01
Botanic Gardens
Thirty hectares of heritage planting, glasshouses and river lawns beside Hagley Park.
South Island · Ōtautahi
Christchurch
A reinvented city of gardens, street art and modern architecture, and the natural start or finish point for a South Island journey.
Recommended stay
2 nights
Best for
Gardens, culture, route hub
Best time
October–April
Why Christchurch
A rebuilt city with a gentle pace
Christchurch is the South Island's largest city and its most convenient gateway, but the reason to stay is the character that has emerged since the 2010–2011 earthquakes.
The central city now mixes heritage stone with bold contemporary architecture, large-scale street art and a laneway dining scene. The Botanic Gardens and the willow-lined Avon River give the centre an unusually green, unhurried feel for a city of this size.
It also sits at a crossroads. Banks Peninsula and Akaroa are ninety minutes away, the TranzAlpine railway crosses to the West Coast from here, and the alpine lakes, Kaikōura whales and Hanmer hot pools are all comfortable next stops.
Top highlights
Must-do Christchurch experiences
02
Punting on the Avon
Flat-bottomed boats glide beneath willows from the Antigua Boat Sheds.
03
Transitional Cathedral
The striking cardboard-tube cathedral built after the earthquakes.
04
Akaroa and Banks Peninsula
A French-influenced harbour village among volcanic hills, 90 minutes from the city.
05
TranzAlpine Railway
One of the world's great rail journeys, crossing the Southern Alps to the West Coast.
06
Christchurch Gondola
Ride the Port Hills for views over the city, Lyttelton Harbour and the Canterbury Plains.
Who it suits
Is Christchurch right for your trip?
First and last nights in the South Island
Garden and heritage lovers
Families
Rail travellers
Art and street-art fans
Cruise passengers
Recommended stay
How long should you spend in Christchurch?
| Time | What fits comfortably |
|---|---|
| 1 day | Botanic Gardens, the tram loop and central city street art |
| 2 days | City highlights plus the gondola or a day in Akaroa |
| 3 days | City, Banks Peninsula and a TranzAlpine or wine-country day |
| 4+ days | A wider Canterbury exploration including Waipara, Lyttelton and the plains |
Trip ideas
Suggested Christchurch itineraries
Two days in Christchurch
- 1
Day 1
Botanic Gardens, punting on the Avon and the central city tram
- 2
Day 2
Akaroa and Banks Peninsula, with a harbour nature cruise
Three days in Christchurch
- 1
Day 1
Hagley Park, the Botanic Gardens and Canterbury Museum
- 2
Day 2
Christchurch Gondola, Lyttelton and Sumner Beach
- 3
Day 3
Akaroa day trip, or the TranzAlpine through Arthur's Pass
Things to do
Top paid and free activities
Popular paid activities
- Punting on the Avon
- Christchurch Gondola
- TranzAlpine rail journey
- Akaroa harbour nature cruise
- International Antarctic Centre
- Willowbank wildlife reserve
Popular free attractions
- Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park
- Christchurch street art trail
- Riverside Market
- Sumner and New Brighton beaches
- Port Hills walks
- Quake City memorial walk
Sample costs
Christchurch price guide
These broad NZD ranges are indicative planning figures, not live quotes. Season, availability, room type and group size can change the final cost.
Budget
NZ$45–$95
per person / night
Standard
NZ$100–$230
per person / night
Premium
NZ$230–$450
per person / night
Luxury
NZ$450+
per person / night
Many of the best things to do in Christchurch are free. Paid experiences typically run from around NZ$35 for punting to NZ$250+ per person for the TranzAlpine or an Akaroa cruise.
Continue your route
Nearby destinations from Christchurch
These are the onward locations currently connected in our tour builder.
Where to stay
Christchurch accommodation options
Budget
Hostels and backpacker accommodation
Standard
3-star hotels and motels
Premium
4-star hotels and boutique stays
Luxury
5-star hotels and luxury lodges
Christchurch FAQs
Questions travellers ask
Is Christchurch worth visiting?
Yes. Christchurch pairs large gardens and heritage with a genuinely modern rebuilt centre, and it is the most practical place to begin or end a South Island tour.
How many days should I spend in Christchurch?
Two nights suits most itineraries: one day for the central city and gardens, and a second for Akaroa, the gondola or a rail journey.
What is Christchurch best known for?
Christchurch is known as the Garden City, for its Botanic Gardens, punting on the Avon, its post-earthquake rebuild and street art, and as the gateway to Canterbury and the Southern Alps.
Is Christchurch expensive?
It is generally better value than Queenstown. Accommodation is more affordable, and many highlights such as the gardens, parks, beaches and street art cost nothing.
What are the best day trips from Christchurch?
Akaroa and Banks Peninsula, Arthur's Pass, the Waipara wine region and Hanmer Springs are the most popular. Longer routes such as Kaikōura or Lake Tekapo work better as an overnight stop.
When is the best time to visit Christchurch?
October to April brings the warmest weather and the gardens at their best. Autumn is particularly attractive in Hagley Park, while winter is quiet and suits museum and food-focused stays.
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