Christchurch

christchurch square new zealand
Known as “The Garden City”, Christchurch boasts some beautifully sculpted parks and gardens reminiscent of Victorian England. Christchurch has a lively student population, is very multi-cultural, and a popular backpacker destination. It even has its own wizard. In this environment, you’ll find an eclectic and energetic place. It is a very laid-back city. Though severely damaged during the 2011 earthquake, the city is slowly being rebuilt and worth a visit, if not at least to show your support for the locals who live there.

New Zealand Travel Resources

Buying a Travel Backpack
Finding Cheap Accommodation
How to Find a Cheap Flight
Budgeting for New Zealand
New Zealand Backpacker Buses
My Favorite New Zealand Hostels
Waitomo’s Glow Worm Caves
Great Reasons to Visit New Zealand

Costs in Christchurch

  • Hostel Prices: Hostel dorms in New Zealand cost between $16 – 24 NZD per night while private rooms begin at $40 NZD.
  • Budget Hotel Prices: Expect to pay $50 NZD per night for a double room.
  • Average Cost of Food: A typical restaurant meal with cost you about $15 NZD or more. If you choose to cook your food, plan to spend about $60-70 NZD per week. You can find sandwiches around the city about for $6 NZD and fast food like McDonald’s or Burger King costs between $7-10 NZD.
  • Cost of Internet: Internet costs $3-$4 NZD per hour. McDonalds and libraries have free wi-fi. Most hostels use Global Gossip internet and prices are the same. They offer good wi-fi packages at $15 NZD per day or $150 NZD for 30 days.
  • Transportation Costs: Christchurch as a bus system and tramway. A single trip on the metrocard is $2.10, all day travel $4.20, and weekly travel $21 NZD.

Things to Do in Christchurch

  • Antarctic Center - This tourist attraction near the airport is worth considering if you’re interested in Antarctica. There is a lot of information on the environment and wildlife of the continent. It features a simulated Antarctic environment and you can even ride in a Hägglund Antarctic vehicle.
  • Willowbank Wildlife Reserve - This wildlife park focuses on native bird life and it is best known for its excellent nocturnal kiwi tours.
  • Christchurch Gondola – This gondola ride in Christchurch’s southern suburbs offers excellent views of the city center and surrounding areas.
  • The Arts Center – The Arts Center is a vibrant area filled with theaters, shops, and galleries. On the weekends, there is an outdoor market that is filled with local art and jewelry. The city art gallery is free and has a lot of great paintings and special exhibits.
  • Visit the Port Hills – The trails in the Port Hills are an outdoorsy way to see the best views of Christchurch and the Southern Alps on one side and beautiful Banks Peninsula on the other. You can walk or bike them and they are a popular spot for exercising locals.
  • Visit Cathedral Square – This is the main center of town and where all the markets, fairs, and locals hang out. During the weekend, there is usually an event occurring. You can visit the cathedral in the square too and for a small fee, climb the bell town for panoramic views of the city. [Note: The earthquake destroyed the bell tower and severely damaged the church.]
  • Canterbury Museum – This free museum includes colonial, Maori and natural history sections, Antarctic exploration display, and visiting exhibitions.
  • Hagley Park’s leafy glades – Admire the stately English trees, colorful themed flower beds in the Botanic Gardens and the tranquility of the meandering Avon River. This is a great place to run, cycle, or just relax! It gets busy here with runners at night.
  • Check out a festival – Christchurch is the hub city of festivals in New Zealand. There is typically something going on every month. The Festival of Romance is perhaps the most unique with a 10 day celebration prior to Valentine ’s Day.
  • Lyttelton Farmers Market – Whether you are looking to stock up on some groceries or just want to check out an authentic market, this is the place to stop. Many locals contribute and shop here, stuffing it with only the freshest, seasonal produce, bread, cheeses, honey, eggs, relishes and more. Great people watching and sometimes there is music.
  • Mona Vale – This is a traditional, Elizabethan-style home on a huge plot of beautifully manicured land. The inside of the house is pretty cool, but the neat thing about this place is the pre-made picnics. You have to order them the day before because of the high demand and attention to detail they put into every meal.
  • Bone Dude – This is a unique shop where you can book a session with a bone carving crafter, a traditional Maori craft. A session runs about 3 hours and is held in groups of 12 or less, so remember to schedule ahead of time.

Budget Tips for Christchurch

  • Rent a Bike: Because Christchurch is so flat, it’s really easy to cycle. There are quite a few cycling lanes and the city is very compact. It’s a cheaper option than taking the buses or the tram.
Other Destinations in New Zealand

Auckland Christchurch Franz Josef Nelson Queenstown Rotorua Taupo
Waitomo Wellington