Discover Christchurch

Discover how innovation, creativity and regeneration have reshaped the Christchurch cityscape, food culture and art scene.

Explore the great outdoors

In the city centre, a low speed limit, wide footpaths, pedestrian-only streets, parks and ample cycle lanes make Christchurch easy to explore. The botanic gardens and Hagley Park are handy central green spaces for communing with nature. You can also glide along the Avon River in canoes, kayaks, row boats or romantic Edwardian punts.

The Port Hills deliver hiking and mountain biking adventures with spectacular long range views. If uphill treks are not your thing, check out the Christchurch Gondola or the chairlift at Christchurch Adventure Park, where you can also hire mountain bikes and descend a range of trails or sign up to experience New Zealand's longest and highest zipline rides. It's high on the list of fun things to do in Christchurch. For adventure in the treetops, with challenging bridges, nets, swings and flying foxes, head to Adrenalin Forest in Spencer Park, about 20 minutes north of the city.

Christchurch has transformed into a captivating urban centre: a place to discover great historic and modern architecture, a chance to explore street art and new retail concepts, and an opportunity to enjoy a food and drink scene where creativity is the key ingredient. This is all topped off by a growing number of adventure activities that deliver a huge view of the city while you get your thrills.

About our flights to Christchurch

Air New Zealand operates non-stop flights to Christchurch from Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown, Dunedin and regional ports around New Zealand. With all our New Zealand domestic airfares you can choose seat, seat+bag, flexichange or flexirefund fare types. Flexichange gives you the flexibility to change your flight with no change fees while flexirefund is fully refundable. Find out more about our New Zealand domestic seat options.

The urban renewal throughout central Christchurch is truly captivating. Exciting modern low-rise architecture is popping up to complement the city's beautiful historic landmarks.

Where to go and what to see in Christchurch

Be ready to roam when you arrive in Christchurch, because there's architectural, retail and hospitality excitement waiting around every corner. The new urban plan that's unfolding includes laneways, pedestrian-only precincts, imagination-fuelled playgrounds and revamped historic sites that tell extraordinary stories. In this ever-evolving city, your eyes will be wide with wonder.

Immerse yourself in creative arts

Creativity is a big part of Christchurch culture. As you wander the streets you can't help but be impressed by the scale and quality of street art from local and international artists. The striking, glass fronted Christchurch Art Gallery is free to visit and houses a vast collection of important works, from classics to modern art. To get the most from your experience, you can join a free guided tour or listen to audio guides on your smartphone. Close to the gallery, the historic Arts Centre of Christchurch is home to small exhibitions and shops selling exceptional local art and crafts. Modern and abstract art lovers should also head to CoCA, the Centre of Contemporary Art on Gloucester Street.

Live theatre has been strong in Christchurch for generations. Before you visit, check what's on at The Court Theatre and book ahead to avoid disappointment. It's home to New Zealand's oldest and largest theatre company and there's always a great range of shows to choose from. Another Christchurch favourite is the Isaac Theatre Royal, a beautifully restored Edwardian theatre built in 1908 that showcases music, musicals, comedy, dance and drama.

Essential information

Best time to go icon.

Best time to go

Because many of its attractions are cultural, Christchurch is a great experience in any season.

How much will it cost icon.

How much will it cost?

Not including air travel and hotels, you should allow about NZD $100 to $150 a day per person for food and entertainment.

Visas icon.

Visas

You might need a visa to holiday in New Zealand, depending on where you're from and how long you're staying. See the visa-waiver list.

Cheap flights to Christchurch

Flight route

Auckland (AKL) to Christchurch (CHC)

Flight time*

1h 25m

Stops**

Non-stop

Days

M,T,W,T,F,S,S

Book

Find flights


Flight route

Wellington (WLG) to Christchurch (CHC)

Flight time*

50m

Stops**

Non-stop

Days

M,T,W,T,F,S,S

Book

Find flights


Flight route

Queenstown (ZQN) to Christchurch (CHC)

Flight time*

55m

Stops**

Non-stop

Days

M,T,W,T,F,S,S

Book

Find flights


Flight route

Dunedin (DUD) to Christchurch (CHC)

Flight time*

1h 5m

Stops**

Non-stop

Days

M,T,W,T,F,S,S

Book

Find flights


*Flight times are based on the fastest route available.
**Indirect flights may also be available for this route.

Keep exploring Christchurch

Ziplining image courtesy ChristchurchNZ; Arts Centre image courtesy Nancy Zhou; Playground image courtesy of Margaret Mahy playground; Lake Pukaki cycling image courtesy of Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism