Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand · CC0
Christchurch
New Zealand · CHC
Rebuilt garden city, with the Southern Alps behind.
About
Christchurch, also known by its Māori name Ōtautahi, is the largest city in the South Island and the second-largest city by urban area population in New Zealand. Christchurch has an urban population of 407,800, and a metropolitan population of 556,500. It is located in the Canterbury Region, near the centre of the east coast of the South Island, east of the Canterbury Plains. It is located near the southern end of Pegasus Bay, and is bounded to the east by the Pacific Ocean and to the south by the ancient volcanic complex of the Banks Peninsula. The Avon River / Ōtākaro winds through the centre of the city, with a large urban park along its banks. With the exception of the Port Hills, it is a relatively flat city, on an average about 20 m (66 ft) above sea level. Christchurch has a reputation for being an English city, with its architectural identity and nickname the 'Garden City' due to similarities with garden cities in England, but also has a historic Māori heritage. Christchurch has a temperate oceanic climate with moderate rainfall.
Known for
- hiking · excellent
- nature · excellent
- family friendly · good
- sightseeing · good
- skiing · good
Ratings reviewed by a person, not generated.
Weather through the year
- Jan71°F9d wet
- Feb72°F7d wet
- Mar68°F8d wet
- Apr63°F8d wet
- May58°F8d wet
- Jun53°F11d wet
- Jul52°F10d wet
- Aug54°F8d wet
- Sep58°F9d wet
- Oct62°F12d wet
- Nov66°F10d wet
- Dec70°F11d wet
Monthly averages from long-run climate normals. Bars compare months here, not places.
Things to do
Private Full-Day Godley Head Guided Coastal Hike with PicnicFrom $356 · 5.0/5Book with Viator →
Small Group Southern Loop 7 Days TourFrom $1,402 · 5.0/5Book with Viator →
Christchurch to Franz Josef One Way Day Tour with TranzAlpineFrom $330 · 5.0/5Book with Viator →
Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo Day Trip from ChristchurchFrom $195 · 5.0/5Book with Viator →
11 Day Deep South Tour (Christchurch to Christchurch)From $2,738 · 5.0/5Book with Viator →
Wine trail and Christchurch City - Luxury, Small Group TourFrom $365 · 5.0/5Book with Viator →
Tours from Viator. Prices and availability are theirs; we may earn a commission when you book.
Plan the trip
Fly into Christchurch International Airport (CHC), about 5.9 mi away.
Nearby destinations
The closest places to Christchurch we have written up.