Christchurch
A relaxed garden city where historic charm, creative energy and the landscapes of the South Island meet.
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The gateway to the South Island
Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island and often the starting point for exploring the region. Set beside the Avon River and close to the Pacific coast, the city blends English heritage with a modern, creative atmosphere.
Tree lined streets, gardens and historic buildings sit alongside contemporary architecture, vibrant cafés and local markets, giving the city a relaxed but evolving feel.
Many travellers spend a couple of nights here adjusting to the pace before heading further into the South Island.
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Talk to our local travel specialists
Contact usWhere Christchurch fits in a South Island journey
Christchurch sits on the east coast of the South Island and is often the starting point for exploring the region. From here, routes head inland toward Lake Tekapo and Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, or continue south toward Queenstown through the central South Island. It also connects north to Kaikōura and the coastline, making it a well placed base for building a journey through a range of landscapes. Its location makes it easy to begin or end a South Island trip in a way that feels straightforward and well connected.
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Things to see and do in Christchurch
Punting on the Avon River
Swim with Dolphins
Waipara Wine Tour, Lunch & Tastings
City Tram
TranzAlpine Scenic Train
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Orana Park
Port Hills Walk
Bridge of Remembrance
Why travel with us
Planning a trip here takes more than picking places on a map. Timing, distances and local knowledge all shape how it comes together.
Our team is based here and has travelled the routes we recommend. We’ll help shape a trip that fits your pace, your interests and how you want to travel. You’ll work with one dedicated Travel Specialist from start to finish.
While you’re travelling, our local team is available 24/7 if anything comes up, so you can explore independently knowing support is always close by.
Get a tailor made itinerary
Every journey through New Zealand is different. Our local Travel Specialists shape your trip around what matters most, creating an itinerary that fits how you like to travel.
Get in touchKey info about Christchurch
Best time to visit Christchurch
Christchurch experiences four distinct seasons, each offering a different view of the surrounding landscapes. Summer brings warm days for gardens, beaches and markets, autumn adds colour across parks and riverbanks, winter offers snow on the Southern Alps and nearby ski fields, and spring brings blossoms and fresh greenery.
Highlighted tour:
The Canterbury Charm TourAverage temperature by season
Spring
September - November
Avg Temp: 7 - 17 ℃ / 45 - 63 ℉
Summer
December - February
Avg Temp: 21 - 26 ℃ / 70 - 79 ℉
Autumn
March - May
Avg Temp: 10 - 20 ℃ / 50 - 68 ℉
Winter
June - August
Avg Temp: 3 - 12 ℃ / 37 - 54 ℉
Getting to Christchurch
Christchurch is one of New Zealand’s main international gateways and the largest city in the South Island. Well connected by domestic flights, it is often the starting point for South Island road trips toward Lake Tekapo, Aoraki Mount Cook and Queenstown, as well as several scenic driving routes through the region.
Drive times
Queenstown to Christchurch
6 hours
Dunedin to Christchurch
5 hours
Lake Tekapo to Christchurch
3 hours
Flight times from major cities
Auckland to Christchurch
1 hour 25 minutes
Wellington to Christchurch
1 hour 5 minutes
Queenstown to Christchurch
1 hour 5 minutes
Popular trips that include Christchurch
Christchurch FAQs
Planning a visit to Christchurch often comes with a few practical questions. Here are some of the things travellers commonly ask when including Christchurch in a New Zealand itinerary.
Some of the best things to do in Christchurch include visiting the Botanic Gardens, punting on the Avon River, exploring the city’s street art and creative precincts, riding the Christchurch Gondola, and enjoying the cafés and markets of the central city. Christchurch is also a good base for day trips and scenic drives into the surrounding Canterbury region.
Christchurch is known as the Garden City for its parks, river setting and tree lined streets. It’s also known for its creative energy, historic character and easy access to the landscapes of the South Island, including alpine lakes, mountains and coastal scenery.
Many visitors stay in the central city, close to the Avon River, restaurants and major attractions. Staying centrally makes it easy to explore Christchurch on foot and works well for a short stay before continuing on to other South Island destinations.
Christchurch is located on the east coast of the South Island, in the Canterbury region. It’s one of New Zealand’s main gateways to the South Island and a common starting point for journeys to places such as Lake Tekapo, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and Kaikōura.
Yes. Christchurch offers a relaxed atmosphere, beautiful gardens and a growing creative scene, while also providing easy access to some of the South Island’s most scenic regions. It works well as both a city stop and a gateway to a wider New Zealand itinerary.
Expert travel consultants
Talk to our local travel specialists
Planning New Zealand but not sure where to start?
Download our New Zealand travel guide for practical advice on where to go, how long to spend, and how to plan a trip that feels well paced from the start.