Christchurch Neighbourhood Overview
Merivale
Merivale is a suburb located to the north of the city centre. It's the perfect neighbourhood for travellers buying Christchurch holiday packages who love historic cottages and 19th-century charm. The area is home to plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants, making it an excellent choice for coffee lovers booking Christchurch packages.
Sumner
Sumner is a seaside neighbourhood in Christchurch. It's a popular destination in the summertime for surfers and families buying Christchurch accommodation and flight packages.
Cashmere
Cashmere is one of the best neighbourhoods for travellers searching for hotel and accommodation Christchurch. There are quite a few heritage buildings to explore, including Dame Ngaio Marsh's former residence. When booking your Christchurch holiday packages, look for a hotel in Cashmere if you want to swap the downtown rush for small cafes and boutique shops.
Fendalton
Fendalton is an affluent suburb in Christchurch, and it's only a 10-minute drive from Christchurch International Airport (CHC). Travellers buying Christchurch holiday packages should stay here if they want to be close to noteworthy heritage sites.
Ilam
Ilam is home to the city's University of Canterbury. Young travellers booking Christchurch holiday packages should look for hotels in this area. There are dozens of cafes, eateries that won't break the bank and a bookstore near the university. Movie buffs staying in the area can also visit the Ilam Homestead that was used in Peter Jackson's film Heavenly Creatures.
St Albans
If you want to stay as close to the city centre, look for hotel and accommodation Christchurch that’s in St Albans. The suburb is within walking distance of the CBD, and you'll be close to the Edgeware Village shopping precinct.
Public Transport and How to Get Around
Take the bus
The best way for travellers buying Christchurch packages to get around the city is with the bus. The network runs from Christchurch International Airport (CHC) all the way around the city. Fares from the airport cost $8.50 NZD ($8.16 AUD) one way and $15 NZD ($14.40 AUD) for a return. For trips around the city zones, you can expect to pay anywhere between $4 to $5 NZD ($3.84 to $4.89 AUD) depending on how many zones you go through.
Hire a bicycle
Thanks to its relatively flat topography, the city is an excellent destination for cyclists buying Christchurch accommodation and flight packages. There are cycle lanes across the city, and you can hire a bike from City Cycle hire or The Vintage Peddler.
Rent a car
If you're buying Christchurch accommodation and flight packages to explore mainly the city centre, you don't need a car to get around. It's easy to walk, cycle or catch a bus to the top sights and attractions.
However, if you're planning a few day trips, you'll need your own set of wheels. Travellers buying Christchurch holiday packages with Webjet can add car hire at checkout. Alternatively, you can rent a vehicle from Christchurch International Airport (CHC) when you arrive.
Hail a taxi
As soon as your flights to Christchurch land, you'll find metered taxi drivers waiting outside the arrivals hall of the airport. The fare from Christchurch International Airport (CHC) to the city centre costs on average $45 to $65 NZD ($43.21 to $62.41 AUD).
If you don't want to use a metered taxi, Christchurch also has Uber and the environmentally-friendly Green Cabs.
The Best Time to Visit Christchurch
Winter
Book Christchurch accommodation and flight packages for travel over the winter months if you love skiing. From June to August, the city turns into a winter wonderland and the 13 ski areas attract travellers from around the world. Visitors in town on Christchurch holiday packages can unwind in the natural thermal pools, go whale watching and soak up the incredible natural beauty as much as possible.
Summer
The summer months (December to February) are another popular time to visit Christchurch. The temperatures are warm, and the city's 40 beaches are buzzing with end-of-year holidaymakers. If you want to visit the city over this time, book your Christchurch packages as soon as possible. Due to it being high season, the later you leave your booking, the more you may have to pay for flights and accommodation.
Autumn
Autumn is a beautiful time of year to visit Christchurch. The trees sprinkled throughout the historic neighbourhoods are brilliant with colourful leaves that add to the city's irresistible charm. The temperatures are pleasant, ranging between 17°C to 23°C and the summer crowds have left the city. March to May is a good time to find deals on Christchurch holiday packages and go wine tasting in Waipara Valley.
Spring
Christchurch shines over the spring months. Known fondly as ‘The Garden City’, the streets are in full bloom, and there are blossoming flowers around almost every corner. Temperatures are warming up, and you can still scoop up great deals on Christchurch packages if you want to avoid the summer rush.
What are the best restaurants and cafes in Christchurch?
Grain Coffee & Eatery
Grain Coffee & Eatery is located in the centre of Christchurch on Southwark Street. It's a go-to for visitors on Christchurch holiday packages who love a good cup of coffee and want to fill up on some light snacks like sandwiches and salads. For something more substantial, look to one of the wholesome grain bowls, pies or pastries, or an indulgent vegan chocolate cupcake.
Addington Coffee Co-op
Need a coffee fix while in the Garden City on Christchurch holiday packages? Seek out Addington Coffee Co-op, one of the best cafes to visit in the city. This is the coffee roaster’s flagship cafe, and it dishes up brunch until 2pm daily. Sit down to plates of roasted mushroom with chimichurri, a green Thai chicken curry bao, or fluffy pancakes drizzled with chocolate sauce and raspberry couli. The cafe is also a great stop for conscious consumer, as 70% of the profits go back into the local community and the on-site store features ethically sourced and environmentally-friendly products.
Miro
Miro is located on Oxford Terrace and is a great spot to visit for travellers with Christchurch holiday packages who also have a fondness for top-notch brunch. Here, diners will find a menu teeming with crowd-favourite dishes, including waffles with chargrilled banana and crispy bacon, a classic croque madame, slow-cooked beef cheek, and a buffalo panna cotta with raspberry granola. There are also breakfast cocktails.