Planning a solo trip to Christchurch, NZ? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:
QUICK FACTS
- The largest city on New Zealand’s South Island, with population about 402,000 (second largest in NZ after Auckland).
- Considered the gateway to Antarctica, due to expeditions and programs based in the city.
- The Maori name for Christchurch is Ōtautahi (“the river mouth”).
- One of few cities worldwide where you can hike mountain trails or surf at a beach just 15 minutes from downtown.
- Nickname: Garden City
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD).
- Spoken languages: English and Te Reo Māori.
- Best time to visit: from September to November to see the blossoms, bluebells and daffodils that have made the city famous.
- Great festivals to catch:
– Christchurch Arts Festival
– World Buskers Festival
– Garden City Music Festival
– Festival of Flowers (February) and Ellerslie International Flower Show (March) - Arriving via airport: Christchurch International Airport (CHC) runs shuttles that deliver passengers door-to-door, as well as city buses that connect to the city centre and further afield.
– Taxi takes 15-20 minutes and costs around NZ$29.50.
WHERE TO STAY
- Best hostel for solo travelers: Urbanz Christchurch.
– The main draw is the location: right in the centre of town.
– Big rooms, clean beds, and a relaxed & friendly environment.
– Not a party hostel – perfect for exploring the city.
– Large kitchen and common area. Book ahead! - Bealey Avenue and Papanui Road are thronged by a wide variety of hotels and bed & breakfasts, and serve as a central locations from which to explore the city.
- Most cultural and historic attractions are found in the Central Business District or CBD – note the location of the Red Zone, the cordoned section where the rebuild is taking place.
GETTING AROUND
- Metrocard is the secure stored-value card that eliminates the need for change on public transportation. Up to 25% discount vs. regular cash fares. Available for pickup at the Bus Interchange and various Metro agents.
- Buses and trams operate around the city. Adult fare: $3
- Update: Motu Move, a new national ticketing system, is being implemented. Will allow payment with contactless debit/credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay.
- Heritage Tram offers an informative tour of the city center.
- Taxi fares differ from company to company. Starting fare NZ$4.50, with additional NZ$3.00 per km. Call 377-55-55 to pre-book with First Direct.
- Uber is available and is a popular alternative to taxis.
CHRISTCHURCH NIGHTLIFE
- Drinking age is 18, and last call is 3 AM.
- Popular spots:
– Fat Eddie’s on The Terrace – features balcony overlooking the river, regular live bands and dance floor
– The Church Pub – one of the newest venues in town, offering live music in a converted church building
– The Bog Irish Bar – traditional Irish pub popular with locals that draws crowds of all ages
– The Carlton Bar – a Christchurch institution for over 160 years with live bands Thursday-Saturday - Great bars in Christchurch that locals love: Rascal High Street, gin gin (cocktails and food), Cellar Door, and O.G.B Bar & Cocktail Bar.
- Live music: 12 Bar, Embankment Tavern, and darkroom.
UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT
- The Air Force Museum of New Zealand hosts one of the world’s finest military aviation collections.
- The Canterbury Museum showcases fascinating exhibits on Māori culture, as well as a recreation of a Victorian street.
- The International Antarctic Centre is an educational and interactive experience centered around the Hagglund Ride.
- The Bridge of Remembrance is one of two war memorials dedicated to those who perished in World War I, as well as in the aftermaths of conflicts in Borneo, Korea and Vietnam.
- The Christchurch Transitional Cathedral (the “Cardboard Cathedral”) was constructed after the earthquake using cardboard tubes, timber, steel, and shipping containers with colorful stained glass triangles.
- Ride the Christchurch Gondola up Mount Cavendish – panoramic city views and walking trails (tickets: 42 NZD)
DAY TRIPS FROM CHRISTCHURCH
- Arthur’s Pass National Park (~2 hours each way) – alpine landscapes, hiking trails, Devil’s Punchbowl Falls
- Hanmer Springs (~1.5 hours each way) – thermal pools, forest walks, adventure activities
- Kaikoura (~2.5 hours each way) – whale watching, dolphin encounters, fresh seafood
- Waipara Wine Region (~45 minutes each way) – boutique wineries specializing in Pinot Noir and Riesling
- Port Hills – great for outdoor activities such as hiking or mountain biking
- Akaroa for its French influence and dolphin watching
- Banks Peninsula (stunning scenery)
INTERESTING WALKS
- Riccarton Bush is the region’s only remaining kahikatea floodplain forest, a scenic stroll among 600-year-old trees.
- Visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens to see the best collection of plants and flowers indigenous to New Zealand.
- Riverside Market stroll – vibrant indoor market with local produce, street food and artisan goods.
- Christchurch Street Art Trail – self-guided tour of vibrant murals reflecting the city’s resilience.
- Stroll through the Christchurch Farmers’ Market (runs every Saturday).
- Nighttime walk along Avon River – historic architecture beautifully illuminated after dark. Also beautiful by day!
WHERE TO EAT
- Must-try dishes: hangi, lamb, and local seafood.
- Great restaurants that locals love: Twenty Seven Steps ($$$ – European), 5th Street ($$$), Gatherings Restaurant, Smokey T’s ($$ – Barbeque), Pot Sticker Dumpling Bar ($$), Grater Goods ($$ – vegan), Pescatore ($$$)
- Where to find good cheap eats: Riverside Market – a great food hall for affordable, diverse dining options.
LOCAL WISDOM
- The city’s urban solution to its retail renewal comes in the form of the Re:START container mall, which now houses over 50 businesses.
- Dangerous areas: Christchurch is a very safe city to travel to. The only real trouble happens in the early hours of the weekend, when drunken brawls sometimes break out.
Recommended trip duration: 2-3 days