Flights from Copenhagen (CPH) to Christchurch (CHC)

About Christchurch

Discover Christchurch

Why visit Christchurch?
Christchurch blends English-influenced heritage with a creative, forward-looking spirit, set between the Pacific coast and the Southern Alps. You will find leafy parks, a compact city centre, and easy access to some of New Zealand's most dramatic landscapes.

What to expect
The city is centred on the Avon River and Hagley Park, with modern architecture, galleries, and a growing café culture. Neighbourhoods like New Regent Street and the riverside precinct offer a mix of historic facades, street art, and relaxed outdoor spaces.

Plan your trip
Christchurch is an ideal starting point for exploring the South Island, with road and rail links to Kaikōura, Queenstown, and the West Coast. Whether you are here for alpine adventures or a coastal road trip, it works well as both a gateway and a place to linger.

Top sights in Christchurch

Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens

Stroll expansive lawns, riverside paths, and themed gardens in this green heart of the city.

Christchurch Gondola

Ride to the rim of an ancient crater for panoramic views over the city, Canterbury Plains, and Lyttelton Harbour.

New Regent Street

Wander a colourful heritage streetscape lined with boutiques, cafés, and tram tracks in the city centre.

Riverside Market

Browse local produce, food stalls, and small shops in a lively, modern market beside the Avon River.

International Antarctic Centre

Learn about Antarctic exploration through interactive exhibits, simulated storms, and wildlife encounters near the airport.

Sumner and Taylor's Mistake

Head to the coast for sandy beaches, surf, and scenic clifftop walks just a short drive from central Christchurch.

TranzAlpine rail journey

Take a day trip on one of the world’s most scenic rail routes from Christchurch through the Southern Alps to the West Coast.

Punting on the Avon

Drift along the river in a traditional flat-bottomed boat to see the city from a peaceful, low-key perspective.

Experience Christchurch's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Central Christchurch is compact and easy to explore on foot, with the heritage tram offering a relaxed overview of key sights. For longer journeys, buses connect the suburbs, beaches, and port of Lyttelton, while rideshare and taxis work well for late-evening returns.

Local life & culture
You will notice a creative energy in small galleries, street art trails, and community spaces that host regular events. Locals make the most of the outdoors, pausing for coffee in laneway cafés and gathering in riverside precincts that blend contemporary design with relaxed, open-air seating.

Where to unwind
Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens are ideal for slow walks, picnics, or a quiet jog at sunrise or late afternoon. Nearby Port Hills offer short hikes with wide views, while the city’s coastal suburbs provide breezy promenades and sea air when you need a break from urban exploring.

A taste of Christchurch

Street food & local specialties
Food trucks, markets, and casual counters around Riverside Market and the central city serve everything from fresh seafood to modern takes on classic comfort food. You can snack your way between stalls, trying small portions and sharing plates with friends or family.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Around the city centre, you will find bistros, cafés, and relaxed eateries in laneways and converted warehouses. Many venues focus on seasonal ingredients, with menus designed for grazing so you can sample multiple dishes and explore different flavours in one sitting.

Signature & scenic dining
For something special, look for restaurants overlooking the Avon River, the city skyline, or the coastal suburbs near Sumner and Lyttelton. A window or terrace table turns dinner into an occasion, especially at sunset when the light softens over the surrounding hills.

Retail therapy in Christchurch

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern shopping centres in and around the city centre combine international brands, local retailers, and cinemas or casual dining. These spaces work as social hubs, where you can pick up essentials, browse fashion, then pause for a coffee all under one roof.

Markets & local crafts
For smaller labels and handmade pieces, explore inner-city streets, weekend markets, and riverside stalls that feature local makers. Areas around New Regent Street, the Arts Centre, and the central city laneways are good places to discover ceramics, jewellery, and creative souvenirs.

Evening retail scene
In the evening, central streets and riverside promenades are softly lit, with late-trading stores, bars, and food spots giving the area a relaxed buzz. Night-time walks between shops and eateries are straightforward, and public transport or short rides make these districts easy to reach and return from.

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 daylight hours. It is ideal for beach visits, outdoor dining, and festivals, and a popular time for starting road trips around the South Island.

Autumn and spring (March to May, and September to November, shoulder season)
These seasons bring mild days, cooler nights, and averages of 14–18°C (57–64°F). Autumn colours in the parks and spring blossoms along the river make city walks especially appealing, and conditions are comfortable for day hikes and cycling.

Winter (June to August, low season)
Winter days are crisp, often 10–12°C (50–54°F), with clear air and snow on distant peaks. It is a rewarding time if you enjoy quieter attractions, nearby ski fields, and cosy venues, with bright, clear days perfect for photography.

Frequently Asked Questions