Flights from Xiamen (XMN) to Christchurch (CHC)

About Christchurch

Discover Christchurch

Why visit Christchurch?
Christchurch is the relaxed gateway to New Zealand’s South Island, where leafy streets, creative spaces, and riverside parks sit close to rugged coastlines and mountains. You will find a calm, outdoors-focused city that makes it easy to combine urban comforts with nature.

What to expect
The city centre is compact and easy to explore on foot, with the Ōtākaro Avon River, modern architecture, and restored heritage buildings setting the scene. Neighbourhoods like New Regent Street and the riverside precinct offer cafés, galleries, and green spaces that define everyday life here.

Plan your trip
Christchurch is an ideal starting point for journeys to destinations such as Kaikōura, Tekapo, and Queenstown. With a well-connected airport, clear roads, and scenic rail routes, you can plan a stay that blends city experiences with road trips or excursions across the wider Canterbury region.

Top sights in Christchurch

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Stroll among themed gardens, mature trees, and riverside lawns in one of the city’s most peaceful green spaces.

Avon River Punting

Glide along the Avon River on a guided flat-bottomed boat and see central Christchurch from the water.

Christchurch Gondola

Ride to the top of Port Hills for wide views over the city, Canterbury Plains, and the distant Southern Alps.

Quake City Exhibition

Learn how Christchurch has reshaped and rebuilt itself through interactive displays, stories, and engineering exhibits.

New Regent Street

Explore this charming pedestrian street lined with pastel-coloured heritage buildings, boutiques, and cafés.

International Antarctic Centre

Experience simulated Antarctic conditions, wildlife encounters, and exhibits about life and science on the ice continent.

Sumner and Taylor’s Mistake

Head to the nearby coast for beaches, coastal walks, and a relaxed seaside atmosphere within easy reach of the city.

Tramway City Tour

Hop on the vintage tram to loop around key central sights while hearing stories about Christchurch’s history and renewal.

Experience Christchurch’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Central Christchurch is compact, so you can comfortably explore on foot or by bicycle. Buses connect the city with suburbs, beaches, and nearby towns, while trams add a nostalgic way to see key sights. For day trips, renting a car offers flexibility for scenic drives.

Local life & culture
You will notice a strong outdoor culture, with locals gathering in parks, cycling along rivers, and spending time in cafés and small galleries. Creative projects and public art feature prominently in the rebuilt city centre, giving Christchurch a fresh, modern character alongside its heritage.

Where to unwind
Green spaces like Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens offer quiet paths, expansive lawns, and shaded riverside spots. Head to the Port Hills for short walks and sunset views back over the city, or out to beaches such as Sumner for a relaxed afternoon by the sea.

A taste of Christchurch

Street food & local specialties
Food trucks and casual stalls often appear around markets and central squares, serving easy favourites such as grilled meats, baked treats, and seasonal produce. You can sample local ingredients in simple, satisfying dishes that reflect the region’s farming and coastal heritage.

Casual & modern dining hubs
The central city, riverside precincts, and suburban villages like Riccarton and Merivale offer a mix of cafés, bistros, and international eateries. Menus often feature sharing plates, making it easy to try a range of flavours in one meal and adapt to different appetites.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, choose restaurants overlooking the Avon River, rooftop venues with city views, or hillside spots on the Port Hills. Many places focus on seasonal produce and thoughtful presentation, creating relaxed but refined experiences for special occasions or leisurely dinners.

Retail therapy in Christchurch

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern malls and lifestyle centres in and around the city offer a combination of international brands, local designers, cinemas, and dining. They are convenient places to pick up travel essentials or enjoy a relaxed afternoon browsing and meeting friends.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller markets and central streets showcase regional crafts, artwork, and homegrown labels. Areas around the city centre, Lyttelton, and seaside suburbs are good places to look for handmade items, prints, and design pieces to remember your trip.

Evening retail scene
After dark, selected streets and precincts remain lively, with illuminated shopfronts, late-opening stores, and nearby dining. Night-time walks through the central city feel welcoming and relaxed, and public transport and well-marked roads make it straightforward to return to your accommodation.

Best time to visit Christchurch

Summer (December to February, peak season)
Christchurch summers are warm and bright, with average temperatures around 22°C (72°F) and long evenings. It is an inviting time for beach visits, outdoor dining, and day trips into the surrounding countryside, with many events and activities taking place across the city.

Autumn and spring (March to May, and September to November, shoulder season)
These seasons bring mild days and cooler nights, typically around 14–18°C (57–64°F), with colourful foliage in autumn and blossoms in spring. They are ideal for relaxed city walks, cycling, and exploring gardens, with a comfortable balance of visitors and open space.

Winter (June to August, low season)
Winter is cool and crisp, with average temperatures near 10°C (50°F) and clear days that often offer excellent visibility. It is a good time to enjoy cosy cafés, museums, and easy access to nearby alpine areas for snow-capped scenery and mountain excursions.

Frequently Asked Questions