Flights from Zurich (ZRH) to Christchurch (CHC)

About Christchurch

Discover Christchurch

Why visit Christchurch?
Christchurch is a relaxed South Island city where leafy parks, riverside paths, and creative new spaces sit alongside heritage streets and mountain backdrops. You can enjoy an easy-going urban break and still feel close to nature at every turn.

What to expect
You will find a compact city centre built around the Avon River, with modern architecture, street art, and spacious gardens. Neighbourhoods such as Riccarton, Sumner, and Lyttelton each offer their own character, from café-lined streets to coastal views and a working harbour.

Plan your trip
Christchurch is a natural base for exploring the wider Canterbury region, from the vineyards and plains to alpine villages and lakes. With strong road and rail links, it is also a gateway to iconic South Island destinations, making it a convenient starting point for longer journeys.

Top sights in Christchurch

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Stroll through themed gardens and mature trees in this peaceful green space by the Avon River, close to the city centre.

Avon River and punting

See the city from the water on a gentle punt ride along the Avon, passing parks, bridges, and central landmarks.

Christchurch Gondola

Ride up the Port Hills for wide views over the city, Canterbury Plains, and Lyttelton Harbour, with walking tracks at the summit.

New Regent Street

Explore a colourful heritage streetscape filled with cafés, boutiques, and the passing tram, ideal for a relaxed afternoon.

Canterbury Museum and surrounds

Learn about the region’s natural and human history, then wander the surrounding arts precinct and nearby Hagley Park.

Sumner Beach

Head to this nearby seaside suburb for a sandy beach, coastal walks, and a village atmosphere with eateries and ice-cream shops.

Lyttelton

Visit the historic port town over the hills for harbour views, local galleries, and a lively weekend market atmosphere.

International Antarctic Centre

Experience interactive displays and simulations that highlight Christchurch’s long-standing role as a gateway to Antarctica.

Experience Christchurch’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Christchurch is easy to navigate on foot within the central city, with tram services adding a scenic way to move between key sights. Buses connect most suburbs, while bicycles and scooters are popular for shorter trips along riverside paths and through parks.

Local life & culture
Life in Christchurch moves at a calm pace, with locals making the most of parks, rivers, and nearby hills after work and at weekends. Creative spaces, galleries, and street art reflect a strong arts scene, and regular events bring live music, markets, and performances into public spaces.

Where to unwind
Hagley Park and the adjacent Botanic Gardens provide wide lawns, shady trees, and riverside walks for a quiet break at almost any time of day. Nearby beaches and the Port Hills offer fresh air and panoramic views, especially rewarding at sunrise or sunset when the light softens over the plains.

A taste of Christchurch

Street food & local specialties
You can try fresh local produce, baked goods, and global flavours at city markets and casual eateries across Christchurch. Areas close to the central city and the port suburbs often showcase seasonal ingredients from the surrounding Canterbury region.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Riverside and inner-city precincts bring together relaxed cafés, bistros, and food halls where you can mix and match different cuisines. Menus typically offer small plates and sharing options, making it easy to sample a variety of dishes with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, choose venues overlooking the Avon River, rooftop spaces in the city centre, or restaurants with views towards the Port Hills. You will also find character spots around the harbour and beach suburbs, where the scenery adds a special backdrop to your dining experience.

Retail therapy in Christchurch

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central city shopping centres bring together international brands, local designers, and homeware stores in bright, modern spaces. These hubs often include cafés and casual dining, so you can combine browsing with a relaxed break during the day.

Markets & local crafts
For smaller-scale finds, explore neighbourhood streets and markets around the city centre, Lyttelton, and seaside suburbs. Here you can discover handmade crafts, art, and design-focused pieces that reflect Canterbury’s creative community.

Evening retail scene
After dark, selected areas of the central city stay lively with illuminated shopfronts, bars, and eateries. Occasional evening markets and late-night openings create a relaxed atmosphere, and public transport and taxi services make it straightforward to reach and return from these areas.

Best time to visit Christchurch

Summer (December to February, peak season)
Christchurch summers are warm and generally dry, with average temperatures around 22°C (72°F). Long daylight hours are ideal for visiting beaches, parks, and nearby alpine areas, and the city hosts many outdoor events and festivals.

Autumn and spring (March to May, and September to November, shoulder season)
These seasons bring mild days, cool nights, and changing colours in parks and gardens, with averages of 15–18°C (59–64°F). It is a pleasant time for walking and cycling, and you can often enjoy popular sights with fewer crowds while still having good daylight.

Winter (June to August, low season)
Winter days are cool, with typical temperatures around 11°C (52°F), crisp mornings, and clear skies. The city stays easy to explore, and you are well placed to reach nearby alpine villages and ski areas, making it an attractive base for snow and mountain activities.

Frequently Asked Questions