Christchurch is a flat, green city on the east coast of the South Island, built around the Avon River / Ōtākaro and a large urban park along its banks. The central streets follow a simple grid, and the city is bounded to the south by the Port Hills and the Banks Peninsula. It has a temperate oceanic climate with moderate rainfall, so plan for changeable weather whatever the season.
For a visitor, the useful split is between the Central City and the surrounding suburbs, with the airport and its approach roads forming a third practical base. The Central City puts you within walking distance of the river, the park and the main dining streets; the suburbs trade some convenience for quieter surroundings and, in some cases, easier parking. This guide covers which areas to base yourself in, not individual properties.
Best areas to stay in Christchurch
1. Central City
The Central City is the most practical base for a first visit. It is where the grid of streets, the Avon River / Ōtākaro and the large urban park along its banks come together, and it is where you find the widest mix of accommodation, from backpackers to luxury hotels. Staying here puts the main dining and shopping streets within walking distance rather than a bus or car ride away.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants to walk to dinner and to the river. Note that the city centre is still shaped by recovery and rebuilding projects following the earthquakes, so some streets and buildings remain works in progress.
2. Merivale and Papanui Road
The Merivale and Papanui Road area sits just north of the central grid, between the city and the suburbs. It is a quieter, more residential base with motels, lodges and self-catering cottages, and it is close to Hagley Park and to Merivale's shopping and restaurants. It suits travellers with a car, families, and anyone who wants space and parking while still being a short drive or walk from the centre.
The practical point here is distance: some properties in this area are a short walk from Hagley Park and local restaurants, while others rely on the Papanui Road corridor to connect you to the centre.
3. Riccarton
Riccarton is a suburban base west of the centre, close to Westfield Riccarton shopping mall and within reach of the Deans farm site at Riccarton Bush, one of the reasons the settlement was placed where it is. Accommodation here is mostly motel-style, which suits travellers who want to self-cater or who are using the city as a base for the wider Canterbury region.
It is a good fit for families and for longer stays. You will rely on a car or on public transport to reach the central sights.
4. Addington
Addington lies south-west of the centre and is close to Addington Raceway, the A&P Showgrounds and the stadium. It has a mix of motels and backpacker accommodation, including converted heritage buildings, and it is a reasonable choice if your trip is built around events at those venues.
For general sightseeing it is a step removed from the central grid, so treat transport into the centre as part of your daily planning.
5. Sydenham
Sydenham is a suburb south of the centre with bed-and-breakfast and cottage-style accommodation. It suits travellers who prefer a residential setting and a hosted stay, and who do not mind being outside the central grid.
As with the other outer suburbs, the trade-off is that you will usually need a car or public transport to reach the river, the park and the central dining streets.
6. Northcote and the Main North Road
Northcote sits along the Main North Road corridor north of the centre, close to Northlands Mall and Queen Elizabeth II Park. It is a motel-oriented area and works well for travellers driving into or out of the city from the north.
It is not a walking base for the central sights, so plan on driving or using buses.
7. Burnside and the airport approach
Burnside, around the airport roundabout and Memorial Avenue, is the practical choice for early flights and late arrivals. Accommodation here is motel-style, and some properties are only a few minutes' drive from the terminal.
This area is about convenience rather than sightseeing; you are a drive away from the Central City.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Backpacker accommodation, including shared dorm rooms and single, twin, double and family rooms, often in heritage buildings. Standards in New Zealand are generally good, and the cheapest option is a share or dorm room.
- Mid-range: Motels and bed-and-breakfasts, typically with more space and often with kitchen facilities. This is the broadest category, covering suburban motels and central motel apartments.
- Splurge: Luxury boutique hotels and bed-and-breakfasts, including properties by the Avon River and Hagley Park and hotels in the central grid.
- Longer stays: Furnished flats and self-contained apartments are available for travellers staying a month or more, ranging from rooms in a shared house to self-contained flats.
Note that accommodation in Christchurch is a little more expensive than in other New Zealand cities, because some major hotels were demolished after the earthquakes and construction work has increased demand.
Best area for a first visit
Choose the Central City. It puts the Avon River / Ōtākaro, the large urban park along its banks and the main dining and shopping streets within walking distance, and it has the widest range of accommodation types. For a short first trip, that convenience outweighs the quieter settings of the suburbs.
Frequently asked questions
Is Christchurch a walkable city?
Yes, with one exception. The city is relatively flat, on average about 20 m above sea level, and the central streets follow a simple grid, so the centre and the riverside park are easy on foot. The Port Hills are the notable exception.
Where should I stay if I have an early flight?
Look at the airport approach area around Burnside and Memorial Avenue, where motels are only a few minutes' drive from the terminal. The Central City is also connected to the airport by bus.
Which area is best for nightlife and restaurants?
The Central City. Dining and shopping streets are within walking distance of central accommodation, and the central grid is where the concentration of restaurants is.
Do I need a car depending on which area I choose?
In the Central City you can manage on foot and by bus. In the outer suburbs such as Riccarton, Addington, Sydenham, Northcote and Burnside, a car or public transport is the practical way to reach the central sights.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide.