Christchurch Travel Guide

The Ultimate Christchurch Travel Guide – 
What To Do & See

Christchurch, often called the “Garden City,” combines the charm of its historical roots with the energy of a city that’s been reborn. As New Zealand’s second-largest city, Christchurch is celebrated for its resilience, community spirit, and unique mix of tradition and innovation. Over the past decade, Christchurch has transformed itself following the 2010-2012 earthquakes, introducing contemporary architecture, street art, and revitalised public spaces that coexist beautifully with its historic sites and lush gardens.

Whether you’re an adventurer, a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or a food connoisseur, Christchurch offers an experience unlike any other. This section introduces the city’s essential characteristics, offering a taste of what makes Christchurch an unforgettable destination.

What to Expect in This Guide

This travel guide to Christchurch will provide you with everything you need to make the most of your trip. From transportation tips and top attractions to dining and events, this guide ensures you’ll experience Christchurch like a local. Whether you’re here for a quick visit or an extended stay, this guide covers it all, from the best time to visit to hidden gems you won’t want to miss.

Christchurch Quick Facts

  • Language: English is the official language.​
  • Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD).​ (AUD $1.00 = NZD $1.07)
  • Average Spending per day (meals): $28NZD/$26AUD
  • Time Zone: New Zealand Standard Time (NZST), UTC +12; New Zealand Daylight Time (NZDT), UTC +13 during daylight saving.​
  • Electricity: 230V supply voltage and 50Hz; plug type I (three flat pins).​

Getting to Christchurch

Getting to Christchurch is seriously easy—and the real fun starts as soon as you hop on the plane. It’s just a quick 1 hour 25 minutes from Auckland, an even faster 1 hour from Wellington, and about 1 hour 5 minutes if you’re flying in from Queenstown or Dunedin.

Coming over from Australia? You’re only around 3 hours from Sydney or Melbourne, or 4 hours from Brisbane.

Once you land, Christchurch Airport is just a short drive from the city centre, meaning you’ll swap airport vibes for mountain views or cool cafés before you know it. However you get here, Christchurch is your perfect springboard for epic adventures across the South Island.

Top Attractions in Christchurch

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

The Christchurch Botanic Gardens, nestled within Hagley Park, offer a tranquil escape in the city center, showcasing a rich collection of native and exotic plants. Visitors can explore themed gardens with everything from roses and ferns to towering conifers, alongside sculptures, greenhouses, and picnic spots. Seasonal highlights include spring cherry blossoms, vibrant autumn foliage, and year-round displays in the tropical Cunningham House. With guided tours, a charming café, and scenic views throughout, the gardens are a must-visit in any season.


Image Credits: Joshua Small – Photographer/Shutterstock

Canterbury Museum

Just steps from the Botanic Gardens, the Canterbury Museum is a must-visit for travelers eager to explore Christchurch’s rich history and cultural roots. Inside, you’ll find everything from fascinating Māori artifacts and natural history displays to an epic Antarctic exhibit that celebrates the city’s role as a southern gateway. One of the highlights is Christchurch Street—a charming, full-scale replica of a Victorian-era lane complete with old-timey shops and relics from the 19th century. Don’t miss the Moana Nui a Kiwa gallery, honoring Polynesian heritage, or the rotating art exhibits that keep things fresh year-round. Best of all, admission is free—perfect for curious wanderers on any budget.


Image Credits: https://www.canterburymuseum.com/

Christchurch Gondola

For unbeatable views and a bit of adventure, hop on the Christchurch Gondola for a scenic 10-minute ride up Mount Cavendish. From the summit, you’ll enjoy sweeping panoramas of the city, Canterbury Plains, Lyttelton Harbour, and even the distant Southern Alps. Once at the top, explore the Time Tunnel Experience—an engaging ride through the region’s geological and cultural past—or set off on one of the walking trails for even more breathtaking lookout points. Feeling energetic? You can even hike up from the base. And when it’s time to refuel, the Red Rock Café offers the perfect perch for a relaxed bite with a view.


Image Credits: https://www.christchurchattractions.nz/christchurch-gondola/

Christchurch Arts Gallery

The Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū is a striking modern landmark in the heart of the city, perfect for art lovers and casual visitors alike. With its bold glass façade and ever-changing exhibitions, the gallery showcases an exciting mix of contemporary and historical works from New Zealand and beyond. Entry is free, making it an easy and inspiring stop while exploring the city. Whether you’re admiring large-scale installations or grabbing a coffee at the stylish on-site café, the gallery offers a fresh dose of creativity and culture.

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve provides intimate wildlife encounters, allowing visitors to meet New Zealand’s ‘Big 5’: the kiwi, kea, tuatara, kaka, and takahe. The reserve also features interactive enclosures with wallabies, deer, and lemurs, offering hands-on experiences for all ages. Additionally, Willowbank is home to heritage farmyard animals, reflecting New Zealand’s agricultural history.


Image Credits: https://www.willowbank.co.nz/visitor-info/encounters-guided-tours/

Orana Wildlife Park

​Orana Wildlife Park, New Zealand’s only open-range zoo, spans 80 hectares and is located just a 15-minute drive from Christchurch Airport. Visitors can engage in unique animal encounters such as hand-feeding majestic giraffes, meeting white rhinos up close, and observing New Zealand’s only gorillas. The park also features a large native enclosure housing kiwis, tuataras, and various endemic bird species, providing an immersive experience into the country’s wildlife.

International Antarctic Centre

​The International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch offers an immersive glimpse into the icy continent, making it a must-visit attraction. Experience the chill of an Antarctic storm in the Storm Dome, interact with adorable Little Blue Penguins at the Penguin Rescue, and embark on an exhilarating ride in a genuine Hägglund all-terrain vehicle. Enhance your visit with the 4D Theatre, which brings Antarctic exploration to life through captivating films. Conveniently located near Christchurch International Airport, this award-winning centre provides educational and entertaining experiences for visitors of all ages.


Image Credits: https://www.iceberg.co.nz/

He Puna Taimoana – New Brighton Hot Pools

He Puna Taimoana is a coastal hot pool haven in Christchurch, offering oceanfront relaxation in a range of heated saltwater pools. Open year-round, it’s the perfect spot to soak while breathing in fresh sea air. Highlights include a stunning beachfront sauna with panoramic views of New Brighton Beach and a smooth booking system that ensures a peaceful, accessible experience for all.


Image Credits: https://www.hepunataimoana.co.nz/

The Air Force Museum of New Zealand

The Air Force Museum of New Zealand, situated at the historic Wigram Air Force Base, offers an in-depth look into the nation’s military aviation history. The museum boasts a diverse collection of aircraft and immersive exhibitions that chronicle the evolution of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Visitors can explore at their own pace or join guided tours for a more comprehensive experience.


Image Credits: https://airforcemuseum.co.nz/

What To Eat in Christchurch

  • Little High Eatery: A vibrant food hall featuring diverse cuisines from wood-fired pizzas to Thai street food, offering a communal dining experience perfect for socializing.
  • Dimitris Greek Food: Renowned for authentic Greek dishes like souvlaki and gyros, this spot provides generous portions at reasonable prices. ​
  • Bacon Brothers: Famous for their gourmet bacon sandwiches and burgers, they cater to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian options. ​
  • Rollickin Gelato: A must-visit for dessert lovers, offering a wide range of handcrafted gelato and sorbet flavors, including dairy-free and vegan options.
  • Lyttelton Coffee Company: A must-visit harbour-side café and roastery in Lyttelton, serving up freshly roasted coffee, delicious all-day eats, and stunning views—perfect for a laid-back escape just outside Christchurch.
  • Grizzly Baked Goods: Grizzly Baked Goods is a beloved Christchurch bakery known for its artisan sourdough, buttery pastries, and perfectly brewed coffee—an essential stop for foodies craving a taste of New Zealand’s best baked delights.
  • Bunrunners Cafe: Ideal for sampling local specialties like the Southland cheese roll or a classic Kiwi pie, all at budget-friendly prices.
  • Caribe Latin Kitchen: Located within Little High Eatery, it serves authentic Latin American dishes like pasteles, offering a flavorful experience.
  • Pizza Trap: Pizza Trap pairs epic sourdough pizza with a buzzing industrial vibe and live local music—your go-to spot in Christchurch for good times, great tunes, and even better slices.
  • Bento Bowl at Northlink: Known for generous portions and a variety of Japanese dishes, it’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
  • Zodiac: ​A stylish modern Asian fusion restaurant located on Oxford Terrace in Christchurch’s CBD, offering an extensive menu of innovative dishes, specialty cocktails, and a luxurious atmosphere overlooking the Avon River.

Famous Markets in Christchurch

Riccarton Sunday Market

One of New Zealand’s largest outdoor markets, Riccarton Sunday Market is a treasure trove of local crafts, vintage finds, and tasty street food—perfect for a leisurely Sunday stroll.

Lyttelton Farmers Market
 Set against a charming harbor backdrop, the Lyttelton Farmers Market offers fresh, seasonal produce, artisan goods, and a vibrant community vibe that captures the heart of Kiwi culture.

Christchurch Farmers’ Market
 Held in the picturesque grounds of Riccarton House, the Christchurch Farmers’ Market is a foodie’s dream—packed with gourmet treats, organic produce, and friendly local vendors.

Riverside Market
 A buzzing indoor marketplace in the heart of Christchurch, Riverside Market is your go-to for handcrafted eats, boutique shopping, and a lively atmosphere from morning to night.


Image Credits: https://riverside.nz/

Transportation in Christchurch

Getting around Christchurch is easy, with buses, trams, bikes, and more to suit every traveler. Here’s a quick guide to help you explore the city like a local.

Metro Bus Network:

Getting around Christchurch is easy with the Metro bus system—affordable, reliable, and covering everything from beaches to suburbs. Grab a Metrocard for $2 rides and free transfers within two hours, compared to $4 cash. Use the MetroInfo app to plan trips and catch real-time updates for smooth travels.

The Iconic Tramway

Hop aboard the Christchurch Tramway for a vintage ride through the city’s heart. It runs a 4km loop with unlimited hop-on-hop-off access for $30, stopping at highlights like Cathedral Square and Riverside Market. Drivers share fun local stories along the way, adding charm to your tour.

Cycling in Christchurch

Christchurch is super bike-friendly, with cycle lanes, scenic trails, and easy rentals starting around $35 a day. Cruise riverside paths like Te Ara Ōtākaro or challenge yourself with the Rapaki Track. Helmets are required—grab a Bike Easy Map and explore the city on two wheels.

Ridesharing and Taxis

For flexible transport, Uber and Ola are popular picks—usually cheaper than taxis, with rides around $17 in the city. Just download the apps and go. Prefer taxis? They’re easy to find downtown, at the airport, or near shopping spots—no app needed.

Car Rentals

Renting a car offers comfort and freedom, with airport and city locations and rates from around $25/day for week-long hires. Choose from compact cars, sedans, SUVs, or vans for larger groups. Parking downtown is easy, with hourly rates from $4.80 and capped daily fees at many garages.

Events and Festivals in Christchurch

Christchurch offers an exciting lineup of events and festivals, making it a vibrant destination year-round. From cultural celebrations to high-energy sporting events, there’s always something to enjoy.

Key Events in Christchurch

  • FAST5 Netball World Series
    Witness the world’s top teams compete in a fast-paced and thrilling version of netball. A must-see for sports fans.
  • New Zealand Cup Week
    This iconic event blends horse racing, high fashion, and entertainment. Held at Riccarton Park and Addington Raceway, it’s a highlight of the city’s social calendar.
  • The Christchurch Show
    Dive into the region’s rural roots with this agricultural showcase, featuring livestock displays, equestrian events, live performances, and local delicacies.
  • New Year’s Eve Celebrations
    Celebrate the start of the New Year with spectacular fireworks, live music, and a lively atmosphere at North Hagley Park.
  • Juicy Fest
    A must for music lovers, Juicy Fest brings some of the biggest R&B and hip-hop icons of the 90s, 2000s, and 2010s to Christchurch. Expect electrifying performances and an unforgettable festival vibe.

Popular Festivals

  • Christchurch Lantern Festival
    A magical event celebrating Chinese New Year with glowing lantern displays, cultural performances, and an array of delicious food stalls.
  • World Busker’s Festival
    This international festival celebrates street performance art, with a lineup of comedians, acrobats, and musicians turning the streets of Christchurch into a giant stage.
  • South Island Wine and Food Festival
    Savour the region’s best wines and gourmet foods while enjoying live entertainment in the scenic setting of North Hagley Park.
  • Christchurch Holi Festival
    Join in this joyous and colourful celebration of Indian culture, complete with music, dancing, and lots of vibrant powder.

Suggested Travel Budgets

Budget Traveller (100-130 NZD per day)

Ideal for backpackers and budget-conscious travellers, this range covers a dorm bed in a hostel (40–60 NZD), simple meals like takeaways or supermarket food (30–40 NZD), basic public transport (around 10 NZD), and low-cost or free activities such as exploring the Botanic Gardens or local museums (around 20 NZD).

Mid-Range Traveller (180-250 NZD per day)

Perfect for travellers seeking comfort without splurging, this budget includes a stay in a budget hotel or private Airbnb (100–150 NZD), dining at mid-range restaurants (50–70 NZD), occasional use of taxis or rideshares (around 20 NZD), and paid attractions like the Christchurch Gondola or museum entries (about 30 NZD).

Luxury Traveller (300+ NZD per day)

For those wanting a high-end travel experience, this budget covers luxury or boutique hotel stays (200+ NZD), fine dining and premium drinks (100+ NZD), private transport or car rentals (30+ NZD), and guided tours or exclusive experiences like wine tastings or adventure activities (50+ NZD).

Tips for Traveling on a Budget

Saving on Meals

Save on food while exploring Christchurch with a few smart tips. Cooking your own meals is a great budget hack—grab fresh ingredients from Pak’nSave or local markets, and make use of hostel or Airbnb kitchens. When you do eat out, check out wallet-friendly spots like Miss Saigon for tasty banh mi and pho from $7.90, Portershed Specialty Cafe for wholesome vegan eats under $15, or Dumplings by Kaywah, where you can score the famous $2 rice bowl.

Discounted Activities

Save money in Christchurch by visiting free attractions like the Botanic Gardens, Hagley Park, and street art trails, and travel during autumn or winter to score lower prices and fewer crowds.

Maximising Your Budget

Cut accommodation and food costs in Christchurch by using hotel points or rewards, staying with locals via Couchsurfing or Worldpackers, and hitting up happy hours—Rambler Bar is a top pick for great deals on cocktails and snacks.

Timing Your Visit

  • Off-Peak Benefits:
    Avoid peak tourist months in summer to find the best deals on flights, accommodation, and tours.
    • Bonus: Winter travel means fewer crowds at attractions and opportunities for snow-based activities in nearby areas.
  • Plan for Free Events:
    Keep an eye on free local events like markets, festivals, and public performances. Sites like Eventfinda.co.nz and local tourism pages are excellent resources.

Best Time to Visit Christchurch

Christchurch, on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, has a temperate climate with warm summers (Dec–Feb) averaging 22°C and cooler winters (Jun–Aug) around 7°C. Summer is the busiest and liveliest time to visit, while fall (Mar–May) offers mild weather and fewer crowds. Winter is the cheapest season, with occasional frost and snow.  For a balance of good weather and lower prices, the shoulder seasons are ideal.

Where to Stay in Christchurch?

  • Central & Downtown Christchurch: Perfect for first-timers and city lovers. Stay close to the buzzing heart of the city, with top restaurants, galleries, and iconic attractions like the botanical gardens, Canterbury Museum, Avon River, and Riverside Market all within an arm’s reach. You’ll never miss out on the fun!
  • Lyttelton: Just 20 minutes from downtown, Lyttelton is a charming port town with a lively arts scene, waterfront cafés, and beautiful harbour views. Great for those who love a relaxed, creative atmosphere.
  • Merivale: This stylish neighbourhood is known for its artisan cafés, indie shops, and fashionable eateries. While it’s mainly residential with fewer hotel options, that’s part of its charm—it feels more laid-back and less touristy. And with the city centre only about a 6-minute drive away, it’s still super convenient for exploring all Christchurch has to offer.
  • Riccarton: Sitting just west of Hagley Park, Riccarton blends laid-back living with a fun student buzz. Home to many University of Canterbury students, the area stays pretty chill during the day but comes alive after dark with a great mix of bars and pubs. It’s the perfect spot if you love the nightlife but still want a peaceful place to recharge. And with the city centre just a 10-minute drive away, you’re always close to the heart of the action.
  • Cashmere: Tucked against the northern slopes of the Port Hills, Cashmere is a peaceful suburb just a 14-minute drive south of the city centre. Known for its sweeping views and leafy parks, it’s a great pick for nature lovers who want quick access to hiking trails and outdoor adventures. If you’re keen to swap city streets for scenic walks and fresh air, Cashmere is calling.

Experience the Best of Christchurch with Drifter

Central and Vibrant Location:
Situated in the iconic Sol Square, Drifter Christchurch is perfectly positioned at the heart of the city’s bustling social scene, placing guests within easy walking distance of popular cafes, restaurants, boutique shopping, and cultural attractions.

Dynamic Communal Areas:
Guests enjoy vibrant communal facilities that encourage interaction and relaxation, including a fully-equipped communal kitchen, collaborative co-working spaces, a cozy cinema room, an inviting library area, and a dedicated wellness studio.

Rambler Bar and Dining: 

The on-site Rambler Bar and Dining enhances the guest experience with delicious food, refreshing beverages, and lively entertainment, making it an excellent spot to socialise and unwind after exploring Christchurch.

Artful Design and Comfort:
With distinctive interiors showcasing unique art pieces, plush bedding, and high-end amenities, Drifter Christchurch blends boutique hotel luxury with the community spirit of a high-quality hostel, providing a memorable and enjoyable stay.

Accommodation at Drifter Christchurch:

Drifter Christchurch caters to various travel groups with distinct accommodation styles:

  • Female Shared Suite
  • Superior Shared Suite
  • Loft Rooms
  • Private Suite
  • Premium Suite

Pricing varies according to availability, booking dates, and seasonal demand, so it’s recommended to check Drifter Christchurch’s official website for the most accurate rates.

Your Ultimate Christchurch Experience

Christchurch is a city of contrasts, where innovation meets tradition and urban convenience blends seamlessly with natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring the city’s vibrant art scene, relaxing in its abundant green spaces, or venturing on day trips to nearby wonders, Christchurch offers an unforgettable experience for every type of traveller.

This guide has covered everything from transport tips and top attractions to dining and day trips. With a mix of historical sites, outdoor adventures, and modern urban charm, Christchurch invites you to explore, unwind, and discover a city that is truly one of a kind.

Ready to plan your Christchurch adventure? Bookmark this guide, pack your bags, and get set to uncover the many layers of the Garden City!