Christchurch City Centre Travel Guide

Christchurch

New Regent Street showing outdoor eating and railway items as well as a small group of people
Christchurch Art Gallery featuring modern architecture as well as a small group of people
Canterbury Museum which includes heritage architecture and a garden as well as a small group of people
Christchurch City Centre
Bridge of Remembrance showing heritage elements, night scenes and a bridge

Explore the picturesque and vibrant heart of the city that is getting back to normal after a series of devastating earthquakes.

Heritage buildings, green spaces, pedestrianized shopping streets and the Avon River draw visitors to Christchurch city center. This was one of the most heavily damaged parts of the city during the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. But unbowed by these natural disasters the city is picking itself up with an extensive regeneration program parts of which are already completed. Visit Christchurch City Centre’s for museums, memorials, gardens and an eclectic mix of shops.

In the heart of the city center is Cathedral Square, once dominated by the 19th-century Christchurch Cathedral. This grand building was badly damaged during the 2011 earthquake and will undergo restoration. Nearby is The Chalice, a large public art installation in the shape of an inverted cone. From here walk over to the Cardboard Cathedral, a temporary structure to replace the original.

To discover more about the impact of the quakes and how Christchurch is regenerating and looking to the future visit Quake City. This multi-sensory special exhibition by Canterbury Museum encompasses artifacts, rescue and survival stories, and interactive exhibits on the science of earthquakes.

Wander down City Mall, the main pedestrianized shopping area. In addition to the shops are a couple of heritage structures that survived the earthquakes. These are Beath's Department Store Building, which dates back to 1935, and the Bridge of Remembrance, an ornate archway dedicated to those who lost their lives during World War I.

One of the joys of spending some time in Christchurch City Centre is visiting its natural attractions. Unwind amid the green surroundings of Hagley Park which hosts Christchurch Botanic Gardens, an inner-city haven of exotic and native plant species. Stroll along the banks of the Avon River and pause by the Earthquake Memorial. This marble wall is inscribed with the names of the 185 victims of the 2011 earthquake.

Christchurch City Centre is compact and easy to get around on foot. Alternatively, travel by taxis or public transportation. For drivers there is parking available for a fee in parking lots.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Christchurch City Centre

Rydges Latimer Christchurch

Rydges Latimer Christchurch

4.5 out of 5
30 Latimer Square, Christchurch, Canterbury
The price is ₹6,798 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹6,798
₹7,817 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Excellent facilities including the great gym. As always, the Rydges breakfast still holds the top spot against all of the hotels we have stated in."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Fable Christchurch

Fable Christchurch

4.5 out of 5
166 Gloucester Street, Christchurch
The price is ₹6,960 per night from 20 Aug to 21 Aug
₹6,960
₹8,174 total
20 Aug - 21 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Fantastic location, everything was an easy walk away. Room was lovely, overall we had a great stay."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Fable Christchurch
Sudima Christchurch City

Sudima Christchurch City

5 out of 5
47-49 Salisbury Street, Christchurch, Canterbury
The price is ₹11,001 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
₹11,001
₹12,651 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (442 reviews)
"Nice location in Christchurch, easy walks to the city centre. Staff very friendly"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Sudima Christchurch City
BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch

BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch

3.5 out of 5
165 Cashel Street, Christchurch
The price is ₹4,422 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹4,422
₹5,085 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Not sure if its all rooms, but the one i was in had a shelf that butts right up against the foot of the bed. As a taller guy, i kicked the heck out of my toes on that thing all night. Also the tile in the toilet/shower area is smooth and really slippery when its wet. Could probably use a stick-down ..."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch
Wyndham Garden Christchurch Kilmore Street

Wyndham Garden Christchurch Kilmore Street

4 out of 5
64 Kilmore St, Christchurch, Canterbury
The price is ₹7,531 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹7,531
₹8,661 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (314 reviews)
"Great place centrally located. Just could have better coffee and toilet paper"

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2025

Wyndham Garden Christchurch Kilmore Street
Crowne Plaza Christchurch by IHG

Crowne Plaza Christchurch by IHG

4.5 out of 5
764 Colombo Street, Christchurch
The price is ₹7,134 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹7,134
₹8,204 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Rosie at reception organised for us to have a high room looking towards the fireworks. A lovely place to stay the views up high are spectacular."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Crowne Plaza Christchurch by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Christchurch City Centre

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Sydenham

3/5(1 area review)

Sydenham is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like The Colombo and Science Alive.

Sydenham
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Addington

4/5(5 area reviews)

Unique features of Addington include the theatres and live music. Make a stop by Apollo Projects Stadium or Addington Raceway while you're exploring the area.

Addington
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Merivale

4.5/5(11 area reviews)

Travellers come to Merivale for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Merivale Mall and Papanui Road while you're in town.

Merivale
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Saint Albans

4.5/5(9 area reviews)

Saint Albans is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Papanui Road and Bealey Avenue while in the area.

Saint Albans
Mona Vale which includes a park

Riccarton

4.5/5(28 area reviews)

Riccarton is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Westfield Riccarton Mall and Riccarton Road.

Riccarton
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Fendalton

Travellers like the historical sites in Fendalton, and Riccarton House is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Fendalton

Christchurch City Centre Travel Guide