Christchurch Travel Guide
Why should you hire a car in Christchurch?
Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island of New Zealand. While the city is a great travel destination in itself, most will come for the natural scenery all across the South Island. Christchurch can serve as a great base from which to make day trips to the surrounding area. However, most travelers planning to spend a week or more will find Christchurch to be the perfect starting and ending point for a road trip around the island.
Top ways to enter Christchurch
Most travelers will arrive via the Christchurch International Airport from one of the many international and domestic destinations it hosts flights from. New Zealand's major rental car providers have desks located in the International Arrivals hall. Smaller providers have locations around the city and offer airport shuttle services. The pick-up point for the shuttle services can be found outside of the Regional Lounge.
Some travelers will arrive by train at the Christchurch Railway Station. The two trains that arrive and depart from the station are the TranzAlpine from Greymouth and the Coastal Pacific from Picton, which may be useful for those arriving by ferry from Wellington. The TranzAlpine is often taken by tourists due to the scenery it transits through, including sections that are not reachable by road. The station has limited facilities. While no rental car providers are located at the station, they can be found in the nearby city center and may be able to arrange delivery of your car at the station.
Some travelers will arrive by train at the Christchurch Railway Station. The two trains that arrive and depart from the station are the TranzAlpine from Greymouth and the Coastal Pacific from Picton, which may be useful for those arriving by ferry from Wellington. The TranzAlpine is often taken by tourists due to the scenery it transits through, including sections that are not reachable by road. The station has limited facilities. While no rental car providers are located at the station, they can be found in the nearby city center and may be able to arrange delivery of your car at the station.
Top destinations and activities
- Cardboard Cathedral - The Christchurch Cathedral, the most renowned symbol of the city, was severely damaged by the earthquakes of 2011. It has since been partially demolished, though a plan is in place to rebuild it over the next decade. As a temporary replacement, the Cardboard Cathedral was built and has since become a new symbol of the endurance of the city. It is supported by 90 cardboard tubes (thus the name).
- Summit Road - The Summit Road travels along the crest of hills that separate the city and Lyttelton Harbour. The road offers great views of the city, harbour, bay, and mountains in the distance. Unfortunately, part of the road is currently closed due to fallen rocks from the 2011 earthquake. However, other parts are open and it is possible to walk or cycle on the closed section. Nearby Sumner Road is another great drive and was recently reopened.
- Festivals - Christchurch has many festivals throughout the year. The largest is the Summertimes programme that is filled with free events all summer long, including musical, art, and cultural events. Other festivals include the World Buskers Festival, the Christchurch Garden Festival, Kidsfest, and Carnival Week.
- Punting on the Avon - You might be wondering what punting is. Punts are flat-bottomed boats propelled by a person standing at the back and using a long pull to push off of the river bed. Therefore, punting means being on a boat on a river (a shallow one). In Christchurch, you can ride along the Avon River in either shared or private boats driven by a punter in traditional Edwardian attire.
- Christchurch Gondola - Gondolas, or cable cars, take travelers to the top of the Port Hills. An exhibit about the history of the region awaits riders at the summit in addition to the amazing views of the city and harbour. The Gondola is open year-round, weather permitting.
- Christchurch Art Gallery - This art gallery hosts one of the largest collections of art in New Zealand. The collections contain a wide range of genres and time periods. There are also free guided tours available twice a day. The Gallery conveniently has an underground parking garage that costs $1 per half hour.
Ideas for a day-trip
- Hanmer Springs - Taking less than two hours to drive from Christchurch, Hanmer Springs is a small spa resort built around hot springs (surprise! They are named Hanmer Springs). A perfect day trip would be to lounge in the hot pools. Some are very sulphuric with a strong smell while others a filtered. The typical outdoor activities can be found in the surrounding area, including hiking, mountain biking, and skiing in winter.
- Akaroa - South of Christchurch, and surprisingly further than it would seem on a map due to the winding mountain road leading to it, Akaroa is a small town on the Banks Peninsula. It has the distinction of being the only town founded by the French. Make the trip further down to Flea Bay for the Pohatu Marine Reserve. Swimming with dolphins is also popular in the area surrounding Akaroa.
- Waipara - With a name that translates to Muddy Water, Waipara is a small town 60 kilometers north of Christchurch. The town and its surrounding area are known for their wine production. Having the highest summer temperatures and the least amount of rainfall of all the wine-growing regions in the country, Waipara is considered to produce the finest Pinot Noir and Riesling grapes. Along with the vineyards and their associated tasting room, the town also has an impressive food scene.
- Weka Pass Railway - Transiting over the former Waiau Branch Railway between Waikari and Waipara, the Weka Pass Railway is not to be missed if you're a railway fan. Owned by its members and operated by volunteers, the railway is a great throwback to the days when rail travel was more prevalent. Of particular note is the railway's steam locomotive. Be sure to book your tickets online in advance to be sure you are able to get a seat.
- Kaikoura - Meaning "eat crayfish" in the Maori language, Kaikoura is unsurprisingly renowned for its seafood. Just 181km (112 miles) north of Christchurch, the city has the aura of a touristy beach town. In addition to watching the whales as they migrated depending on the season, visitors can also see dolphins, seals, and albatrosses. The city is surrounded by mountains, some going straight into the sea, making for enjoyable scenery for visitors.
- Otago Central Rail Trail - Queenstown is on the west side of the Otago Region. Not far away is the Otago Central Rail Trail, a former railroad turned bicycle bath and the original Great Ride. The 153km trail follows the former route of the Otago Central Railway. The ends of the trail are located in Ranfurly and Clyde. The trail also passes through other small towns, where dining and accommodation are available. It's possible to complete a section of the train or arrange for return transportation to pick up your car where you started.
- Glenorchy - This tiny town located at the north end of Lake Wakatipu might not seem like a great destination in and of itself, but the road there is the reason it makes this list. The drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy is one of the most scenic roads in New Zealand, and therefore the world. The road travels along the eastern side of the lake with views of the mountains on the west side. The drive can take anywhere from 25 minutes to a couple of hours or more depending on how many times one stops to take in the scenery, picnic, or walk in the bush. The road conditions should generally be favorable in winter with no chains needed, though checking ahead of time is never a bad idea.
- Wine Tour - Queenstown and the neighboring Central Otago region probably form the southernmost area of wine production in the world. Some 200 wineries can be found less than an hour's drive from Queenstown. Driving east on Highway 6, one can find many vineyards around Gibbston and further in and around Cromwell. The region is known for its Pinot Noir, but various white varieties of grapes are also grown. Many wineries have tasting rooms and some have restaurants serving gourmet food paired with their wine. Driving around for the day and visiting various cellars just could be the highlight of your trip; just make sure someone serves as the designated driver.
- Mount Aspiring National Park - Just north of Fiordland, Mount Aspiring National Park can not be missed by outdoor enthusiasts, especially mountaineers. The park sits on the southern end of the Southern Alps and has an extensive remote wilderness. It also has high mountains, the highest among them being Mount Aspiring at over 3,000 meters. Visitors might also recognize a portion of the park from the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy as Dan's Paddock was the filming location for Isengard. The Rees-Dart Track brings walkers through that area. Lake Wanaka nearby is also worth adding to your route.
Further destinations
For more about traveling around New Zealand with a rental car, check out our complete guide.
- Wellington - It takes around 5 hours to drive from Christchurch to Picton, where a ferry can be taken to the country's capital, though only the time-constrained should even think of making the drive straight and miss the many sites and experience in between. With a picturesque harbor, history, fine dining, and a craft beer tradition, Wellington is not to be missed when traveling to New Zealand. The city also serves as the departing point of ferries to the South Island of the country with its incredible nature and mountains.
- Fiordland - Located on the southwestern corner of the island, Fiordland is a large area full of, you guessed it, fjords. Most of the area is encompassed by the Fiordland National Park, the largest in New Zealand. The most accessible part of the park is the section between Te Anau and Milford Sound, the latter of which is a great place to enjoy on a boat tour or cruise.
- Mount Aspiring National Park - Just north of Fiordland, Mount Aspiring National Park can not be missed by outdoor enthusiasts, especially mountaineers. The park sits on the southern end of the Southern Alps and has an extensive remote wilderness. It also has high mountains, the highest among them being Mount Aspiring at over 3,000 meters. Visitors might also recognize a portion of the park from the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy as Dan's Paddock was the filming location for Isengard. The Rees-Dart Track brings walkers through that area. Lake Wanaka nearby is also worth adding to your route.
- Mount Cook National Park - Home to the highest mountain in New Zealand, Mt Cook, this national park mostly consists of high alpine terrain. A town of the same name sits just outside of the park and serves as a center for tourist activities and a base camp for climbers. While no permits are needed to climb Mt. Cook, fees are required to overnight in the huts. Do not let the mountain's height fool you, the routes to the summit are very technical, requiring both rock climbing and glacial climbing experience. If you do not have the proper skills, guides and lessons are available along with mountains that provide an easier introduction.
- Glacier Country - Centered around Westland National Park, State Highway 6 brings travelers through the heart of the area. Of the many glaciers, the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers are the most famous. The Franz Josef Glacier is perhaps the most accessible glacier in the world and thus sees a large of amount of tourists every year. The Fox Glacier is not as impressive but also less crowded. Guided tours are available, but it is also permitted to walk to the glaciers on your own. Ice axes and crampons are required to actually walk on the glaciers.
- Kahurangi National Park - New Zealand's second-largest national park, Kahurangi is located in the Northwest corner of the South Island. Parts of the park are wilderness while other parts have a network of trails on which hikers visit high plateaus, scenic rivers, and coastal forests. The park is the most tropical park in the country.
- Stewart Island - The southernmost island of New Zealand, Stewart Island is a nature lovers paradise. The island, while much smaller than the North and South Islands, has 700km of coastline. Ferries to the island depart from Bluff, near Invercargill. Since there are very few roads on the island anyway, one shouldn't worry whether cars are allowed on the ferry or not. Outside of the town of Oban, where most of the small population live, the best way to get around is by walking on one of the numerous paths, particularly in Rakiura National Park that makes up 80% of the island.
Traffic and parking tips
As with any large city, traffic congestion is a problem in Christchurch, particularly given the spread-out nature of the city
It is prohibited in most cases to travel on unsealed roads, offroad, and above the snow line.
The city center has multiple parking zones. Parking in metered spots is unlimited when it comes to time, though it is more expensive for longer stays. Parking can be paid for either by a text-to-park system or with the car's license plate number at a machine. The parking meter machines accept coins and credit cards. The city center also has various car parks, some managed by the city. Some hotels in the Central Business District may charge for parking, others, particularly outside of the center do not.
The New Zealand Transport Agency has a map with current traffic conditions and road closures.
It is prohibited in most cases to travel on unsealed roads, offroad, and above the snow line.
The city center has multiple parking zones. Parking in metered spots is unlimited when it comes to time, though it is more expensive for longer stays. Parking can be paid for either by a text-to-park system or with the car's license plate number at a machine. The parking meter machines accept coins and credit cards. The city center also has various car parks, some managed by the city. Some hotels in the Central Business District may charge for parking, others, particularly outside of the center do not.
The New Zealand Transport Agency has a map with current traffic conditions and road closures.