Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Christchurch?
Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Christchurch?
Not sure how much time you'll need in Christchurch, New Zealand? Most people spend two to four days in Christchurch during their visit. After all, the outdoorsy city will let you swim at the beach, tour the famous sights and museums, discover the nearby hiking trails, and taste delicious cuisine.
Christchurch is the largest city on New Zealand's South Island. It's a nice city with amazing hikes and biking trails. There are beautiful outdoor spaces, parks, and gardens. Many visitors enjoy the city's rich English heritage, and punting along the Avon River is a favorite activity.
Do you have one or two weeks to visit Christchurch? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one week enough time in Christchurch?
One week is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Christchurch, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. The beaches, the museums and landmarks, the hiking, and the cuisine on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Christchurch as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding areas.
How to spend a week in Christchurch
The beautiful beaches await you in Christchurch, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. There are sandy beaches in the area with water sports and various amenities. The summer months are the most popular time for hanging out at the beach, and you'll find local families playing in the sun or enjoying a picnic.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch ($199)
- Lyttelton Cruise Excursions: Christchurch Sightseeing with Sheep Farm ($122)
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Cruise Port to Christchurch City ($30)
The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. There's a mix of cozy cafes and casual eateries around town. You'll also find some fine dining restaurants as well as international flavors.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Waipara Wine Experience for 2 or more, inc tastings and lunch ($122)
- All-Inclusive Waipara Region Wine Tour from Christchurch ($107)
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion - Waipara Wine Tour With Lunch ($110)
Christchurch is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. The city center is relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.
A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Christchurch, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. The city is filled with street art and local galleries. There's also Canterbury Museum, the International Antarctic Centre, the Arts Centre, and the Riccarton House & Bush.
A few tour suggestions include:
- TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip ($242)
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The city has its share of dance clubs, live music venues, and laid back bars. You'll find a number of popular hangout spots around Oxford Terrace or on the historic New Regent Street.
The public transit in Christchurch is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. While it's not a diverse transit system, the buses are well connected and offer the cheapest way to get around town.
Known for it's hiking, Christchurch sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. There are many beautiful hikes in the area that take you along the coastline or past local historic sights. The landscape is diverse and you'll find many amazing parks in the area. Hooker Valley Track is one of the best hiking routes nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sights with Willowbank Wildlife Reserve ($98)
Christchurch is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. With its many beautiful parks, gardens, and outdoor spaces, this is a very scenic city.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion - Guided Walking Tour and Picnic ($184)
- Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch ($199)
Shopping in Christchurch is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. There's a mix of boutique shops, outlet malls, and open air markets. Some of the best shopping places include the Tannery and the Colombo.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Perhaps the most famous spot in Christchurch is the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, so make sure you set aside some time to check it out. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Christchurch.
After you've explored most of Christchurch, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip ($242)
- Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch ($199)
- Kaikoura Day Trip From Christchurch (Small Group & Carbon Neutral) ($122)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Christchurch.
Is 2 weeks enough time in Christchurch?
Two weeks is more than enough time to see everything that Christchurch has to offer. After all, it's not such a huge city. Many visitors prefer to spend two to four days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the beaches, the museums and landmarks, the hiking, and the cuisine at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.
Christchurch, New Zealand
How to spend 2 weeks in Christchurch
With 2 weeks in Christchurch, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the city has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time relaxing on the beach and hiking. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this city looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.
A few trip suggestions:
- TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip ($242)
- Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch ($199)
- Kaikoura Day Trip From Christchurch (Small Group & Carbon Neutral) ($122)
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Christchurch, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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