McLeans Island Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit McLeans Island
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
Our pick of the best McLeans Island Hotel Deals
Harewood Lodge
"The app said it is 1.5 km from the airport. In a straight line maybe. It was an 8.5 km walk. Not impressed. Place was noisy."
Reviewed on 17 Apr 2026
BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch
"great location"
Reviewed on 20 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
"Wouldnt normally stay at the airport but on thisnoccasion it was very convenient. Very nice hotel, great dinner at the restaurant and a very well stocked mini bar."
Reviewed on 20 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
Other neighbourhoods around McLeans Island
Christchurch Airport
While Christchurch Airport may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like International Antarctic Centre and Harewood Golf Club.
Burnside
Travellers come to Burnside for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Jellie Park Recreation and Sport Centre and Russley Golf Club while you're in town.
Ilam
Ilam is well liked for its bars. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Christchurch area, you might plan a trip to Jellie Park Recreation and Sport Centre or Bush Inn Centre.
Hornby
The museums and shopping are a few reasons travellers visit Hornby. Though there aren't many top sights in the neighbourhood, you can visit Air Force Museum of New Zealand and Riccarton Park, a few notable attractions nearby.
Papanui
Unique features of Papanui include the shopping and restaurants. Make a stop by Northlands Shopping Centre or Papanui Road while you're exploring the area.
Wigram
Parks and entertainment venues are just a few things travellers like about Wigram. A stop by Air Force Museum of New Zealand is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.
