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Visiting Christchurch

Families will find kid-friendly activities in Christchurch, and visitors give high marks for the beautiful gardens, fascinating museums, and local tours. This city also attracts tourists with its restaurants, cathedral, and cafés. Top sights in the city include Canterbury Museum, Riccarton House, and New Brighton Beach.

• There are 291 hotels and other accommodations in Christchurch
• The closest major airport is in Christchurch (CHC-Christchurch Intl.) 9.2 from the city center

Sightseeing and Staying in Christchurch

Well known for its museums, the city's cultural venues include Canterbury Museum, International Antarctic Centre, and Christchurch Art Gallery. Families come for attractions such as Punting on the Avon, Jellie Park Recreation and Sport Centre, and Christchurch Gondola. The city is notable for its cathedral and landmarks like Riccarton House, Cardboard Cathedral, and Nurses' Memorial Chapel.

In Christchurch, you'll find 291 hotels and other lodging options so you'll have a variety of choices for your holiday getaway. Here you'll find top ones based on our user reviews:

• Westgrove B&B - Guests who stay at this 4-star bed & breakfast in Avonhead can enjoy access to free breakfast and free parking, along with an in-room kitchen. It's a favorite with Expedia travelers for its WiFi and proximity to the airport.
• Halkett Grove Bed and Breakfast - This 3-star bed & breakfast features free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking.
• The Establishment - Guests who stay at this 5-star lodge in Ilam can enjoy access to free breakfast and free valet parking, along with a free stocked minibar. Expedia customers like its breakfast and quiet location.

Other top sights in Christchurch include New Brighton Beach and Lyttelton Harbour.

Getting Around Christchurch

To see more of the surrounding area, hop aboard a train at Christchurch Railway Station or Rolleston Station. Christchurch might not have many public transit options so consider renting a car to explore the city.

Dressing for Christchurch

• Between January and March, daytime temperatures average 70°F, while nighttime temperatures stay around 47°F
• From April to June, the average is 64°F during the day and 35°F at night
• July through September sees average temperatures of 60°F during the day and 35°F at night
• In October-December, you can expect 70°F as the daytime average and 42°F as the nighttime average
• About 1.42 inches of rain falls on Christchurch each year
• January and December are usually the hottest months averaging 69°F, while July and August are usually the coldest with an average temperature of 36°F

There are few if any other places on Earth like Christchurch. This gem of the South Island is within two hours of skiing, bungee jumping, wind surfing, hiking, whale watching, bike trails, and more. For the active traveller, Christchurch feels like coming home. Of course, this large New Zealand city also offers its fair share of entertainment and cuisine, and activities like strolling the Sunday Artisan Market are a wonderful way to wind down for a bit. Whether you are travelling with family, friends, or alone, Christchurch stands to deliver the holiday of a lifetime.

Places to see in Christchurch

The lush landscape of Christchurch serves as fertile ground for a number of experiences you won’t find anywhere else. The TranzAlpine passenger train offers incredible views of New Zealand’s Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps, among many other scenic areas. Centre City itself is brimming with treasure-filled boutiques and world-class restaurants ready for your arrival. Experience the city’s most popular spots, such as the Christchurch Arts Centre, as part of a guided tour, or blaze your own trail through the bustling streets on a bicycle, Segway, or your own two feet. The historic Cathedral Square shouldn’t be skipped, while the International Antarctic Centre will teach you everything you need to know about living in the cold.

For those who are curious about Auckland’s past, the Canterbury Museum can bring you up to speed. And if you’re interested in more recent events, a tour of Quake City offers a look at the devastation caused by the massive earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. Meanwhile, the Christchurch Botanic Garden is the largest inner-city garden in the country, showcasing a vibrant collection of flora from near and far. And if you want to escape the urban areas and experience the nature of Christchurch for yourself, the Abel Tasman Trails offer ideal bushwalking tracks and are only a short drive from downtown.

Weather in Christchurch

With a temperate, oceanic climate that many visitors would love to take with them when they leave, Christchurch truly has some of Oceania’s most outstanding weather. While summers can get a bit sultry, a near-constant northeastern sea breeze tends to keep the city nice and cool. This same wind can occasionally evolve into a severe storm known as a nor’wester, though these don’t occur all that frequently. Winter does get cold in Christchurch, with the mercury frequently falling below freezing. And while winter frosts are fairly common, snow is rare, only accumulating an average of three times each year.

Where to Stay in Christchurch

Christchurch accommodation spans a large spectrum, from modest backpacker hostels to well-appointed hotels. Book a private villa replete with all the comforts of home, or reserve a stay at a high-rise hotel where you can order room service and make good use of the fitness center. Whatever your travel needs, Christchurch hotels can accommodate you.

Travel Basics

Arrival in Christchurch is made easy thanks to the Christchurch Airport (CHC), the second largest airport in New Zealand. Once you land, buses and the KiwiRail system can take you around Christchurch and beyond.

Christchurch is warmest between December and February, when the average temperature falls between 21 and 23 degrees Celsius. During the winter months, temperatures drop to about 11 degrees Celsius. Thanks to the dry climate, even after a frosty morning you can usually enjoy a sunny day with little wind—if any at all.

Book Your Christchurch Getaway

Christchurch is poised to offer the ideal holiday to all types of travellers, from nature lovers to adrenaline junkies. Improve your holiday by booking one of the top hotels in Christchurch. Search for your hotel right here on Expedia.com.au, where you can filter hotels by specials, theme, brand, location, and more.