Clifton Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Popular places to visit
Sumner Beach
The main beach in the seaside retreat of Sumner is an idyllic place to spend a day in the sun away from the centre of Christchurch.
Lyttelton Harbour
Enjoy cafés, markets and boat trips at this scenic European port town, steeped in history and bordered by volcanic hills.
Hagley Park
Explore the great outdoors at Hagley Park, a lovely green space in Christchurch. Amble within picturesque gardens or visit the shops in this culturally rich area.
New Brighton Beach
Surf, spot birdlife, walk across wild sand dunes and shop for handmade goods at a weekly market at this sandy beach and coastal suburb.
Cathedral Square
You can learn about the history of Christchurch when you stop by Cathedral Square. Visit the cathedral in this walkable area or simply enjoy its restaurants.
University of Canterbury
Enjoy the student vibe when you visit University of Canterbury during your trip to Christchurch. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.
Activities
Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch
Christchurch: Orana Wildlife Park Admission
Waipara Valley Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch
TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip
Christchurch: Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Vintage Tram
Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch
Our pick of the best Clifton Hotel Deals
BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch
"Smaller rooms but everything you need. Great breakfast. Amazing location. Super staff."
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
Bealey Quarter
"The staff were courteous. The loo was blocked, the bed was blood soiled (not noted till waking in the morning) and the walls in the bathroom rotten. The light was not sufficient for anything other than ambiance. Drinking water to be sourced from same area as human waste. Lovely shower. The fridge ..."
Reviewed on 19 May 2026
Novotel Christchurch Airport
"The staff were wonderful, the food was excellent, the staff was fantastic, the only real thing lacking was amenities. Everything was a charge with few complimentary items, and at the price point it’s at felt a little crazy. But overall it was a great hotel and the chef staff upstairs were 10/10"
Reviewed on 19 May 2026
LyLo Christchurch
"for a one night stay waiting to depart or upon arrival its good pod were fairly clean bathroom clean kitchen clean"
Reviewed on 7 May 2026
Hotel Give
"All good apart from noisy people above us apparently bouncing a ball for quite a while! Also as usual, the wifi is too weak to do much and need to link to phone. Lovely staff, very comfy bed great location"
Reviewed on 17 May 2026
Quest on Kilmore
"Amenities are great, the room has a kitchen and even laundry machines. The location is good with an excellent Thai restaurant nearby and a bus stop across the street, but it takes 15-20 minutes walk to the downtown."
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Clifton
Sumner
If you're spending some time in Sumner, Sumner Beach and Godley Head Lighthouse are top sights worth seeing.
Lyttelton
You'll enjoy the sandy beaches and museums in Lyttelton. You might want to make time for a stop at Lyttelton Harbour or Lyttelton Farmers Market.
Woolston
You'll enjoy the restaurants and gardens in Woolston. You might want to make time for a stop at The Tannery or Caddyshack City.
New Brighton
You'll enjoy the beaches and parks in New Brighton. You might want to make time for a stop at Avon Heathcote Estuary or New Brighton Beach.
Linwood
You'll enjoy the parks and shopping in Linwood. You might want to make time for a stop at Eastgate Mall or Wilding Park Tennis Center.
Cashmere
You'll enjoy the mountain views and gardens in Cashmere. You might want to make time for a stop at Port Hills or Clearwater Golf Resort.
