Visit Christchurch for a suitably laidback and gentrified city stay.
With its Botanical Gardens and blossoming Hagley Park to enjoy during summer, or skiing the slopes in winter, as well as Whale-watching trips around nearby Kaikoura, tea houses, country walks and wine tours, plus the obligatory adrenaline sports of jet boating and skydiving, of course, you'll have plenty to do.
Coastal Christchurch is certainly a place to enjoy life at a leisurely pace, as although there’s a great mix of biking trails around wider Canterbury, waterfall treks, rafting, jet boat tours and the fun-filled zip-lines of Christchurch Adventure Park, the city itself offers something altogether different.
Here, time is best spent wandering around the city’s Botanical Gardens and other green spaces, perhaps punting down the River Avon, visiting a Christchurch food market, taking a spa day or admiring the views from the Christchurch Gondola and top of Mount Cavendish.
There are bohemian cafés and bars to lose yourself in for an afternoon too, as well as a thriving art scene and clutch of museums, even an urban wildlife reserve at Willowbank where Kiwi birds and Maori performances can both be admired.
For movie buffs, Christchurch is also a great base to hop off on a Lord of the Rings tour, or you could take the scenic TranzAlpine rail journey to Greymouth once you’ve had your fill of culture, street art, good food and the wine tours that Canterbury is loved for.
Nicola
Travel Specialist
Where to go in New-zealand
New Zealand travel information
When to visit New Zealand
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best time
Good time
Ok time
- Time zone: +13 GMT
- Flight time: 25 hours
- Recommended airlines: Air New Zealand, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airlines
- Currency: New Zealand Dollar
- Tipping guideline: Optional, but not expected
- Health considerations: No major health risks.
- Capital: Wellington
- Population: 5,269,938
- National languages: English, Maori
- Electricity and plugs: Type I (V), 230V
- Mobile phone coverage: Good coverage
- UK passport visa requirements: You need an ETA for New Zealand if you have a British passport - apply online
Would you like to speak to a Christchurch expert?
Contact our Travel Specialists for a bespoke quote or some first-hand knowledge.
Monday - Friday: 9am - 7:30pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 10am - 4pm
The Inspiring Difference
Personal to you
- We get to know you personally
- Tailor-made holidays that are unique to you
- Enhancing your escape with personal touches
Experts in luxury
- Expert Travel Specialists with first-hand knowledge
- Only the best premium travel experiences
- Handpicked selection of world-class luxury resorts
Always here
- Speak to us any time with 24-hour support
- Premium concierge service
- Personal relationships with our passionate team
Extensive experience
- Nearly 50 years of bespoke luxury travel
- Strong Relationships with industry partners
- Diverse portfolio and exclusive experiences
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware