where to stay in christchurch, nz ( best area & hotels )

Which is the best area to stay in Christchurch?

By Harriet Kingston-Smith. December 06, 2023

Christchurch is the South Island’s largest and oldest city, and a popular tourist destination for both local and international visitors. Found on the stunning east coast and surrounded by mountains, Christchurch is filled with local culture, architecture, and fascinating history to explore! It is known as the ‘Garden City’, for its numerous green spaces and Botanical Gardens, along with the beautiful Avon River flowing through the centre. Christchurch was the location of the devastating 2011 earthquake, which damaged much of the centre city. Now, much of it has been rebuilt - resulting in a vibrant and dynamic urban area to explore!

When visiting Christchurch, the best place to stay is within the Central City - which is perfect for visitors who want to explore its vibrant culture and popular attractions. The Central City area is located in the heart of Christchurch, and has everything you need for an incredible stay - all within walking distance! You can enjoy the beautiful pockets of nature in Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens, or sight-see the historic and modern architecture around Cathedral Square. The bustling streets of the Central City are filled with boutique shops, food markets, restaurants, art galleries and museums, making it the perfect place to stay in Christchurch!On the map, which shows the most convenient area to stay in Christchurch, NZ, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.

If you’re interested in finding out where to stay in Christchurch, you may also want to know where to stay in Auckland.

Central City: The Best Area to Stay in Christchurch

Best For:

Culture / Nightlife / First-time Visitors

Central City is the best area to stay, especially if this is your first time in Christchurch! This area is located in the heart of the city and is filled with a delightful mix of trendy eateries, rooftop bars, art galleries, and beautiful historic buildings.

The Central City is a relatively small area, and so it is easy to explore its many attractions and activities on footl! You can stroll around the stunning Botanical Gardens and sit on the banks of the Avon River, or admire the stone heritage architecture of The Arts Centre! For a memorable experience, you can catch the Tram through the city and see the remains of the iconic Christchurch Cathedral! In the evenings, the stunning New Regent Street comes alive with restaurants and intimate bars.

Just around the corner is the newly-built Margaret Mahy Playground, the largest playground in New Zealand and great fun for families!

Hotels in Central City

Other Places to Stay in Christchurch

Riccarton

Best for: Drinking and Dining / Young Crowd / Shopping

Riccarton is a bustling suburb that offers a diverse mix of history, fantastic shopping, and trendy eateries, making it a great place to stay while visiting Christchurch! It is located only a stone’s throw from the city centre, on the opposite side of the beautiful Hagley Park, and is known for its easy access to the city and its peaceful surroundings.

One of the most popular attractions in this area is Riccarton House and Bush, a unique heritage site on the banks of the Avon River, that includes a 600-year-old native bush forest and two beautiful historic buildings that date back to the 1850s. This area is one of the most vibrant and youthful areas in Christchurch, and is home to the University of Canterbury, making it popular with young adults and students.

It is also one of the city’s main shopping districts, and is home to Westfield, the largest shopping mall in Christchurch!

Hotels in Riccarton

Addington

Best for:

Entertainment / Sports / Christchurch Railway Station

As Christchurch is the main centre of the South Island, it often hosts a variety of big events, including musical concerts, rugby matches, and horse racing. For visitors travelling to attend these, a great place to stay is in Addington, which is the heart of the events scene in Christchurch.

Located only a short drive from the centre city, this suburb is home to Addington Raceway, which hosts many prestigious events throughout the year, including the popular Cup Day Races. Nearby is the Wolfbrook Arena, which often hosts local and international musicians. You can also enjoy a night of comedy at the Court Theatre, before visiting one of the fantastic restaurants or quirky bars that line Lincoln Road.

Addington is also the ideal place to stay for travellers embarking on one of the South Island’s spectacular train journeys; the TranzAlpine to the rugged West Coast, or the Coastal Pacific Train up to sunny Picton.

Hotels in Addington

Sumner

Best for: Surfers, Beach-Lovers, Family-Friendly

Sumner is a perfect place to stay in Christchurch for travellers who love the beach and nature. This area is located along the beautiful Sumner Beach, and is a popular spot for surfers, walkers, and families! It is one of the most scenic suburbs in Christchurch, with spectacular views over the Pacific Ocean, the Port Hills, and the snow-capped Southern Alps.

Sumner is surrounded by several walking trails, including the popular Godley Head Track, which offers stunning views of the coastline, and Cave Rock, where you can explore the iconic volcanic rock formations on the beach. Sumner Village has a relaxed coastal charm, with great cafes and bakeries, local produce, as well as the classic Kiwi fish and chips!

Although Sumner is further away from Christchurch, it is connected to the central city and airport by public buses that run regularly throughout the day.

Hotels in Sumner

Burnside - Near the Airport

Best for:

Overnight Stay / Close to the Airport

Burnside is a convenient place to stay for travellers who want to be close to the Christchurch International Airport, which is the only international airport in the South Island, and has over 150 international flights a week! Whether you are arriving or leaving, this is a great place to stay overnight, as it is only a few minutes’ drive to the airport.

You can also easily access the activities and attractions of Christchurch City Centre, which is only a short distance away. Burnside is a peaceful and charming residential suburb of Christchurch, with local cafes and parks. Visitors can enjoy the greenery and tranquillity of Burnside Park, which has a playground, a skate park, and a cricket ground.

You can also visit the popular Jellie Park Recreation and Sports Centre, which offers a fully equipped gym, sauna, steam room, indoor swimming pools and hydroslides - perfect for families and fitness enthusiasts alike!

Hotels near the airport

Cashmere

Best for: Scenic Views / Relaxed Surroundings / Hiking and Biking

Cashmere is a beautiful and peaceful suburb in the south of Christchurch and is perfect for travellers who are looking for natural beauty, outdoor activities, and a more relaxed atmosphere. It is located on the Port Hills and offers incredible views over the city and the distant Southern Alps. Cashmere also has a lot of attractions and activities for outdoor enthusiasts, and is a great base for visitors looking to enjoy the Port Hills!

You can explore the popular walking and mountain biking trails, including the Christchurch Adventure Park, which has the longest zipline in New Zealand! You can also visit the stunning Victoria Park, which has a playground and picnic area and is an awesome place for families to enjoy.

Cashmere offers a variety of cafe and dining options, including the popular Sign of the Takahe cafe, as well as the award-winning Tussock Hill Vineyard.