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After recently spending time in Christchurch, I can honestly say it’s one of New Zealand’s most underrated cities.
Often treated as a stopover or gateway to the South Island, it’s easy to overlook just how much there is to do in and around Christchurch itself. But if you take even a couple of days to explore properly, you’ll quickly see it’s a destination worth visiting in its own right.
Whether you’re into food, history, nature, or architecture, Christchurch has something for you. It also makes the perfect launchpad for bigger adventures around the region.
Christchurch sits on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, right between the Southern Alps and the Pacific Ocean. It’s the biggest city in the South and a major gateway for road trips around the island.
With an international airport and easy access to spots like Akaroa, Kaikoura, and Mount Cook, it’s often the first stop for travellers — but it’s also worth exploring in its own right before hitting the road.
Why visit?
One of the best things about visiting Christchurch is how easy it is to branch out. The Canterbury region is full of dramatic coastlines, alpine towns, hot springs, and vineyards. You can be in Akaroa, Arthur’s Pass, or Hanmer Springsin under two hours.
That’s why it’s worth seeing Christchurch as your starting point, not your final destination.
You don’t need to rush out on day one. Spend at least two full days in the city to experience what it has to offer before heading further out.
Since the earthquake, Christchurch has rebranded and recreated itself from the bottom up.
While the signs of the past are still there, it is also admirable how much has been done in such little time.
Renting a car in Christchurch
New Zealand is not famous for its public transportation, and Christchurch is no exception.
Even though to be fair, there are plenty of bus routes if you are only staying in and around the center of the city.
With that said, you will need a car to explore freely, so make sure to book one from the airport.
I use and compare prices for car rentals, with Discovercars.com. It is a giant rental and comparison site on the market and it has a lot of perks that make sense if you travel often.
Once you head to Discover Cars, you’ll find an easy search engine to filter by location, dates and pick up location.
Tip: Always check a few different pick up locations when booking a rental car.
Where to stay in Christchurch
Christchurch has a mix of modern hotels and cozy boutique stays, especially around the city center. If you’re planning to walk a lot, look for accommodation near Cathedral Square or Riverside Market.
On my recent trip, I stayed at Drifter Christchurch, and it was genuinely one of the best hostel experiences I’ve had. The space is beautifully designed and offers both shared dorms and private rooms, so whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or just want some extra privacy, you’ll find an option that suits your style and budget.
The common areas are a highlight, with a cinema room, large shared kitchen, gym space, and several quiet corners to work or relax. It strikes a great balance between being social and giving you space to unwind.
Other great places to stay include:
- Hotel 115: A stylish and central hotel located right next to the tram line, perfect for getting around easily.
- Carnmore Hotel Christchurch: Modern and comfortable, with spacious rooms and easy access to restaurants and shops.
- BreakFree on Cashel: A budget-friendly option with compact rooms that work well if you’re not spending much time indoors.
Experiences to have in Christchurch, New Zealand
After spending a few days in Christchurch this time, I wasn’t expecting to love it as much as I did. It’s one of those cities that keeps surprising you with how much there is to see and do.
Whether you’re in town for a couple of nights or using it as your base for exploring more of the South Island, here are 16+ fun things to do while you’re there.
1. Walk through Christchurch Botanic Gardens
This is one of the most peaceful and beautiful places in the city, and it’s totally free. You’ll find giant trees, themed gardens, ponds, ducks, bridges and glasshouses all spread out across a huge park. It’s perfect for a picnic or a lazy afternoon stroll. Open every day from 7 am and closes just before sunset.
2. Go punting on the Avon River
It sounds fancy, and honestly it kind of is. You hop into a small flat boat while a guide in a straw hat pushes you gently down the river with a pole. It’s a chilled and scenic way to see the Botanic Gardens and surrounding areas from the water. Rides start from $40 NZD for adults. The guides also provide short commentary on the history of the city, so it is a great first day experience if you are tired.
3. Visit Quake City
If you want to understand Christchurch, you need to understand what happened during the earthquakes. This museum is small but powerful. There’s footage, interactive exhibits, personal stories and displays from the 2010 and 2011 quakes. Open 10 am to 5 pm daily. Tickets cost $20 NZD for adults.
4. Go wild at Margaret Mahy Playground
One of the coolest playgrounds in the southern hemisphere. Whether you’re a parent or just want to act like a kid for a while, this massive free playground has climbing towers, slides, water play, sandpits and plenty of picnic areas. Located close to the city centre and open every day. This spot was an integral part of the city’s history and was built to invite families with kids back to the center after the earthquake.
5. Eat your way through Riverside Market
You can’t miss this place. Right in the heart of the city, Riverside is packed with small food stalls, cafes, specialty grocery stores and dessert spots. It’s perfect for a quick bite or a long lazy lunch. Open 7 days a week, from 8 am to around 9 pm most days.
6. Take a food class at Riverside Kitchen
If you’ve got a few hours and love cooking, check out the classes offered by Riverside Kitchen upstairs inside the market. They have everything from pasta-making and sushi to Thai street food and chocolate workshops. Prices usually range from $95 to $130 NZD and include all your ingredients. The space is beautiful and it can turn into a friendly competition with your loved one or family members.
7. Join a guided walking tour
You can explore the city on your own, but walking with a guide is a whole different experience. Pick a local company and spend a morning learning more about the history, culture and hidden spots around the city.
8. Ride the Christchurch tram
This hop-on hop-off vintage tram makes it super easy to explore the city without getting too tired. It passes all the major landmarks and loops around central Christchurch. It’s a fun ride in itself too. A day pass costs $35 NZD and you can get tickets at the tram stop or online. If you are feeling a bit fancier you can also book the private tram experience or the tramway restaurant. The evening route departs daily at 7:30pm but you’ll need a reservation.
9. Chill out at the Tūranga Library
Honestly one of the best public libraries I’ve ever been to. The Tūranga is huge and beautiful and way more than just books. There’s an entire floor for kids, heaps of tech stuff, 3D printers, a café, and great views from the top. Free entry and worth at least a walk through.
10. Explore the art deco vibes in New Regent Street
Not far from the tram loop is New Regent Street, a colourful little row of pastel buildings that feels like a film set. It’s known for its art deco look, boutique shops, and small restaurants. Stop here for a snack or just to grab some photos. Free to explore and walk through.
11. Visit the International Antarctic Centre
This one is close to the airport and totally worth visiting, especially if you’re into science or unique adventures. You can feel what an Antarctic storm is like in a special room, ride a Hägglund vehicle over fake snow terrain, and meet rescued little blue penguins. Tickets are around $49 NZD for adults. Open daily from 9 am to 4.30 pm.
12. Join the Christchurch brunch crowd
Brunch in Christchurch is a whole thing, and honestly, it’s really good. You’ll find everything from classic eggs benny to vegan pancakes and cold brew with homemade nut milk.
A few places I loved:
- Barefoot Eatery is a cosy spot tucked inside The Welder with a big focus on plant-based, nourishing meals. The vibe is chill and the food is beautiful.
- Dux Central is a great pick if you want brunch with craft beer, kombucha, and a bit of a livelier feel. They’ve got indoor and outdoor seating and it’s perfect on a sunny day.
- Bobby’s Brunch is inside Riverside Market and super convenient if you’re already exploring the food court. Big portions, good coffee, and a menu that hits all the brunch cravings.
Most spots open from around 8 am to 2 pm and get busy on weekends, so try to go early.
13. Try the fine dining scene
If you want to splurge for one of your dinners, you are at the right spot.
There’s a solid foodie scene growing here and a couple of spots really stood out.
- Odeon is dark, moody and beautifully designed. The food is a modern mix of local ingredients and bold flavours. It’s definitely on the fancier side but worth it.
- Original Sin is just next door and does creative takes on classics in a laid-back but stylish setting.
- Soul Quarter offers seasonal food with a twist, wine pairings, and a romantic courtyard if the weather’s right.
These are great options for a date night or just treating yourself after all that walking and exploring.
14. Grab a scoop from Rollickin Gelato
You have to check out Rollickin Gelato if you’ve got a sweet tooth. It all started in 2015 with Jed, the “waffle‑cone kid,” who was just 14 or 15 at the time. He sold gelato from a cart to raise funds for a school trip after the Christchurch earthquakes . He’s now built it into a local institution known for wild house‑made flavours, vegan sorbets, and late‑night hours—side note, they were one of the first new businesses to help revive Christchurch’s CBD after the quakes.
You’ll find Rollickin on New Regent Street (light, colourful area worth exploring on its own) and Cashel Street near Riverside Market. Both are open late, so they make the perfect stop to cap off a full day of exploring.
15. Ride the Christchurch Gondola
If you’re up for epic views without the leg workout, the Christchurch Gondola is a must. It takes you up to the rim of an extinct volcano and gives you panoramic views over the city, Lyttelton Harbour, the Canterbury Plains, and even out to the Southern Alps on a clear day.
At the top, there’s a little café, some walking trails, and an interactive “Time Tunnel” ride that tells the story of the area from prehistoric times to now. Tickets are around $40 NZD return for adults, $18 for kids… book online to save a few bucks.
If you’ve got a rental car it’s easy to drive there, otherwise the number 28 bus from the city will drop you right at the base.
16. Visit the Air Force Museum of New Zealand
Located in Wigram, just 15 minutes from the city centre, the Air Force Museum is one of Christchurch’s most underrated attractions and one of the first spots I visited back when I did my one month long road trip.
Even if you’re not a huge aviation fan, the exhibits are incredibly well presented and offer a fascinating look into New Zealand’s military history, from World War I to modern peacekeeping missions.
You can walk through fully restored aircraft, experience a flight simulator, and even check out a replica WWII street. It’s a great indoor option for rainy days and especially fun if you’re travelling with kids.
17. Grab a bite at Dimitris Greek food
If you’re craving something hearty, fresh, and packed with flavour, Dimitris Greek Food is a must. You’ll find their main food cart near the city center as well as a permanent spot inside Riverside Market. They’ve been serving up Christchurch’s favorite souvlaki since the 1980s — and it shows.
I had the warmest welcome from the owner, a fellow Greek and long-time Christchurch local, and the food is local approved as well!
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Must Know When Visiting New Zealand
- Emergency: Dial 111 for all emergencies.
- Language: Both English and Māori are official languages in New Zealand. Samoan, Northern Chinese and Hindi are also widely spoken. Common phrases to learn are “Kia ora” (Hi – informal greeting), “Aotearoa” (Māori name for New Zealand), “Mōrena”, (Good morning), “Whānau”, (Family).
- Water: Yes, it is perfectly safe to drink tap water in New Zealand.
- Driving: Left-hand side, international driving permit recommended. Book your rental car with Discover Cars for the best rates and comparisons across all major and local companies.
- Accommodation: Booking.com for the most options on hotels, apartments and hostels. Free cancellation in a lot of places and no need to pre-pay. Great for their rewards points system.
- Geography: New Zealand has two main islands (North and South) and a number of smaller islands including Stewart Island at the bottom of the South Island.
- Activities: From cultural sights to day trips, food tours and city guides, use Get Your Guide.
- Domestic Airlines: The main airlines for air travel are Air New Zealand (check out their safety videos) and Jetstar.
- Taxi: You will be able to download apps like Uber, Ola and Cabify among others, to order taxi rides.
- Culture: It is not uncommon for people to walk barefoot in certain settings in New Zealand. The summer season is popular for festivals, roadtrips and of course, a good opportunity to see a rugby game.
