Cosmopolitan charm and delicious crayfish
Climb rugged mountains that tumble down into the ocean. Encounter abundant marine wildlife and feast on delicacies, including delicious crayfish. Christchurch holidays provide some of New Zealand's most exciting experiences.
Christchurch is the South Island's largest settlement. Known as the Garden City, it was established in 1850 by English settlers and this heritage comes through in the architecture. It’s a vibrant, cosmopolitan place with exciting festivals, theatre, modern art galleries, great shopping and award-winning attractions.
Some of its famous Gothic revival stone buildings were damaged in the Christchurch earthquake of 2011. But the city remains a worthwhile destination and a great base for experiencing the diversity of the Canterbury region and the South Island beyond.
At Kaikoura, rugged mountains drop to the ocean. Here you can encounter marine wildlife from albatrosses to seals and whales and feast on tasty local seafood. The crayfish are particularly good.
Our top local guides will reveal the best the city has to offer during your holiday in Christchurch. But they’ll also guide you to some of the lesser known gems in the surrounding area, like the quaint village of Akaroa, New Zealand's one and only French settlement. It sits on the edge of Akaroa Harbour in a beautiful landscape of rugged hills and sparkling water.