Plan your trip to Christchurch, New Zealand — handpicked tours and activities, the best time to visit, where to stay and eat, how to get there, and a sample itinerary.
Christchurch weather by month
Month
High (°F)
Low (°F)
Notes
Jan
72
56
warm & mostly dry
Feb
71
56
mild & mostly dry
Mar
68
53
mild & mostly dry
Apr
63
48
mild & mostly dry
May
57
44
cool & changeable
Jun
52
39
cool & changeable
Jul
51
38
cool & changeable
Aug
53
39
cool & changeable
Sep
58
42
cool & changeable
Oct
61
45
mild & changeable
Nov
66
49
mild & changeable
Dec
69
54
mild & changeable
Getting to Christchurch
The flat central city is very walkable and bike-friendly; a Metrocard covers the bus network, and the heritage tram is for sightseeing.
CHC Christchurch International Airport — 15 min drive
ZQN Queenstown Airport — 480 min drive
WLG Wellington International Airport — 0 min drive
Where to stay in Christchurch
Where to base yourself, by neighborhood.
Central City / Cathedral Square. The rebuilt core keeps the tram, Riverside Market, and Arts Centre walkable. Best for first-timers who want to be in the heart of the recovery. Good for: First-timers, walkability.
Merivale. A leafy, upscale inner suburb known for its restaurant and boutique strip. Refined and residential, a short drive or bus from the centre. Good for: Dining, quiet.
Riccarton. Handy for the airport, Hagley Park, and Westfield mall, with plentiful motels and eateries. A practical, good-value base. Good for: Value, families.
Sumner. A seaside village with beach, surf, and cafes backed by the Port Hills. A relaxed base for those who want coast over city. Good for: Beach, couples.
Lyttelton. The characterful port town over the hill has a bohemian, artsy feel and top restaurants. Choose it for harbour views and local flavour. Good for: Foodies, character.
Where to eat in Christchurch
A curated set of standout tables and local favorites.
Local favorites & classics
Twenty Seven Steps. New Regent Street · Modern NZ — Intimate upstairs bistro overlooking the pastel arcade, a local favourite for South Island produce
Inati. The Terrace · Contemporary shared plates — Chef Simon Levy's open-kitchen degustation, one of the city's most acclaimed
Kinji. Merivale · Japanese — Long-standing, highly regarded sushi and Japanese kitchen
Fush. Wigram / Lyttelton · Fish and chips — Beloved sustainable fish-and-chips shop championing te reo Maori
King of Snake. Level 1/79 Cashel Street · 4.7★ (2,966 reviews)
Fiddlesticks Restaurant and Bar. Corner of Worcester Boulevard & · 4.5★ (2,287 reviews)
5th Street. 5 Elgin Street · 4.8★ (1,380 reviews)
Casa Publica. 180 Armagh Street · 4.5★ (2,098 reviews)
Cafés, bakeries & casual
Riverside Market. Central city · Food hall — Buzzing covered market with dozens of stalls from dumplings to South Island cheeses
Little High Eatery. High Street · Eatery collective — Stylish food hall of eight independent kitchens under one roof
Sweet Soul Patisserie. 1/79 Cashel Street · 4.8★ (737 reviews)
Bakermans. 19/23 Memorial Avenue · 4.6★ (727 reviews)
Bohemian Bakery Cafe. 255 Saint Asaph Street · 4.6★ (551 reviews)