Flights from Johannesburg (JNB) to Christchurch (CHC)

About Christchurch

Discover Christchurch

Why visit Christchurch?
Christchurch is a welcoming gateway to New Zealand's South Island, where English-style gardens meet inventive architecture and lively street art. You will find a relaxed atmosphere, open spaces, and easy access to dramatic mountains, coastlines, and vineyards.

What to expect
The city centre is compact and walkable, with the Avon River weaving past cafés, green parks, and cultural institutions. Rebuilt districts sit alongside heritage buildings, creating a mix of contemporary design and traditional charm that you can explore at an unhurried pace.

Plan your trip
Christchurch is an ideal base for discovering the wider Canterbury region, from alpine resorts and lakes to coastal peninsulas and wine country. Many day trips and multi-day routes start here, so you can combine urban comforts with outdoor adventures in a single itinerary.

Top sights in Christchurch

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Stroll through themed gardens and riverside lawns showcasing plants from New Zealand and around the world in a peaceful central-city setting.

Avon River punting

Glide along the Avon River on a traditional flat-bottomed boat for a gentle way to see parks, bridges, and city life from the water.

Canterbury Museum and the surrounding precinct

Explore local history, natural exhibits, and nearby cultural spaces set among leafy avenues and heritage-style buildings.

Port Hills

Head up to the Port Hills for walking tracks, cycling routes, and wide views over Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains, and Lyttelton Harbour.

Christchurch Tram

Ride the vintage city tram to easily reach key sights while enjoying commentary on Christchurch's changing streetscape.

New Regent Street

Visit this pastel-coloured pedestrian street lined with boutiques and cafés, ideal for a relaxed coffee break or evening drink.

International Antarctic Centre

Experience interactive displays and themed environments that bring Antarctic exploration and wildlife close to the city.

Banks Peninsula and Akaroa

Take a day trip to this scenic peninsula for coastal walks, harbour cruises, and a distinctive village atmosphere.

Experience Christchurch's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Central Christchurch is easy to explore on foot, with most sights clustered within a short walk of each other. For longer trips, buses connect key suburbs, beaches, and hubs, while rideshare services work well for last-leg journeys at the start or end of the day.

Local life & culture
You will notice a calm pace of life, with locals making the most of parks, riverside paths, and open-air seating. Creative projects, galleries, and public art play a big part in the cityscape, and regular events keep the cultural calendar busy throughout the year.

Where to unwind
Green spaces like Hagley Park offer wide lawns, tree-lined paths, and riverside corners for picnics or gentle exercise. Beach suburbs provide sea air and long stretches of sand, while nearby hills and reserves give you quiet viewpoints, best enjoyed around sunrise or sunset.

A taste of Christchurch

Street food & local specialties
Around the city centre you will find food trucks, small cafés, and casual eateries serving local produce, fresh seafood, and baked treats. Weekend markets often bring together regional flavours, making it easy to sample a range of dishes in one visit.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Rejuvenated precincts and riverside areas feature relaxed restaurants and bars with menus that blend New Zealand ingredients with global influences. Shared plates and smaller portions are common, so you can try several different flavours over the course of an evening.

Signature & scenic dining
For something memorable, choose venues overlooking the river, city rooftops, or the hills beyond the urban centre. Winery restaurants and country lodges within easy driving distance add a scenic backdrop to seasonal tasting menus and thoughtfully paired drinks.

Retail therapy in Christchurch

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern shopping centres in and around the city centre offer international brands, local labels, and convenient services under one roof. Many combine dining, cinemas, and open plazas, turning a shopping trip into a relaxed social outing.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller markets and boutique-lined streets are ideal for finding New Zealand-made homewares, art, and clothing. Districts near the city core, waterfront areas, and village-style suburbs often showcase independent designers and artisans in compact, walkable clusters.

Evening retail scene
After dark, selected city streets, laneways, and dining precincts stay lively with illuminated shopfronts and late-opening venues. Night-time strolls can easily combine browsing, dessert, and a drink, with public transport and rideshare options helping you return to your accommodation comfortably.

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) during the day. Long daylight hours make it ideal for beach visits, outdoor dining, and day trips into the hills or along the coast.

Autumn and spring (March to May, and September to November, shoulder season)
Autumn brings crisp mornings, colourful foliage, and daytime averages near 16°C (61°F), while spring offers fresh blooms, cool breezes, and similar temperatures. These seasons suit travellers who enjoy mild weather, quieter trails, and changing landscapes.

Winter (June to August, low season)
Winter days are cool, often around 11°C (52°F), with clear, bright spells that bring sharp views of snow-dusted hills and mountains. It is a comfortable base for accessing ski fields and alpine villages while returning to a relaxed, uncrowded city in the evening.

Frequently Asked Questions