Christchurch cable car

Christchurch

Travel Guide

The Garden City

Christchurch blends English heritage with innovation, creativity, and natural beauty. Known as the Garden City, it features expansive parks, vibrant arts precincts, and a revitalised city centre. Visitors enjoy riverside attractions, cultural experiences, and easy access to nearby mountains, beaches, and Canterbury’s stunning alpine landscapes.

  • Fountain at Christchurch Botanic Gardens

    Christchurch Botanic Gardens

    Nestled beside the Avon River, the Christchurch Botanic Gardens showcase magnificent seasonal displays, native and exotic plants, peaceful walking paths, and beautiful picnic spots, offering a tranquil escape in the heart of the city.

  • Punting on the Avon River

    Punting on the Avon River

    Experience Christchurch from a unique perspective aboard a traditional punt gliding along the Avon River. Passing through leafy parklands and the city centre, this relaxing journey is one of Christchurch's most iconic attractions.

  • Christchurch Gondola

    Christchurch Gondola

    Ride the Christchurch Gondola to the summit of Mount Cavendish for breathtaking panoramic views of the city, Canterbury Plains, Lyttelton Harbour, and the Southern Alps. Walking trails and a café make it a memorable experience.

Weather

Christchurch Weather

Christchurch enjoys a temperate climate with warm, dry summers and cool winters. Known as New Zealand's Garden City, it offers year-round opportunities to explore parks, heritage attractions, nearby beaches, and alpine landscapes.

  • Summer

    22°C - 30°C

    December - February

    Warm sunny days are ideal for punting on the Avon River, exploring the Botanic Gardens, outdoor dining, and nearby beach visits.

  • Autumn

    10°C - 22°C

    March - May

    Colourful autumn foliage and mild temperatures make this a wonderful time for city walks, gardens, wineries, and scenic drives.

  • Winter

    1°C - 13°C

    June - August

    Cool, crisp days are perfect for museums, cafés, and day trips to nearby ski fields in the Southern Alps.

  • Spring

    8°C - 20°C

    September - November

    Blooming gardens, longer days, and comfortable temperatures make spring ideal for sightseeing, cycling, and exploring Christchurch's outdoor spaces.

Wild Kiwi Tours

How we explore Christchurch

Southern Voyager
AdventureAdventure

Southern Voyager

7 Days
Departs Christchurch
For 18 to 39 year olds
From $2,025 NZD
Southern Voyager
Boat cruising through Milford Sound
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South Island Escape

7 Days
Departs Christchurch
For all ages
From $4,520 NZD
South Island Escape
Whale breaching the surface in Kaikoura
AdventureAdventure

Southern Loop

7 Days
Departs Christchurch
For 18 to 39 year olds
From $1,980 NZD
Southern Loop
Marlborough vineyard
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South Island Pioneer

7 Days
Departs Christchurch
For all ages
From $5,025 NZD
South Island Pioneer
Group of people hiking up Franz Josef Glacier in New Zealand
AdventureAdventure

Big South

14 Days
Departs Christchurch
For 18 to 39 year olds
From $3,950 NZD
Big South
Person walking next to an alpine lake on the Tongariro Crossing
AdventureAdventure

NZ Explorer

14 Days
Departs Auckland or Christchurch
For 18 to 39 year olds
From $4,085 NZD
NZ Explorer
View over Lake Tekapo with Mount Cook in the background
AdventureAdventure

NZ Discovery

21 Days
Departs Auckland or Christchurch
For 18 to 39 year olds
From $6,048 NZD
NZ Discovery
View of the Southerns Alps and Lake Pukaki
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New Zealand Highlights

14 Days
Departs Auckland or Christchurch
For all ages
From $8,880 NZD
New Zealand Highlights
Group of people kayaking at Cathedral Cove
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New Zealand Epic

18 Days
Departs Auckland
For 18 to 39 year olds
From $6,559 NZD
New Zealand Epic
The Earnslaw boat cruising across Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown
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New Zealand Odyssey

21 Days
Departs Auckland or Christchurch
For all ages
From $15,430 NZD
New Zealand Odyssey
Group of people kayaking in New Zealand
AdventureAdventure

Cape to Tasman Voyager

11 Days
Departs Auckland
For 18 to 39 year olds
From $4,309 NZD
Cape to Tasman Voyager
Two people kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park
AdventureAdventure

NZ Adventurer

14 Days
Departs Auckland or Christchurch
For 18 to 39 year olds
From $4,040 NZD
NZ Adventurer
Group of friends pose for a photo in front of a mountain on the Tongariro Crossing
AdventureAdventure

Classic Kiwi

18 Days
Departs Auckland
For 18 to 39 year olds
From $6,500 NZD
Classic Kiwi
Group of friends pose for a photo in front of Lake Tekapo
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Grand Adventure

25 Days
Departs Auckland
For 18 to 39 year olds
From $8,670 NZD
Grand Adventure
Group of friends pose for a photo on Wharariki Beach
AdventureAdventure

New Zealand Uncovered

18 Days
Departs Auckland
For 18 to 39 year olds
From $6,559 NZD
New Zealand Uncovered

Where to Eat

Best Local Eats in Christchurch

Riverside Market

1. Local Favourite - Riverside Market

Unknown Chapter Café

2. Best Café - Unknown Chapter

Twenty Seven Steps Restaurant

3. Signature Dining - Twenty Seven Steps

Rollickin Gelato tub of ice cream

4. Must-Try Treat - Rollickin Gelato

Reviews

What Travellers Say

Customer Reviews by
based on 616 reviews

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Christchurch

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