Where to stay in Christchurch — pick the right hotel, book in 3 clicks
Christchurch is the South Island's largest city and the gateway to the Southern Alps. It's nicknamed the Garden City for its many parks and green spaces along the winding Avon River that runs through town. After the major earthquake of 2011, the city reinvented itself with street art, new architecture, and shipping-container eateries that have become a signature of the place.
Why stay in Christchurch
Punting on the Avon River
Take an English-style punt on the Avon, with a boatman poling you past the gardens and trees lining the river through the city centre.
Botanic gardens in the heart of the city
The Christchurch Botanic Gardens spread across Hagley Park, with glasshouses and a rose garden.
A city reborn from the earthquake
See the street art, the Cardboard Cathedral, and the Re:START shipping-container shopping precinct.
Tram tour of the city
The heritage tram loops through the key central districts, with hop-on, hop-off stops at the main sights.
Ranked reviews — find your ideal stay in Christchurch
Start with where to stay (the heart of the trip), then explore food and sights
Find the right Christchurch hotel for you
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Local dishes to try in Christchurch
- 1☕
Cafes and brunch
New Regent Street and the Riverside precinct are full of cafes and brunch spots that sprang up after the city's rebuild.
📍 City Centre - 2🍔
Container eateries
Restaurants and bars in recycled shipping containers — a signature born after the earthquake, with a chic, modern feel.
📍 City Centre - 3🍷
Waipara wine
The Waipara Valley north of the city is known for Riesling and Pinot Noir, and makes an easy day trip.
📍 Out of Town - 4🦞
Canterbury seafood
Pāua, salmon, and green-lipped mussels from the Canterbury coast, served at restaurants by the beach.
📍 Seaside - 5🍺
Craft beer
Local breweries and craft-beer bars have opened across the city, with a relaxed vibe that the younger crowd loves.
📍 City Centre
- 1🌿
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Historic botanic gardens in Hagley Park, with a rose garden, glasshouses, and giant trees hundreds of years old.
📍 Hagley Park - 2🚋
Christchurch Tramway
Green heritage trams loop through the historic district, cathedral area, and arts quarter in the city centre.
📍 City Centre - 3⛪
Cardboard Cathedral
A transitional cathedral designed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban using cardboard tubes as its structure — a symbol of the city's recovery.
📍 City Centre - 4🚠
Christchurch Gondola
A gondola up Mount Cavendish with views over the city, Banks Peninsula, and the Pacific Ocean.
📍 Heathcote - 5🐧
International Antarctic Centre
An Antarctic learning centre where you can experience a simulated blizzard room, see little blue penguins, and ride an amphibious vehicle.
📍 Near the Airport - 6🏖️
Sumner Beach
A popular suburban beach with the landmark Cave Rock, seaside cafes, and a spot for surfing.
📍 Sumner
Things to do in Christchurch
Day tours, attraction tickets and travel essentials for Christchurch — book ahead on Klook with mobile e-tickets.
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3 Christchurch hotels our team picked for you
Selected from real reviews — one per budget tier, each with a score and instant 3-site price comparison
★ 8.7Upper-midQuest Cathedral Junction Serviced Apartments
#4 serviced apartments · Tram stops outside
★ 8.6Upper-midFino Hotel & Suites
#3 All-suite · full kitchen in every room
★ 8.6Valueโรงแรมแนะนำทั้งหมดในChristchurch
ครบทุกระดับงบ — คัดจากคะแนนรีวิวจริง พร้อมเทียบราคา 3 เว็บ
Crowne Plaza Christchurch by IHG
#1 Central CBD - across from Victoria Square
The Bealey Quarter (All Stars Inn)
#8 Boutique motel · Edgeware, great value
Southwark Hotel & Apartments
#6 apart-hotel · free Netflix and full kitchens
Chateau on the Park — a DoubleTree by Hilton
#2 Outdoor pool · 5-acre garden by Hagley Park
Haven't found the one? Search all 3 sites yourself
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🚆 Getting around Christchurch
Metro buses
Metro buses cover the city and suburbs — tap on with a Metrocard, and there's a central Bus Interchange.
Heritage tram
The tram loops only through the central tourist district, better for sightseeing than actually getting around.
Cycling
The city is flat and great for cycling, with bike lanes and rental spots throughout, especially around Hagley Park.
Christchurch Airport
The airport (CHC) is 12 km from the city and the South Island's main gateway, with the Purple bus line into town.
Where to go next near Christchurch
AucklandNew Zealand's biggest city, wedged between two harbours and dotted with dormant volcanoes and yacht-filled marinas.
See this city's guide →
WellingtonNew Zealand's capital, on a windy bay and full of cafes, museums, and the film industry.
See this city's guide →
QueenstownA town on Lake Wakatipu beneath the Remarkables, the world's adventure-sport capital.
See this city's guide →
RotoruaA geothermal town of bubbling mud pools and hot springs, and the heart of Māori culture.
See this city's guide →Frequently asked — where to stay in Christchurch
Is Christchurch still safe after the earthquake?+
It's safe and fully recovered. The city has been rebuilt with earthquake-resistant buildings and has become a lively destination.
What can I use Christchurch as a base for?+
It's a great starting point for the South Island — drive to Mount Cook, Tekapo, and Akaroa, or take the TranzAlpine train across the mountains.
When is the best time to visit Christchurch?+
Summer (Dec–Feb) is warm and great for the gardens, while in autumn the leaves change colour beautifully across the Garden City.
Ready to book your Christchurch stay?
Start with the 3 hotels our team picked, or search all 3 sites — always compare before booking