Flights from Shenzhen (SZX) to Christchurch (CHC)

About Christchurch

Discover Christchurch

Why visit Christchurch?
Christchurch is a welcoming gateway to New Zealand’s South Island, known for its leafy streets, innovative architecture, and relaxed pace. You will find a mix of heritage buildings and modern design, all set beside the gentle curves of the Ōtākaro Avon River.

What to expect
The city centre is compact and easy to explore on foot, with riverside walks, street art, and green spaces never far away. Nearby, the Port Hills and coastal suburbs offer wide views and fresh sea air, while the wider Canterbury region stretches out in open plains toward snow-dusted peaks.

Plan your trip
Christchurch works well as both a city break and a starting point for road journeys around the South Island. With an international airport, good roads, and rail connections, it is a practical base for exploring destinations such as Akaroa, Kaikōura, and the Southern Alps.

Top sights in Christchurch

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Stroll through themed gardens and majestic trees along the Avon River in one of the city’s most peaceful green spaces.

Canterbury Museum and Cultural Precinct

Explore natural history, regional stories, and changing exhibitions in a classic stone building near the Botanic Gardens.

Punting on the Avon

Glide along the Avon River on a flat-bottomed boat for a gentle view of parks, bridges, and riverside life.

Port Hills and Christchurch Gondola

Ride or drive up into the Port Hills for panoramic views over the city, the Canterbury Plains, and Lyttelton Harbour.

New Regent Street

Wander this colourful heritage street lined with boutiques and cafés, and watch vintage trams pass by.

Sumner and Taylor’s Mistake Beaches

Head to the coast for a walk on the sand, sea views, and clifftop paths close to the city centre.

Riverside Market

Visit this lively indoor market by the river for fresh produce, casual bites, and local artisan stalls.

Tramway City Loop

Take a ride on the heritage tram to see central Christchurch’s key sights from a relaxed, historic vantage point.

Experience Christchurch’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Christchurch’s compact centre is easy to explore on foot, with most key sights within a short walk. For longer trips, local buses connect the city to the suburbs and coast, while cycling is popular on flat streets and riverside paths. Taxis and app-based rides are convenient for late evenings.

Local life & culture
You will notice a calm, outdoors-focused lifestyle, with many people spending time in parks, by the river, or in cafés. Street art brightens laneways, and small galleries and performance spaces showcase local creativity. Weekend markets, community events, and sports fixtures add to the city’s friendly atmosphere.

Where to unwind
Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens provide space to relax among lawns, trees, and seasonal flower displays. For fresh air and wide views, walking tracks in the Port Hills offer scenic lookouts in easy reach of the centre. Coastal suburbs like Sumner are ideal for gentle seaside walks in the late afternoon.

A taste of Christchurch

Street food & local specialties
Christchurch’s casual food scene highlights local produce, with food trucks and stalls often appearing at markets and events. Around the city centre you can find quick bites ranging from filled rolls and pies to global street-style dishes that suit a relaxed day of exploring.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Areas such as Riverside Market, The Terrace, and SALT District bring together cafés, bars, and eateries in compact, walkable clusters. You can mix small plates, sharing dishes, and mains that draw on European, Asian, and Pacific influences, making it easy to try several flavours in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, look for venues overlooking the river, the city skyline, or the hills. Some restaurants sit within restored heritage buildings, adding character to the experience. A short drive into the hills or along the coast also reveals restaurants with broad views and a quieter atmosphere.

Retail therapy in Christchurch

Malls & lifestyle hubs
The city centre offers modern shopping centres with international brands, local designers, and plenty of cafés for a break between stores. Suburban hubs add supermarkets, cinemas, and family-friendly dining, turning shopping trips into easy half-day outings.

Markets & local crafts
For smaller labels and handmade pieces, browse Riverside Market, The Crossing’s side streets, and neighbourhoods such as Sydenham and Addington. You can discover clothing, jewellery, and homewares created by local makers, often alongside studios and small galleries.

Evening retail scene
After dark, riverside precincts and central streets stay lively with illuminated shopfronts, eateries, and bars. While larger malls may close earlier, central lanes and dining areas remain welcoming for an evening stroll. Public transport and taxis make it straightforward to travel between your accommodation and these areas at night.

Best time to visit Christchurch

Summer season (December to February, peak season)
Christchurch summers are warm and generally dry, with average daytime temperatures around 22°C (72°F). Long daylight hours suit outdoor dining, beach visits, and evening walks in the parks, and many events and festivals take place during this period.

Autumn and spring (March to May, and September to November, shoulder season)
These seasons bring mild temperatures, typically 12–18°C (54–64°F), and changing colours in parks and gardens. Spring blossoms and autumn foliage add interest to city walks, and slightly cooler conditions make it comfortable for cycling, hiking, and day trips into the surrounding countryside.

Winter season (June to August, low season)
Winters are cool, with average daytime temperatures around 10°C (50°F) and crisp, clear days common. This is a pleasant time to enjoy the city’s cafés and museums, and Christchurch serves as a convenient base for reaching nearby ski fields and alpine landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions