Why go
- City in Canterbury, New Zealand.
- Served by Christchurch Airport (CHC).
History
Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island and the second-largest city by urban area population in New Zealand. Christchurch has an urban population of 407,800, and a metropolitan population of 556,500. It is located in the Canterbury Region, near the centre of the east coast of the South Island, east of the Canterbury Plains. It is located near the southern end of Pegasus Bay, and is bounded to the east by the Pacific Ocean and to the south by the ancient volcanic complex of the Banks Peninsula. The Avon River / Ōtākaro winds through the centre of the city, with a large urban park along its banks. With the exception of the Port Hills, it is a relatively flat city, on an average about 20 m (66 ft) above sea level. Christchurch has a reputation for being an English city, with its architectural identity and nickname the 'Garden City' due to similarities with garden cities in England, but also has a historic Māori heritage. Christchurch has a temperate oceanic climate with moderate rainfall.
Restaurants & places to go
Spanish, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-Su 11:30-14:30, Mo-Sa 17:00+ Features: outdoor seating, vegan options Wikipedia: en:Curator's House · 7 Rolleston… · curatorshouse.co.nz
Ice Cream · Opening hours: Su-Th 11:00-22:00; Fr-Sa 11:00-23:00 Features: takeaway, delivery, vegan options, step-free access · 98 Cashel Street,… · rollickin.co.nz
Restaurant · restaurant · 335 Halswell Road, Christchurch, 8025 · theoldvicarage.co.nz
Indian, Restaurant · Indian sweets, restaurant, and takeaway Opening hours: Tu-Su 12:00-20:00 Features: takeaway, vegan options · 458 Colombo Street,… · bikanervala.nz
Fast Food · For when you really could go for some smoked ribs, pizza, crispy chicken and Mexican food. Opening hours: Mo 16:00-22:00; Tu, We 11:00-22:00;… · ribrunner.co.nz
Burger, Fast Food · Opening hours: Su-Mo 09:00-22:00; Tu-Th 09:00-23:00; Fr-Sa 09:00-00:00 Features: outdoor seating, takeaway · 366-376 Lincoln Road,… · burgerking.co.nz
Coffee Shop, Cafe · Opening hours: Mo-Fr 07:00-21:00; Sa 08:00-21:00; Su 08:00-18:00 Features: outdoor seating, takeaway, step-free access · 5 New Brighton… · coffeeculture.co.nz
American, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-We,Su 07:00-23:00; Th-Fr 07:00-24:00; Sa 00:00-24:00 · 382 Moorhouse Avenue, Christchurch, 8011 · dennys.co.nz
Pizza, Fast Food · Opening hours: Su-We 11:00-23:00, Th 11:00-24:00, Fr,Sa 11:00-01:00 Features: vegan options · 62 Riccarton Road, Christchurch, 8011 · dominos.co.nz
Chicken, Fast Food · Opening hours: Mo-We,Sa 09:00-18:00; Th,Fr 09:00-21:00; Su 10:00-18:00 Features: takeaway · kfc.co.nz
Pita, Fast Food · Opening hours: Mo-We 09:00-18:00; Th 09:00-21:00; Fr-Sa 09:00-18:00; Su 10:00-18:00 Features: takeaway · The Palms Mall, Christchurch, 8061 · pitapit.co.nz
Sushi, Restaurant · Opening hours: Sa-We 08:00-19:00; Th,Fr 08:00-21:00 · stpierres.co.nz
Sandwich, Fast Food · Opening hours: Mo,Tu 07:00-20:30; We 07:00-21:00; Th 07:00-19:30; Fr,Sa 07:00-21:30; Su 07:00-21:00 Features: takeaway · 60 Queenspark… · subway.com
Tex-Mex, Fast Food · Opening hours: Mo-Su 10:00-22:00 Features: takeaway · 2-4 Cranley Street, Christchurch, 8062 · tacobell.co.nz
Italian, Pizza, Restaurant · Opening hours: 17:00+ Features: takeaway, vegan options, air conditioning · 150 Colombo Street, Christchurch, 8023 · formaggios.co.nz
Fish And Chips, Burger, Seafood, Fast Food · Opening hours: Mo-Tu 16:30-20:00; We-Su 11:30-20:30 Features: delivery, step-free access · 344 Ferry Road,… · masterseafood.co.nz
Thai, Restaurant · Opening hours: Su-Th 11:00-23:00; Fr-Sa 09:00-18:00 · 8 Shirley Road, 8013 · crazyhorse.nz
Chinese, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-Su 11:30-14:30,16:30-21:00 · 14/5 Prestons Park Drive, Christchurch, 8083 · jm-restaurant.com
Asian, Restaurant · Opening hours: Tu-Su 17:00-21:00 · 4/239 Colombo Street, Christchurch, 8023 · thethaikitchen.co.nz
Cafe, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-We 07:00-16:30, Th 07:00-17:00, Fr 07:00-19:00, Sa-Su 08:00-17:00 Features: outdoor seating, takeaway · 175 Roydvale… · strangebandit.co.nz
Fine Dining, Greek, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-Su 17:00-23:00 Features: outdoor seating · 179 Victoria Street, Christchurch, 8013 · athensyachtclub.co.nz
Japanese, Restaurant · Opening hours: Tu-Sa 11:30+ · baryoku.co.nz
Regional, Cafe · Opening hours: Mo-Fr 07:00-17:00; Sa-Su 08:00-16:00 Features: step-free access · 436 Prestons Road, Christchurch, 8083 · blackandwhitecoffee.co.nz
Kabab, Fast Food · Opening hours: 11:00-26:00 · 1/239 Colombo Street, Christchurch, 8023 · brothersmediterranean.co.nz
South American, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-Su 11:00-03:00 Features: outdoor seating, vegetarian options, step-free access · 180 Armagh Street,… · casapublica.co.nz
Seafood, Chicken, Cake, Chinese, Ice Cream, Malaysian, Noodle, Restaurant · Opening hours: Fr,Su 11:00-14:00 open "Lunch"; Tu-Su 17:00-23:00 open "Dinner"; Mo… · chopsticksrestaurant.co.nz
Greek, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-Su 17:00-21:00+ · 3/478 Cranford Street, Christchurch, 8051 · costastaverna.co.nz
Cambodian, Restaurant · Opening hours: 11:30-21:00 · 25 Langdons Road, Christchurch, 8053 · khmercuisine.co.nz
Mexican, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-Su 17:00-24:00+ · 131 Victoria Street, Christchurch, 8013 · mexicanos.co.nz
Kebab, Fast Food · Opening hours: Mo-Fr 10:00-14:30,17:00-20:00; Sa 11:00-20:00 Features: vegetarian options, step-free access · 148 Main South Road,… · persiandelight.co.nz
Korean, Chicken, Hot Dog, Fast Food · Opening hours: Mo-We,Sa 09:00-18:00; Th,Fr 09:00-21:00; Su 10:00-18:00 Features: step-free access · Division Street,… · seoulmate.co.nz
Local, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-Fr 08:30-16:00; Sa,Su 08:30-17:00 · signofthekiwi.co.nz
Steak House, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-Fr 11:30-22:00; Sa-Su 11:00-22:00 · 1 Radcliffe Road, Christchurch, 8051 · styxandstone.co.nz
Cantonese, Chinese, Restaurant · Opening hours: 11:00-14:30, 17:00-21:30 · 544 Memorial Avenue, Christchurch, 8053 · taichirestaurant.co.nz
Juice, Fast Food · Opening hours: Mo-We 09:00-18:00; Th 09:00-21:00; Fr-Sa 09:00-18:00; Su 10:00-18:00 · The Palms Mall, Christchurch, 8061 · tankjuice.co.nz
Curry, Chicken, Indian, Juice, Seafood, Restaurant · Opening hours: Su-Th 11:30-21:00; Fr,Sa 11:30-21:30; Mo-Su 13:30-16:30 open "High tea" Features:… · twofatindians.co.nz
Ramen, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-Fr 11:00-22:00; Sa-Su 10:30-22:00; Dec 25 off Features: vegan options · ramenria.co.nz
Bubble Tea, Cafe · Opening hours: 11:00-19:00 Features: takeaway, vegetarian options, step-free access · 656 Colombo Street · gongcha.co.nz
Breakfast, Coffee Shop, Sandwich, Seafood, Cafe · Opening hours: Mo-Su 07:00-15:30 · 319 Saint Asaph Street, 8011 · goodhabit.co.nz
Dumpling, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-Su 11:30-15:30,17:00-22:00 · shanghaistreetdumplings.co.nz
French, Cafe · Opening hours: Mo-Th 09:00-21:00; Fr 06:00-21:00; Sa 09:00-21:00; Su 09:00-20:00 · 96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch, 8011 · thecrepery.co.nz
Mediterranean, Fast Food · Opening hours: Tu-We 16:00-22:00; Th 16:00-23:00; Fr-Sa 16:00-24:00; Su 16:00-21:00 Features: halal · 4A McCarthy Street · thekiwikebab.co.nz
Brasserie, Restaurant · Opening hours: We-Sa 10:00-24:00+; Tu,Su 10:00-17:00 · thirstypeacock.co.nz
Chilean, Cafe · Opening hours: Mo-Fr 07:30-13:00; Sa 10:00-14:00 Features: takeaway, vegan options · 314 Lincoln Road, Christchurch, 8024 · vegnfriends.com
Souvlaki, Thai, Kebab, Curry, Restaurant · Opening hours: Tu-Su 16:00-21:00 Features: vegan options, step-free access · 3E Milton Street, Christchurch
354 more places in the Ultimate edition. See the Ultimate edition →
Airports
Christchurch Airport (CHC) 8.5 km to the centre
Christchurch, CAN, NZ — You board from the indoor waiting area — no need to plan for the weather. ✈ 9 airlines (Air New Zealand, Jetstar Airways, Virgin Australia, American Airlines…) · direct flights to 20 destinations incl. Sydney, Coolangatta, Melbourne, Auckland, Brisbane… (OpenFlights route data).
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 9 airlines, 20 direct destinations
- Air New Zealand NZ (Dash 8-300, A320, ATR 72, 737-300, BEH) · 19 routes: Auckland, Brisbane, Coolangatta, Dunedin*, Hamilton*, Hokitika*, Invercargill*, Melbourne, NAPIER*, Nelson*, New Plymouth*, Palmerston North*, Paraparaumu*, Queenstown International, Rotorua*, Sydney, Tauranga*, Wellington, Woodbourne*
- Jetstar Airways JQ (A320) · 5 routes: Auckland, Coolangatta, Melbourne, Sydney, Wellington
- Virgin Australia VA (A320, 737-800) · 4 routes: Brisbane, Coolangatta, Melbourne, Sydney
- American Airlines AA (737) · 1 route: Sydney*
- China Eastern Airlines MU (737-800) · 1 route: Sydney*
- Emirates EK (777-300ER) · 1 route: Sydney
- Ethiopian Airlines ET (777-200) · 1 route: Singapore
- Qantas QF (737-800, 777-300ER) · 1 route: Sydney*
- Singapore Airlines Cargo SQ (777-200) · 1 route: Singapore
Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.
West Melton Aerodrome 19 km to the centre
CAN, NZ
Kings (Ladbrooks) 15 km to the centre
CAN, NZ
Worthy Lodge airstrip (Ladbrooks) 15 km to the centre
CAN, NZ
Getting there by ferry
Lyttelton Jetty
Ferry terminal · 12 km from the centre
Diamond Harbour Jetty
Ferry terminal · 14 km from the centre
Quail Island Ferry
Ferry route · Black Cat
Diamond Harbour Ferry
Ferry route · Black Cat
Ripapa Island Ferry
Ferry route · Black Cat
Where to stay
229 Riccarton Road, Riccarton, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand · goldenhotel229.com
93 Kilmore Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand · questapartments.co.nz
49 Salisbury Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand · sudimahotels.com
14 Cathedral Square, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand · distinctionhotelschristchurch.co.nz
96 Lichfield Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand · thedrifter.com
219 Johns Road, Northwood, Christchurch 8051, New Zealand · groynescaravanpark.co.nz
9 Hereford Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand · observatoryhotel.co.nz
840/848 Colombo Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand · carnmorehotelchristchurch.co.nz
50 Park Terrace, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand · thegeorge.com
345 Madras Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand · thesalisburyhotel.co.nz
764 Colombo Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand · ihg.com
106 Mandeville Street, Riccarton, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand · sshotels.co.nz
36 Hereford Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand · hakahouse.com
115 Worcester Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand · hotel115.co.nz
12 Hereford Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand · hotelgive.nz
107 Hereford Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand · all.accor.com
64 Kilmore Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand · marsdenhotels.co.nz
263 Bealey Avenue, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand · bealeyquarter.co.nz
166 Gloucester Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand · fablehotelsandresorts.com
110 Marshland Road, Shirley, Christchurch 8061, New Zealand · gardenhotel.co.nz
159 Manchester Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand · themusehotel.co.nz
273 Manchester Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand · adventurehostels.co.nz
155 Victoria Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand · millenniumhotels.com
189 Deans Avenue, Riccarton, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand · hilton.com
88/96 Papanui Road, Merivale, Christchurch 8014, New Zealand · scenichotelgroup.co.nz
5 Peter Leeming Road, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch 8053, New Zealand · lylo.com
Indoor
175 Bealey Avenue, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand · terravive.co.nz
25 Southwark Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand · southwarkapartments.co.nz
91 Papanui Road, Merivale, Christchurch 8014, New Zealand · elmwoodmotel.co.nz
56 Armagh Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand · thegrange.co.nz
252 Barbadoes Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand · citycentral.co.nz
Where things are
Local search powered by Geoverts and geo-intelligence by Better Mapping
base map © OSM
Photographs
credit: Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons · See source page
When to go
Tourist season
October – March
The warmer, longer-day half of the southern-hemisphere year.
Shoulder season
April – May, September
Milder and quieter, with better value.
Worth avoiding
June – August
The southern winter — check local conditions before travelling.
Getting there & around
Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Christchurch Airport (CHC); 5 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below. By air: CHC has direct flights to 20 destinations on 9 airlines (incl. Sydney, Coolangatta, Melbourne, Auckland, Brisbane…). By water: 2 ferry terminals within 20 km (nearest: Lyttelton Jetty, 12 km); routes include Quail Island Ferry, Diamond Harbour Ferry, Ripapa Island Ferry.
Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Christchurch, New Zealand. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.
Local transit
Metro · Christchurch, Canterbury · Schedules & GTFS data (official feed)
Trains & rail
Rail operator
Christchurch over Arthur's Pass to Greymouth, one of the great day trips by rail. · Greymouth, NZ guide →
National rail
Coaches & shuttles
A full day through the Mackenzie Country, about eight hours. · Queenstown, New Zealand guide →
Intercity coach
Private aviation
On-demand charter, jet cards and the semi-private scheduled carriers that serve this city.
Broker · Any aircraft via operators worldwide · Global charter broker with 30+ offices; private jets, group charters and cargo.
FBO, charter, management · Managed fleet · FBO network and management across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific.
Fractional, jet card · Embraer Praetor, Bombardier Challenger & Global, Gulfstream · Fractional ownership and jet cards in North America and Europe.
Charter, management · Large-cabin & VIP airliners · Geneva-based operator known for large-cabin and VIP airliner charters.
Charter, management, FBO, MRO · Managed fleet worldwide · General Dynamics company: charter, completions and FBOs in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the US.
Tours & experiences
Sightseeing