights.
+Which area of Christchurch is best for a budget stay?
Riccarton ($$): Motels, Asian eateries and a big mall west of Hagley Park.