Flights from Brussels (BRU) to Christchurch (CHC)

About Christchurch

Discover Christchurch

Why visit Christchurch?
Christchurch blends English-influenced heritage with relaxed, outdoor living, set between the Pacific Ocean and the Southern Alps. You will find leafy parks, an innovative city centre, and a creative spirit that has reshaped the urban landscape.

What to expect
The compact city is easy to explore on foot, with the Avon River winding past gardens, galleries, and riverside cafés. Reimagined precincts house boutiques and eateries, while nearby hills, beaches, and wineries make it simple to step into nature in a single day.

Plan your trip
Christchurch is a popular starting point for South Island road trips, alpine adventures, and coastal journeys. With its international connections and convenient local transport, it is an ideal gateway for exploring destinations such as Akaroa, Kaikōura, and the wider Canterbury region.

Top sights in Christchurch

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Stroll among themed gardens, towering trees, and seasonal blooms in this tranquil green heart of the city beside the Avon River.

Christchurch Gondola

Ride to the summit of Mount Cavendish for sweeping views over the city, the Canterbury Plains, Lyttelton Harbour, and distant mountains.

Riverside Market

Explore a lively collection of food stalls, eateries, and local producers in a modern market space overlooking the Avon River.

New Regent Street

Wander this charming pedestrian street lined with pastel-coloured heritage buildings, boutique shops, and inviting cafés.

Hagley Park

Enjoy walking, cycling, or a quiet picnic in this expansive inner-city park, which feels like a countryside escape in the centre of town.

International Antarctic Centre

Learn about Antarctic exploration through interactive exhibits, simulated storms, and displays on wildlife and research life on the ice.

Sumner and Taylors Mistake

Head to the coast for a relaxed beachside atmosphere, coastal walks, and views along the rugged shoreline just a short drive from the city.

Quake City Exhibition

Gain insight into the region's earthquakes and the city’s renewal through engaging exhibits, stories, and multimedia displays.

Experience Christchurch's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Christchurch is simple to navigate, with local buses linking the city centre to surrounding suburbs, beaches, and the airport. The compact core is walkable, and hiring a bicycle offers a relaxed way to follow river paths and parks, with taxis and rideshares useful for late-evening returns.

Local life & culture
You will notice a creative, forward-looking atmosphere, expressed in street art, modern architecture, and community spaces. Galleries, museums, and performance venues host a steady calendar of events, while neighbourhood cafés and small bars give you a chance to experience the city at an unhurried pace.

Where to unwind
Green spaces such as Hagley Park and the riverside trails invite slow walks, jogging, or quiet moments under mature trees. Nearby Port Hills offer gentle hikes and lookouts, especially rewarding at sunset, while the beaches along the coast provide fresh air and open horizons within easy reach.

A taste of Christchurch

Street food & local specialties
In Christchurch you can sample classic New Zealand flavours, from fresh seafood to artisan pies and bakery treats. Food trucks and casual stalls often gather around markets and events, giving you a relaxed way to try a range of local favourites in one place.

Casual & modern dining hubs
The central city has many informal eateries clustered along the river and in revitalised precincts, where you will find everything from café brunches to international cuisines. Many menus are designed for sharing, so you can order several small plates and taste more during each meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, look for venues with views of the river, city skyline, or surrounding hills. Some restaurants highlight seasonal local produce in refined yet approachable menus, creating a memorable setting to enjoy Canterbury ingredients with thoughtfully paired drinks.

Retail therapy in Christchurch

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central Christchurch offers modern shopping centres where international labels sit alongside New Zealand designers. These hubs often combine retail with dining and entertainment, so you can browse, pause for coffee, then continue exploring under one roof.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller markets and boutique-lined streets are ideal for finding locally made goods, from homewares to clothing and art. Precincts around the city centre, as well as neighbourhood high streets, showcase independent stores where you can discover thoughtful souvenirs and everyday essentials.

Evening retail scene
In the evenings, selected shopping streets and riverfront areas stay active with illuminated shopfronts and nearby bars and eateries. Occasional night markets and late-opening events add a festive feel, and reliable public transport or short taxi rides make these areas straightforward to reach after dark.

Best time to visit Christchurch

Summer (December to February) – peak season
Christchurch summers are warm and bright, with average temperatures around 20–25°C (68–77°F). Long days and pleasant evenings are ideal for beach trips, outdoor dining, and exploring nearby hills and coastlines, with a lively calendar of festivals and events in the city.

Autumn and spring (March to May, September to November) – shoulder season
In autumn and spring you can expect mild days and cooler nights, typically 12–20°C (54–68°F). Autumn brings colourful foliage in parks and gardens, while spring delivers blossoms and fresh growth, making these seasons relaxed times to explore the city and surrounding countryside.

Winter (June to August) – low season
Winters are cool, with average temperatures around 8–12°C (46–54°F) and crisp, clear days. It is a comfortable time to enjoy museums, cafés, and riverside walks with fewer crowds, and a convenient base for day trips or longer journeys towards South Island ski fields and alpine scenery.

Frequently Asked Questions