About Christchurch
Christchurch is one of New Zealand's major cities, home to around 419,200 people.
Best time
The warmer, drier months for the outdoors
Weather
Mild to tropical, with plenty of sunshine
Experiences
Things to do in Christchurch
1
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
2
Cardboard Cathedral
3
Canterbury Museum
4
Avon River punting
5
New Brighton Pier
6
Port Hills views
7
Street art in the CBD
8
Day trip to Akaroa or Arthur's Pass
Budget travel
Free things to do in Christchurch
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Cardboard Cathedral
Street art in the CBD
Christchurch Art Gallery
St Michael and All Angels Church
Christchurch Casino
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Suggested itinerary
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Christchurch Art Gallery
- Visit Cardboard Cathedral
- Visit St Michael and All Angels Church
- Eat at Fresh Choice
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Air Force Museum
- Visit Canterbury Museum
- Visit Christchurch Casino
- Eat at Woolworths
- 3
Day 3
Markets, parks & hidden corners
- Visit Christchurch Gondola
- Visit Garden City Helicopters
- Eat at New World
Where to eat
Local favourites
Fresh Choice
The most central supermarket, but also the smallest, and not the cheapest.
Woolworths
Supermarket.
New World
Pak'n'Save
The cheapest supermarket chain overall, but may not have as wide a range as Woolworths and New World.
- $
Aha Wildlife Bakery
Wildlife themed bakery shop - bakes delicious animal-shaped bread and cookies fresh on the market. Try a kiwi, have a whale - and enjoy the
Funky Pumpkin
Fresh fruit and vegetables and some meat.
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $
Classique Lodge Motel
5 minutes to Westfield Riccarton Shopping Mall.
- $$
Jailhouse Accommodation
Renovated heritage backpacker accommodation with a colourful history - the former Addington Prison (closed to inmates in 1999). The Jailhous
- $$
Haka House Christchurch
In a heritage building, formerly YHA Christchurch.
- $
Drifter Christchurch
Very convenient if you get in or go around Christchurch via buses. Beds in dorms have curtains and USB chargers. Its kitchen has nice facili
- $
AAA Northlands Motel
Close to Northlands Mall and QE2 Park.
Shopping
- Riverside
- Ballantynes
- Christchurch Farmers' Market
- New Regent Street
- Northlands Shopping Centre
- The Palms
Nightlife
- Aikmans
- Bealey's Speight's Ale House
- The Craic Irish Bar
- No. 4
- Speight's Ale House Tower Junction
- The Beer Library
Museums & culture
- Christchurch Art Gallery
- Cardboard Cathedral
- St Michael and All Angels Church
- Air Force Museum
- Canterbury Museum
- Christchurch Casino
In pictures
Christchurch gallery
Keep exploring
