Frequently used by travellers as a gateway to New Zealand’s South Island, Christchurch is also a thriving city that’s well worth a longer stay. Known for its art, culture, cuisine, and nightlife, Christchurch offers an abundance of things to see and do. Wander the city to discover public art installations and painted murals. See an exhibition, or catch a show at The Court Theatre — the country’s largest and oldest theatre company. Take a stroll through the beautiful Botanic Gardens, and pop by the Canterbury Museum — a Christchurch icon that first opened its doors in 1870.

The city has a wealth of dining options, from cafes to high-end restaurants, and you’ll find something to suit all tastes and budgets. Though well known for its winter sports, Christchurch also has some incredible beaches on its doorstep, and there are plenty of places to swim, sunbathe, or surf. You’ll also never be short of a spectacular spot to enjoy a picnic, or tranquil places to walk and simply take in the view.

Christchurch Airport (CHC) is New Zealand’s second largest airport, located a short drive from the city centre. There are several ways to get from the airport into the city and to Christchurch holiday rentals, including a taxi, rental car, shuttle, or the metro bus service. Once you’ve settled into your accommodation, you can explore the city and its surroundings by bike, tram, ferry, or even on foot. There are also several cruise services that stop in ports just outside of Christchurch, including the picturesque town of Akaroa, which boasts impressive architecture reflecting the town’s British and French heritage.

December, January, and February are the hottest months, and the days are long. This is an ideal time to dine al fresco, go hiking in the hills around the city, enjoy a tipple at a rooftop bar, or visit Christchurch’s many beaches. Winter is popular here and in the wider Canterbury region, and there are several ski resorts within a short drive of the city, including Mount Hutt, which boasts the longest ski season in New Zealand. Be sure to pack your woollies though, because it gets cold. Spring and autumn are lovely seasons in which to visit Christchurch, when the weather is mild enough to enjoy a range of outdoor activities, like hiking, biking, and taking boat rides, and there are often fewer visitors than in winter.

Hit the slopes

New Zealand is well known for its quality skiing and snowboarding, and for good reason. The South Island is home to spectacular ski resorts, many of which are easily accessible from Christchurch. Most Christchurch holiday rentals are around a 90-minute drive from Mount Hutt, Porters Ski Area, Mount Cheeseman, and Broken River Ski Area. There are also plenty of places in Christchurch that offer equipment hire.

The Botanic Gardens

Christchurch is sometimes referred to as the Garden City, and when you stroll through some of the local neighbourhoods, it’s easy to see why. One of the city’s most popular attractions, the Botanic Gardens, showcase a wide range of flora and fauna from New Zealand and around the world.

The Christchurch Gondola

Get a bird’s eye view of all the land and sea in Christchurch and its surroundings with a trip in the city’s gondola. It offers an incredible view of the city itself, as well as Port Hills, the harbour of Lyttleton, and even the Southern Alps in the distance. Once you reach the top, there are also lots of tracks and trails to explore.