What are the best things to do in Christchurch?
Top picks in Christchurch include Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Cardboard Cathedral, Canterbury Museum, Avon River punting. See the full list and itinerary on this Christchurch travel guide.
🇳🇿 New Zealand travel guide
Oceania · Australia and New Zealand
Christchurch Travel Guide
Christchurch, New Zealand
Photo: Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand · CC0
Why visit Christchurch
Travel guide for Christchurch, New Zealand — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Christchurch is a stop in New Zealand, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 3 days. If time is short, prioritise Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Cardboard Cathedral, Canterbury Museum instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 110–240 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: The warmer, drier months for the outdoors. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
The warmer, drier months for the outdoors
Weather
Mild to tropical, with plenty of sunshine
Experiences
Things to do in Christchurch
1
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
2
Cardboard Cathedral
3
Canterbury Museum
4
Avon River punting
5
New Brighton Pier
6
Port Hills views
7
Street art in the CBD
8
Day trip to Akaroa or Arthur's Pass
Budget travel
Free things to do in Christchurch
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Cardboard Cathedral
Street art in the CBD
Christchurch Art Gallery
St Michael and All Angels Church
Christchurch Casino
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Christchurch itinerary (3 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Christchurch Art Gallery
- Visit Cardboard Cathedral
- Visit St Michael and All Angels Church
- Eat at Fresh Choice
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Air Force Museum
- Visit Canterbury Museum
- Visit Christchurch Casino
- Eat at Woolworths
- 3
Day 3
Markets, parks & hidden corners
- Visit Christchurch Gondola
- Visit Garden City Helicopters
- Eat at New World
Budget
Christchurch trip cost
Budget
USD 50–85
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 110–240
per person / day
Luxury
USD 275–455+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Christchurch, New Zealand. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Christchurch
Estimated total (USD)
$3,090
≈ $1,545 per person · $441 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $180/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Christchurch mid-range ground costs (budget 50–85 · mid 110–240 · luxury 275–455+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
Fresh Choice
The most central supermarket, but also the smallest, and not the cheapest.
Woolworths
Supermarket.
New World
Pak'n'Save
The cheapest supermarket chain overall, but may not have as wide a range as Woolworths and New World.
- $
Aha Wildlife Bakery
Wildlife themed bakery shop - bakes delicious animal-shaped bread and cookies fresh on the market. Try a kiwi, have a whale - and enjoy the
Funky Pumpkin
Fresh fruit and vegetables and some meat.
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $
Classique Lodge Motel
5 minutes to Westfield Riccarton Shopping Mall.
- $$
Jailhouse Accommodation
Renovated heritage backpacker accommodation with a colourful history - the former Addington Prison (closed to inmates in 1999). The Jailhous
- $$
Haka House Christchurch
In a heritage building, formerly YHA Christchurch.
- $
Drifter Christchurch
Very convenient if you get in or go around Christchurch via buses. Beds in dorms have curtains and USB chargers. Its kitchen has nice facili
- $
AAA Northlands Motel
Close to Northlands Mall and QE2 Park.
Shopping
- Riverside
- Ballantynes
- Christchurch Farmers' Market
- New Regent Street
- Northlands Shopping Centre
- The Palms
Nightlife
- Aikmans
- Bealey's Speight's Ale House
- The Craic Irish Bar
- No. 4
- Speight's Ale House Tower Junction
- The Beer Library
Museums & culture
- Christchurch Art Gallery
- Cardboard Cathedral
- St Michael and All Angels Church
- Air Force Museum
- Canterbury Museum
- Christchurch Casino
In pictures
Christchurch gallery
Photos: Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand, Michal Klajban, Phillip Capper — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Christchurch travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Christchurch?
The warmer, drier months for the outdoors.
How many days do I need in Christchurch?
Plan at least 3 days in Christchurch for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Christchurch?
Popular stays in Christchurch include Classique Lodge Motel, Jailhouse Accommodation, Haka House Christchurch. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Christchurch cost?
On the ground in Christchurch (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 50–85 per person per day, mid-range about 110–240, and luxury about 275–455+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Christchurch, New Zealand. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
