Christchurch City Centre beautifully blends Gothic heritage with modern revival. Historic trams roll past the iconic Cathedral Square while the peaceful Avon River winds through stunning Botanic Gardens. Art lovers will appreciate the contemporary Art Gallery amid Victorian stonework. The city centre offers excellent walkability with most attractions within a 10-minute stroll. Riverside Market buzzes with local food vendors and artisan shops. Hagley Park's expansive green space provides a natural retreat where you can glimpse the distant Southern Alps.
Riccarton blends suburban peace with vibrant university energy in this welcoming Christchurch area. Tree-lined residential streets offer a quiet retreat from city life. The massive Westfield Riccarton mall and popular Sunday Market create shopping havens for travellers. Explore ancient native forest at Riccarton Bush or stroll through the nearby University of Canterbury campus. Student-friendly cafes and diverse Asian eateries provide excellent value dining options. Just a quick bus ride connects you to city centre Christchurch attractions.
This former working-class suburb offers a true slice of Kiwi life in Christchurch. Addington balances quiet residential streets with exciting entertainment venues like Orangetheory Stadium and Addington Raceway. The historic railway station adds character to tree-lined areas filled with weatherboard cottages. Catch thrilling horse races or attend major concerts at Wolfbrook Arena without the city centre crowds. Local cafes serve hearty fare at reasonable prices compared to central Christchurch spots. With excellent transit connections, you'll enjoy authentic area charm while staying just minutes from Hagley Park.
Merivale is one of Christchurch's most affluent suburbs where elegant heritage homes line tree-shaded streets. Designer boutiques and upscale cafés along Papanui Road create a sophisticated shopping district with authentic New Zealand character. The area offers a peaceful retreat just minutes from central Christchurch. Adjacent to sprawling Hagley Park, Merivale combines luxury with leafy tranquility. Edwardian and Victorian architecture showcases manicured gardens visible from the pavements. Artisanal coffee shops and fine dining restaurants serve contemporary cuisine in intimate settings. The area provides an authentic glimpse into upscale New Zealand suburban living.
Fendalton stands as Christchurch's most prestigious suburb with grand Victorian homes set behind mature oaks and elms. Tree-canopied streets lead to peaceful paths along the Avon River where willows create serene viewpoints for photographers. The area offers a refined retreat from bustling city life. Visitors can explore the elegant Mona Vale heritage homestead with its manicured gardens and boutique shops along Fendalton Road. Easy access to Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens makes this area perfect for nature lovers seeking quiet luxury.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Christchurch
Lyttelton Harbour
8.6/10 (1,052 reviews)
Lyttelton Harbour (Whakaraupō) combines dramatic hills with a working port steeped in maritime heritage. Explore historic streets, browse the vibrant Saturday farmers market, or cruise past volcanic landscapes.
Framed by volcanic Cave Rock, this golden-sand beach offers excellent swimming and surfing just minutes from Christchurch. Stroll the esplanade with its charming cafés or explore the caves at low tide.
Sprawling across 165 hectares, Hagley Park offers a verdant oasis of woodlands and lawns in Christchurch's heart. Stroll along the Avon River, join a cricket match, or visit the Botanic Gardens within its grounds.
Stroll along the 300-meter New Brighton Pier for panoramic views of Canterbury's golden coastline. After beachcombing, unwind in the oceanfront He Puna Taimoana hot pools for a uniquely relaxing experience.
New Zealand's oldest university campus blends modern architecture with lush green spaces. Explore the grounds during weekdays to experience the vibrant academic atmosphere and occasional public exhibitions.
Cathedral Square forms Christchurch's historic heart, dominated by its namesake cathedral and alive with street performances. Discover the Chalice sculpture before unwinding at the botanical gardens.
Wolfbrook Arena, New Zealand's premier indoor venue, hosts international concerts and major sporting events. Experience world-class performances in this versatile space accommodating up to 8,888 attendees.
Te Pae Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre
9.2/10 (26 reviews)
Te Pae Christchurch combines striking architecture with Māori design elements in this premier convention centre. Attend international exhibitions or cultural events while enjoying views of the Avon River and city centre.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Experience shopping in Christchurch at Riccarton Road, a vibrant area perfect for families and businesses. Discover Westfield Riccarton Mall, offering a blend of entertainment and shopping. Don't miss the Lyttelton Farmers Market for local produce and unique gifts amidst a lively atmosphere.
Recreation
Experience the grandeur of the Isaac Theatre Royal, where you can enjoy captivating performances in a charming, historic setting. For family fun, visit the Margaret Mahy Playground, offering expansive outdoor play areas. Alternatively, unwind at Harewood Golf Club, perfect for a leisurely round of golf amidst scenic landscapes.
Adventure
Experience breathtaking views at the Christchurch Gondola, where you can soar above the city and surrounding landscapes. For a splashing good time, head to Aqualand New Zealand, a vibrant waterpark filled with thrilling slides and family fun. Don't miss the Christchurch Adventure Park for exhilarating ziplining and rope courses.
Nightlife
Christchurch offers a vibrant nightlife with venues like The Dirty Land, perfect for a lively atmosphere, and the historic Ogbomosho for a more laid-back pub experience. For live music, check out The Foundry, where local talent shines, ensuring an unforgettable night out in the city.
Find the best attractions in Christchurch
Christchurch is an ideal destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of attractions such as urban parks, beaches, and harbours. Visitors can enjoy the iconic Christchurch tram, explore local attractions, and take in stunning views from the Christchurch Gondola. Whether seeking cultural experiences or family-friendly activities, Christchurch and its surrounding region promise a delightful vacation for all travellers.
Lyttelton Harbour: Experience the stunning natural beauty of Lyttelton Harbour, where dramatic cliffs meet tranquil waters. Enjoy beach vibes, indulge in local seafood, and explore the charming town of Lyttelton, with its rich maritime history.
Sumner Beach: Relax on the golden sands of Sumner Beach, a perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, or surfing. The picturesque views of the ocean and surrounding cliffs create a serene atmosphere, ideal for a leisurely day by the sea.
Hagley Park: Discover the expansive green spaces of Hagley Park, a beautiful urban park perfect for family outings and outdoor activities. Stroll through its gardens, enjoy a picnic, or partake in sports while soaking in the vibrant city vibes.
Best time to go to Christchurch
The best time to visit Christchurch can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Christchurch falls in January, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Christchurch falls in July, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.
Tips to save on your trip to Christchurch
Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
Consider traveling to Christchurch during the low season (June to August) for more affordable options.
Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Christchurch holiday package cost?
You'll find cheap prices on Expedia for your Christchurch escape. However, a range of factors like the length of stay, the season and your choice of hotel will influence how much your holiday to Christchurch costs.
What are the cheapest months to go to Christchurch?
If you're hoping to score a cheap Christchurch holiday package, consider planning a trip in June, July and September. You'll generally find better rates on airfares and hotels during these quieter months — ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
How many days is enough for Christchurch?
We'd recommend booking a Christchurch holiday for a minimum of 2 days. This will allow you plenty of time to visit major attractions including Bealey Avenue and Transitional Cathedral, and also explore neighbourhoods like Christchurch City Centre and Riccarton. You might even be able to slot in one or two day trips from Christchurch.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Christchurch?
Christchurch has all the ingredients you need for a memorable break — nature, culture and adventure sports are just the start. Whether you'd like to visit attractions like Cathedral Square and New Regent Street, or take the road less traveled, you'll have plenty to explore on your Christchurch holiday.
How to find the best Christchurch package deals?
Landing a cheap Christchurch package deal is easy with Expedia. After you've entered your preferred dates and destination under our "Packages" tab, set your budget, apply a couple of filters and browse what's available. You can personalise your search by "Area," "Amenities," "Property type" and more. Order the results by "Price: low to high" to discover the most economical Christchurch package deals. Want a simple trick to score the biggest savings? Have some flexibility with your departure dates and consider travelling on a weekday, when prices are typically lower.
Is it cheaper to book a Christchurch holiday as a package?
An Expedia holiday package could land you considerable savings when compared to arranging flights and hotels separately. Better still, you can personalise your Christchurch trip to match your exact style. Choose your preferred flight time, select the hotel type and add a rental car. Check out our great deals to see how much you can save.
When to book a holiday package to Christchurch?
If you're considering a spontaneous Christchurch holiday, check out our last-minute deals that can be booked up to one week before you go. Prefer not to wait until the last minute? You can find sensational deals on your hotels and flights by booking well in advance.
How to plan a trip to Christchurch?
Pick your travel dates: The things you plan to do in Christchurch and your preferred season can help you decide when to go.
Plan your budget wisely: As well as the cost of your accommodation, you should factor in other expenses. These include transportation, food and flights. Also, set aside some extra funds for unexpected costs that may arise during your trip to Christchurch.
Work out your trip length: Think about how long you'd like to spend discovering Christchurch. Plan your itinerary so you can get to all the attractions and experiences you're interested in at a comfortable pace.
Combine your hotel and flights: Awesome destination, check. Length of stay, check. All that's left is to find a Christchurch holiday package that brings all your bookings together.