Christchurch is a city of great importance to New Zealand. Although not as impressive as Auckland or as captivating as Queenstown, this city has a special appeal. With huge parks, perfect beaches for surfing and a city centre full of art and culture, it creates the perfect mix between nature and city. It also has the unusual Banks Peninsula a stone’s throw away and the rock-cut Lyttelton hidden among the mountains.
A city with spirit, which suffered a devastating earthquake in 2011 and is now rebuilding bigger than ever. Today, this is the most important city on the South Island, and your destination if you want to start your New Zealand adventure from the south.
In my case, I lived and worked in this city for half a year. I could speak about all the advantages of living in Christchurch, but this is a travel guide, so we will focus on what to do/see, which also has its own things to do.
Christchurch is the largest city on New Zealand’s South Island and the third in the country. Located on the east coast of the Island, Christchurch serves as the provincial capital of Canterbury.
Christchurch is surrounded by distant mountains that contrast with the immense Canterbury Plain. The city is also crossed by the River Avon and is considered the “garden city” due to the numerous parks and green spaces it offers. Clear examples of this are the botanical gardens or the walk that follows the course of the River Avon.
Finally, one cannot talk about Christchurch without mentioning the earthquakes that affected the region in 2010 and 2011. The latter devastated the city completely, causing almost two hundred deaths and destroying some of the city’s most emblematic buildings.
Yet Christchurch is still as alive as ever and is rapidly rebuilding. By the time you visit, you may only find memories of what this city once endured.
You can visit Christchurch in summer or winter, it doesn’t really matter: in fact, it will depend a lot on your plans in New Zealand.
Spring and summer (October to February especially) are the warmest and best times to visit. Therefore, this will be your choice if you want to enjoy the beach, the sun, the mountains and camping in nature. However, during these months it is also the busiest, and can be a bit difficult to enjoy peacefully. This is especially true during Christmas and school holidays (remember that you are now in the southern hemisphere).
Autumn and winter (March to September) are colder and will be your choice if you want to enjoy snow activities. There are several ski slopes relatively close to Christchurch. Therefore, you can decide to land in Christchurch and access them easily.
It’s essential to travel to New Zealand with comprehensive insurance. We were among the first to offer the popular IATI discount, and you can now get it with Heymondo Travel Insurance as well.
You can find more information about both companies through the links provided above, or you can access the discount directly using the buttons below (in both cases, you’ll see the reduced final price on their website):
Internet is mandatory for getting around and using metservice, the country’s weather service. Keeping up to date with the weather is necessary if you don’t want to have any problems. It can also be very useful when translating if you don’t understand English very well.
To do this, we will tell you how to get a New Zealand SIM card with the internet and take advantage of its affordable prices. And now we also have information about the New Zealand eSIM with unlimited data.
Getting to Christchurch from the South Island is easy if you are travelling by car or campervan. From Invercargill (New Zealand’s southernmost city), the journey takes 8 hours. If you are leaving from Queenstown, however, it will be a little shorter, barely 6 hours.
Picton, although small in population, serves as a ferry connection to Wellington, so it is worth mentioning it. The drive will take 4 and ½ hours. In fact, you can get there by car from any point on the North Island, just drive to Wellington and take the ferry with your car inside.
If you don’t have a car, getting there by bus is fairly easy from the larger cities. Starting from Queenstown, the journey takes 7 hours on the InterCity Bus. If you’re starting from Invercargill, however, the journey is almost 12 hours. It should be noted that, when taking the InterCity Bus in Invercargill, it will make stops along the East Coast of the South Island. Therefore, cities such as Dunedin or Oamaru are perfectly connected to Christchurch and Invercargill.
Finally, Christchurch has an international and domestic airport. In fact, there are many direct flights from any city with an airport in New Zealand.
It’s the largest library on New Zealand’s South Island, and therefore a space full of knowledge and wisdom. It also offers audio videos, 3D printers, exhibitions, common areas, public computers… All this, spread across its four floors of knowledge. Of course, here you can study, talk, and prepare your trip to Christchurch and New Zealand.
The library is located in Cathedral Square in the very centre of Christchurch. It is important to mention that it is open every day but the hours will depend on the season in which you go.
In fact, this is my favourite library and I couldn’t leave it out of this guide to the “garden city”. I recommend this place especially for the possibilities it offers. It’s not just a bookstore where you can hang out, here you can find everything you need to know about New Zealand, rest and relax, get away from the hustle and bustle of the city or enjoy the free wifi.
You’ll find it in the centre of the capital of Canterbury, and I can tell you in advance that you should at least stop by. The park itself is a cultural centre, whenever I passed near there was something going on: exhibitions, markets or events of any kind. It also has a playground for the little ones and a beautiful lagoon. The park itself is the largest in all of Christchurch.
The botanical gardens are among the best in the country. Entry is free and you can wander through the greenhouses where you will discover different shades of colours and flowers to match the season. If you want, take a look at the “seasonal map” and discover what you will find during your visit to this Christchurch garden.
And finally, there is a bird sanctuary that you cannot miss. Here you will find different native and introduced birds that will introduce you to the fauna of New Zealand. Perfect for spending a good time in the “garden city”.
Since you’re in the city centre, you can’t end your visit without first stopping by the Canterbury Museum. This space is entirely dedicated to the history of Christchurch. Discover the past, present and future of this metropolis at this popular attraction.
The museum dates back to 1870 and was designed by Benjamin Mountfort with the idea of reviving the Gothic style. And he did that so well that today it is considered a national historic heritage site by Heritage New Zealand.
This art gallery in Christchurch is one of the most important in the country. In this space you can discover the world through different works of art, with colors and tones specially designed to capture the attention of visitors. In addition, the gallery has outstanding national and international collections that make this place famous.
Yes, Christchurch Art Gallery is a must-see on your visit to the city. Entry is free (although donations are accepted) and the gallery is located in the city centre, right next to the botanical gardens. Finally, the building itself will be easy to identify due to its remarkable 1930s architecture.
Just after a 2 minutes walk from the Avon River, in the very heart of Christchurch, you will find this local market, one which opens every day and where you will find local and international products. I loved strolling around this place, discovering the famous chocolate shops, trying the local cheeses or tasting the delicious Manuka honey.
Since you’re in the area, don’t forget to visit the adjacent streets full of clothes and bars. It’s a real open-air shopping mall!
This quirky park is a 10-minute drive from the centre of Christchurch. The highlight is the Karewa Farmhouse, a Victorian-style building from 1899. Today it is used as a catering and wedding reception facility.
But it is not only the emblematic building that is worth visiting, the park that houses it is not far behind. A beautiful garden full of rose bushes and surrounded by green groves with a small well in the centre, ideal for a romantic walk and tasting the delicacies of the pastry shop located inside the farmhouse.
Both the park and the farmhouse are considered New Zealand’s architectural heritage, a place worthy of the capital of Canterbury.
Just over 10 kilometres northeast of Christchurch we find this beautiful park. Well, more than a park it is a forest, as evidenced by the huge group of pine trees and native trees that are home to numerous species of birds. All this with the added bonus of being able to cool off at Waimairi Beach and, why not, play golf at Waimairi Golf Club.
The area is also perfect for hiking, mountain biking or even horseback riding! You can enjoy the 4.7km Blue Coastal Track in around 50 minutes or, if you fancy going a little further, the Blue Track will take you two hours round trip through 11.4km of forest and beach.
Located in the Heathcote Valley, the Christchurch Gondola is one of the city’s main attractions. In just 10 minutes this cable car will take you to the top of the Port Hills. From the 445-metre height you will have a panoramic view of the city, Lyttelton Harbour, the entire Canterbury Valley and the distant Alpine ranges.
But it’s not just about the views. Once at the top, you can enjoy a number of activities. For example, you can take one of the many hiking routes that descend the mountain, or have a delicious coffee with the impressive views of the capital of Canterbury and its surroundings.
One of the most charming towns in New Zealand. Accessible from Christchurch by car or bus, the 20-minute journey is incredible in itself, bordering the coast and through a deep tunnel between mountains, at the end of which you will discover the town of Lyttelton.
In this small town you can stroll along the harbour or visit Lyttelton Timebell Station, a reminder of the town’s importance and relationship with the sea. The coastal town offers a wide range of restaurants, cafes and bohemian shops that you won’t want to miss. By the way, there is a small bakery opposite the harbour that, according to their own claims, offers the best donuts in all of Christchurch. In my opinion, they are not bad at all 🙂
My recommendation for getting the most out of Lyttelton? Go on a Saturday and wander around the local market. This is considered the most charming in the whole Canterbury area. You can also sample local delicacies, all of which are organic. Would you prefer to miss it?
A great circuit to discover the Christchurch peninsula. Starting from the incredible Taylor’s Mistake beach, this hiking route will show you the best of Christchurch’s surroundings. It’s only 8 kilometers, and it took me about 3 hours, taking time to rest and enjoy the views.
What about the views? Well, they won’t disappoint at all. Between climbs and descents you’ll immerse yourself in the coastal scenery with beautiful landscapes of Whitewash Head, Pegasus Bay and the Kaikoura forests. All this with the added bonus of being able to see Hector’s dolphins, whales, seals and even… penguins!
During the route you will discover some of the artillery and air defence emplacements set up during World War II as a measure to protect Christchurch. You will also see some of the tunnels or defensive constructions that were built in the area.
Finally, if you really want to soak up some history, you can take the detour from Boulder Bay to its beach. Through various information panels, you will discover the history that dates back to 1890.
Just a few minutes from Lyttelton you will find Corsair Bay, an ideal place to relax and be with your family. With public toilets nearby, you can go on a picnic without a worry.
Also close to Lyttelton is the famous Summer Beach, a white sand beach with big waves, which serves as an ideal spot for both surfing and swimming. It is perhaps the most visited beach in Christchurch.
Taylors Mistake, located at the beginning of the Godley Head Track, is the best place to surf if you have a good base (the bottom is rocky). You can also cool off after going down the Godley Head Track. By the way, this is, in my opinion, the best beach in all of Christchurch.
New Brighton Beach on the coast of Christchurch is famous for its harbour but it’s also a place to enjoy different activities in the sea and, of course, surfing (I learned to surf on this beach).
For me, this is the best way to see the essentials of Christchurch in a quick and interactive way. This tour offers a 1-day pass to the main attractions of the city. You can use the gondola, travel along the Avon River by boat, visit the botanical gardens (transport included) or a daily tram pass. The best part? This tour is flexible and you can enjoy the activities at your own pace and on your own.
This activity is the opposite of the previous one. To start with, it is a 2-3 hour guided tour, so you will follow a local guide in a small group. It includes the same activities as the previous tour but the gondola. You will explore iconic neighborgoods an inmerse yourself in history with a friendly resident as your guide.
5.5 hours of wine tasting, food tasting and lunch (not included), all following a local guide exploring 3 wineries in the Waipara region by car. A real wine experience in Christchurch!
A tour of the Banks Peninsula with a local guide who will introduce you to this incredible place. This is perhaps the best option if you are only in Christchurch for a short time. On this tour you will visit Summer Beach and Taylor’s Mistake. You will also take the Godley Head Walk and the Crater Rim Track with views of Lyttelton Harbour.
This visit should be a must if you love birds or want to discover the authentic local fauna of New Zealand. Just 20 minutes by car from Christchurch, in this wildlife reserve you can discover the five most important bird species in the country.
I am talking about none other than the “kea” (the only species of mountain parrot), the “Tuetara” (the only living dinosaur in the world), the “Takahe” (considered the rarest bird in the world), the “Kaka” (a rare species of parrot) and the “kiwis” (the national symbol of the country). So without even trying, I have left you a guide to the most incredible birds in the country 😉
This tour offers a kayaking adventure around the Banks Peninsula. The trip starts from the remote village of Akaroa and lasts approximately 2.5 hours.
This guided tour not only allows you to enjoy the sea and the views from a kayak, but there is also the possibility of spotting Hector’s dolphins and even penguins. A perfect opportunity to explore the coast and the life it holds.
When it comes to choosing the best value for money hotel, I have one thing very clear: Jail House Acommodation. I’m not including it because I was working here during part of the winter of 2021, but because the hostel is really very good. It offers private rooms or dormitories with up to 8 beds, shared bathrooms and kitchen.
Did I mention that the hostel was once Christchurch’s main prison? In fact, the rooms are the former prisoner cells and there are even a couple that are untouched. Sleeping in this hostel is quite an experience!
The owners are also very friendly and always willing to help. Finally, the hostel is right next to the largest park in Christchurch and less than 20 minutes from the city centre.
I’ll leave you with two other options that you might also like but that aren’t nearly as good as the old prison:
Bed & Breakfast in the heart of Fendalton is just over 4 kilometres from the town centre. This place is especially recommended if you want to enjoy a large and spacious room with a private bathroom and a queen-size bed.
Of course, breakfast is included, and, if you want to cook for yourself, you can always use the fully equipped communal kitchen. Finally, the hotel has a garden and a large common area.
Next I would like to add another hotel that is a bit different but that may be more suited to your interests. Make sure to take a look at it:
If the Jail House Accommodation has left you wanting to stay in hotels with history, you can’t miss Dyers House. This luxury hotel is housed in an Edwardian building that is over a century old. Getting there from Christchurch will take you just over 10 minutes by car.
And the amenities? Well, luxury, of course. Air-conditioned rooms with heated floors, views of the incredible garden (which you can also enjoy), the sea and the distant mountains, and even a minibar in the room. Sounds good, doesn’t it?
Another hotel you shouldn’t miss if you want to spend a luxurious night in the city centre of Christchurch is The Observatory Hotel Christchurch.
Christchurch is a big city, but it’s not that big of a deal. As you can see, most of the attractions are in the city centre or within easy reach of it. This means that you can get to almost all the places on foot. In fact, I recommend setting aside at least an afternoon and taking a leisurely stroll through the centre of Christchurch. Believe me, the city will surprise you.
Getting around by car is very easy, as Christchurch has wide streets, with fairly low traffic and plenty of public and private parking. As always, taxis or VTC companies are an option, just keep in mind that the price will be quite high.
If you prefer to get out of the central area and explore the surroundings, the public bus will easily take you to the beaches and even to Lyttelton. The system is called “Metro” and a ticket costs around NZ$2 (depending on the zone).
The best way to enjoy Christchurch independently and at a reasonable price is by using E-scooters or E-bikes. In fact, this city is perfectly adapted to cyclists, and you can get almost anywhere using only the bike path. By the way, Christchurch is the city with the most cyclists in all of New Zealand.
My favourite coffee shop tops the list of the best coffee shops in Christchurch in my opinion. Located on Saint Asaph Street, Unknown Chapter Coffee Roasters offers speciality coffees with unique aromas. Of course, vegetarian and vegan options are available, and even gluten-free food. But what I liked most about the place is its light and relaxed atmosphere, with spaces both on the terrace and inside that create the perfect atmosphere to relax.
Addington Coffee Co-op in Addington uses organic and fair trade coffee beans. That alone makes it worth a visit. The best thing though is the laundry service they offer at the same time. It’s the perfect place to have a nice coffee while waiting for the washing machine to finish its cycle :). Oh! I almost forgot, you will find delicious vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes on the menu.
Native Café is located on Colombo Street. A coffee shop that focuses especially on offering locally roasted coffees of the Embassy variety. If you are exploring Colombo Street, you cannot miss tasting their delicious coffees.
If you are looking for a relaxed, cozy and comfortable atmosphere to dine in, Soul Quarter is your choice. This restaurant, located on Stranges Lane, offers French-style cuisine with Latin American influences, a fusion of local ingredients that you can complement with designer cocktails.
On the other hand, if you are more interested in a restaurant with tasty and creative food, then you cannot miss 5th Street. The restaurant itself is an attraction, built in an old warehouse, and decorated with style and personality. If you add to all this an unbeatable service and quality cuisine, the result is an unparalleled culinary experience.
The Dish on Montreal Street is the last of the restaurants I would like to recommend. A restaurant designed by a master chef that combines Asian spices with traditional Thai dishes. It also includes vegetarian and vegan options.
OGB in Cathedral Square has been voted Christchurch’s best bar for 4 years running and so it couldn’t be missing from this list. A sociable bar, located in one of Christchurch’s most beautiful buildings. Over 40 cocktails on offer, live music and craft beers – what could you be missing?
Continuing with bars with live music and cocktails, Gin Gin on Regent Street is a great choice to spend the night and enjoy the atmosphere. The place is decorated with a mix of colours and textures, highlighting the small planes hanging from the ceiling. By the way, the place isn’t called Gin Gin for nothing, this is paradise for gin lovers, hahaha.
To finish off this list of bars, we have to mention Boo Radleys on Victoria Street. A southern American style bar, with a multitude of spirits and cocktails. Finally, here you will find New Zealand’s largest collection of Bourbon Whiskey.
I’ll say the same thing I said about Auckland and Wellington: New Zealand’s cities, while beautiful, are not the country’s main attraction. Christchurch is no exception, and it shouldn’t take you more than two days to visit the most essential places.
Instead, Christchurch will serve as your base of operations for your New Zealand trip. You can rent affordable campervans, prepare provisions for your adventure, and plan your route around the South Island.
To finish this post, which has become longer than I expected, I’ll leave you with a series of tips and issues to consider when visiting Christchurch.
Click on the image and it will take you to a new Google Maps window with all the points of interest to travel around Christchurch.
