Flights from Mumbai (BOM) to Christchurch (CHC)

About Christchurch

Discover Christchurch

Why visit Christchurch?
Christchurch is a relaxed South Island city where leafy streets, riverside parks, and a creative urban core sit close to alpine landscapes and dramatic coastlines. You can combine city cafés with day trips to vineyards, mountains, and bays.

What to expect
You will find a compact centre with innovative architecture, riverside walks along the Avon River, and spacious Botanic Gardens. Neighbourhoods such as New Regent Street and the revitalised city centre blend historic façades with contemporary street art and outdoor dining.

Plan your trip
Christchurch is a key gateway to New Zealand's South Island, with easy access to alpine hubs like Arthur's Pass and lakeside regions such as Tekapo. It works well as both an arrival point for wider road trips and a calm base for exploring nearby nature and coastal towns.

Top sights in Christchurch

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Stroll among themed gardens, mature trees, and riverside lawns in this peaceful green heart of the city.

Avon River Punt Ride

Glide along the Avon River on a guided punt to see central Christchurch from a gentle, scenic perspective.

Christchurch Gondola

Ride the gondola to panoramic views over the city, the Canterbury Plains, and the surrounding hills and coastline.

New Regent Street

Wander this colourful heritage street lined with cafés and boutiques, known for its distinctive pastel façades.

Canterbury Museum and surrounding precinct

Explore regional history and culture before relaxing in the adjacent Hagley Park and nearby gardens.

Sumner and Taylor's Mistake beaches

Head to the coast for seaside walks, surf, and relaxed cafés within an easy drive of the city centre.

Akaroa day trip

Take a scenic drive to this harbour town on Banks Peninsula, known for its coastal walks and wildlife cruises.

Experience Christchurch's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Central Christchurch is easy to explore on foot, with many sights clustered around the river and Hagley Park. For longer journeys, use local buses or taxis, or hire a car if you plan day trips into the countryside. Bicycles and e-scooters offer a relaxed last-mile option.

Local life & culture
Daily life here feels unhurried, with people gathering in riverside parks, local cafés, and weekend markets. You will notice a mix of heritage buildings and modern design, as well as a strong outdoor culture centred on walking, cycling, and nearby hills and beaches.

Where to unwind
Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens provide wide-open lawns, shady paths, and quiet corners to read or picnic. Nearby Port Hills walking tracks offer rewarding views in the soft light of early morning or late afternoon, when the city and coastline are especially photogenic.

A taste of Christchurch

Street food & local specialties
You can sample local flavours at casual eateries, food trucks, and markets that showcase seasonal produce from the Canterbury region. Inner-city laneways and riverside precincts often feature compact venues where you can try shared plates and comfort dishes in a relaxed setting.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Areas around the city centre, including new laneway developments and retail precincts, bring together cafés, bakeries, and relaxed restaurants. Menus often draw on international influences, and portion sizes make it easy to order a few dishes to share with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, choose restaurants overlooking the river, rooftop venues with city views, or hillside spots that look back over Christchurch and the plains. These settings pair carefully prepared menus with memorable outlooks, ideal for marking an occasion or the end of a South Island journey.

Retail therapy in Christchurch

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central Christchurch offers modern shopping centres that combine international brands, local designers, and indoor dining. These hubs often include cinemas and open plazas, making them convenient places to meet friends and spend a relaxed afternoon.

Markets & local crafts
Weekend markets and smaller inner-city streets are good for discovering local crafts, artwork, and boutique clothing labels. Precincts near the river and in heritage streets such as New Regent Street provide characterful settings for browsing independent shops and galleries.

Evening retail scene
In the evening, central streets and mall precincts are softly lit, with many shops, bars, and eateries staying open for after-work and weekend crowds. Night-time strolls between riverside areas and nearby shopping streets are straightforward, with public transport and taxis making these spots easy to reach.

Best time to visit Christchurch

Summer season (December to February, peak season)
Christchurch summers are warm and bright, with average temperatures around 20–25°C (68–77°F). Long days suit picnics in the parks, coastal trips, and outdoor events, and the city feels lively with both local holidaymakers and international visitors enjoying the sunshine.

Autumn and spring (March to May, and September to November, shoulder season)
These months bring mild days, cool nights, and changing colours in the parks, with averages of 12–18°C (54–64°F). You can expect comfortable sightseeing conditions, blossoming trees in spring, and golden foliage in autumn, along with a generally relaxed travel atmosphere.

Winter season (June to August, low season)
Winter is cool with crisp air, average temperatures of 6–12°C (43–54°F), and clear days that highlight the surrounding snow-capped hills and mountains. It is a rewarding time if you enjoy quieter streets, cosy cafés, and access to nearby alpine areas for snow-focused activities.

Frequently Asked Questions