Hotels in Christchurch

Book your cheap hotel in Christchurch

The largest city on the South Island and the third largest in New Zealand, Christchurch is one of five “gateway cities” for exploring Antarctica. This makes it a tourist hot spot, as does the area’s rich history, its food and dining culture and its lovely natural scenery. It’s still rebuilding following the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes, but that hasn’t dimmed the city’s brightness and sense of joie de vivre. All the main attractions are open, and new ones have been added, making it an even more desirable destination.

Christchurch welcomes its half a million visitors with open arms to its ample supply of holiday accommodation, which includes traditional hotels, as well as hostels, apartments and lodges.

Neighbourhoods of Christchurch

The most vibrant and thriving neighbourhoods in Christchurch include:

  • Inner City: This eclectic neighbourhood in the heart of Christchurch is surprisingly verdant with lush gardens and parks and is brimming with trendy restaurants and bars. It’ also where you can find many of the most significant landmarks and museums.
  • Riccarton: West of the centre of town, Riccarton is a charming district with great shopping in boutiques and huge mall, as well as great nightlife thanks to a myriad of trendy eateries, bars and clubs.
  • Merivale: A largely residential neighbourhood, it’s also one of the most historically interesting areas with narrow lanes and housing from the 19th century.
  • Sumner: A delightful seaside vibe complete with walks on the beach and hikes in the surrounding hills, as well as delicious places to enjoy seafood, make this an attractive place to find cheap hotels in Christchurch.

What to See and Do in Christchurch

Highlights of the attractions and activities are:

  • Parks: Christchurch is called the “Garden City” because of the huge number of green spaces, including the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Ilam Homestead Gardens and sports-cantered Hagley Park.
  • Landmarks: The best sights include the Empty White Chairs earthquake memorial, Cardboard Cathedral, Christchurch Cathedral and the Avon River.
  • Museums: Some of the best are the Christchurch Art Gallery, the Canterbury Museum, Quake City and the International Antarctic Centre.
  • Natural attractions: Nature abounds in Christchurch, which you can see at Ferrymead Hermitage Park and Riccarton Bush. Punting on the Avon is a fun way to spend a couple of hours.
  • Animal attractions: Willowbank Wildlife Reserve and Orana Wildlife Park, are home to many animal species including lions and kiwi birds.

What to Eat in Christchurch

You won’t want to miss the delicious local cuisine in Christchurch, much of which represents considered iconic Kiwi food. Dishes/food to try include:

  • Hangi: A traditional Maori food, hangi is a mixture of slow cooked vegetables and meat and is best enjoyed on a Maori cultural tour.
  • Kina: Kina is a native species of sea urchin. Once you get past the spiky outer shell, you can enjoy this New Zealand delicacy.
  • Kiwi burger: Don’t worry - it doesn’t contain any kiwi meat. It’s a burger topped with a fried egg and beetroot. You can find one just about anywhere a burger is served, including McDonald’s.
  • Whitebait fritters: No visit to Christchurch would be complete without sampling the whitebait fritters. They are likened to a fish omelette.
  • Paua: Another seafood delight, this large sea snail is best eaten raw. It can also be used in curry and other dishes.
  • Southland cheese rolls: A speciality of southern New Zealand, a cheese roll is a slice of cheese, rolled in bread, smothered in butter and then grilled.

Events and Festivals in Christchurch

The event calendar has an interesting collection including:

  • The World Buskers Festival: Spanning two weeks in January, it features comedy, circus and street acts.
  • The Festival of Romance: Happens in the run up to Valentine’s Day and offers a unique mix of romantic activities for couples.
  • Carnival Week: During November, the city has a festive atmosphere with street entertainments, horse racing, agricultural performances and a large fireworks display.
  • The Christchurch Arts Festival: Taking place every winter, this event is a huge multi-disciplinary showcase of talent of local and international artists.

How to Get Around in Christchurch

The city centre is easily walkable and also good for cycling. Public buses run throughout the city, and a Metrocard All Day Pass is a good option for visitors. There are also private bus companies offering numerous tours. The tramway can get you around in the city centre but check routes because the map changes as reconstruction after the earthquake continues. The city is served by an International airport and is connected by three motorways.

The Climate in Christchurch

With its temperate climate, the city has cool winters and mild summers. There’s also a moderate amount of rainfall. January and February are the warmest months of the year, with average daily temperatures of 22°. You can expect warm breezes during the summer and frosty days during the winter. Spring is considered the best time to visit.

Christchurch today 59°F
59°F | 48°F

In Christchurch we will have light rain, nice temperatures expected throught the day.

    • Wednesday
    • 59°F | 46°F
    • Thursday
    • 64°F | 52°F
    • Friday
    • 63°F | 52°F
    • Saturday
    • 64°F | 50°F

339 Accommodations in Christchurch

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Frequently asked questions about Hotels in Christchurch

The most centrally located hotels in Christchurch with the best ratings are: Hotel The George, Hotel Heritage Christchurch and Hotel 115.

Hotel Sudima Christchurch Airport is the closest one to Christchurch.

You can make reservations at Hotel Commodore Christchurch Airport and Hotel Heritage Christchurch if you´re looking for a hotel with valet service for your visit to Christchurch.

If you need a hotel with disabled access in Christchurch, we recommend Bed and Breakfast Eliza's Manor, Hotel Commodore Christchurch Airport and Hotel Airport Gateway Motor Lodge.

According to our clients, if you´re travelling with children, the best hotels in Christchurch are Hotel Pavilions, Hotel Quality Elms and Hotel Camelot Motor Lodge.

If you want to save time, the hotels in Christchurch with express check-in and check-out are Hotel Commodore Christchurch Airport, Hotel Airport Gateway Motor Lodge and Hotel Heritage Christchurch.

Some of the options for hotels with non-smoking rooms in Christchurch are St James Bed And Breakfast, Homelea Bed And Breakfast and Bed and Breakfast Eliza's Manor.

In Christchurch, Hotel Commodore Christchurch Airport, Hotel The George and Hotel Airport Gateway Motor Lodge offer 24-hour front desk service.

If you're bringing a vehicle, we recommend that you book a hotel with parking in Christchurch, like Homelea Bed And Breakfast, Bed and Breakfast Eliza's Manor or Hotel Commodore Christchurch Airport.