Christchurch Car Hire

Climate in Christchurch

The weather in Christchurch is mostly pleasant throughout the year. While planning your trip, it is important to note that Christchurch lies in the Southern Hemisphere and the seasons here are reversed. For example, winter in Christchurch coincides with summer in London and vice versa. Here, summers are the warmest and busiest times of the year. However, the best time to visit Christchurch is in spring during the months of September to November when the whole city decks up in a multitude of colourful and vibrant blossoms. With winter gone, temperatures rise again and generally hover between 15°C to 17°C. This makes it the perfect time to go out and explore the wilderness.

Culture

The traditional owners of the land on which Christchurch is located are the Kāi Tahu iwi, one of the principal Maori tribes on the island. About 600 years after they cultivated a prosperous civilization along the Ōtakaro River, the Europeans first arrived in New Zealand and made Christchurch the oldest city to be established in New Zealand.

Today, Christchurch features classically English elements like Gothic Revival architecture while also protecting and celebrating Maori culture. It is home to the University of Canterbury, one of the finest academic institutions in the country, and acts as a gateway for the exploration of Antarctica.

Things to Do in Christchurch

Admire the city’s Botanic Gardens

The 150-year old Christchurch Botanic Gardens are a must-visit if it’s your first time in the city. Spread across 30 hectares, the floral and arboreal splendour of the gardens are sure to impress no matter what time of the year you visit but spring is when the rhododendrons, azaleas and daffodils are in lively bloom. The ten-odd gardens each vie for your attention, from rare and exotic species from across the world to a particularly impressive rose garden flaunting 250+ varieties. In addition to its huge collection of plants and native blooms, the botanical gardens also offer excellent bird watching opportunities. There is also a lovely café and a gift shop inside the premises.

See contemporary artworks

The superb Christchurch Art Gallery features contemporary futuristic creations like interactive sculptures and light installations. Highlights also include paintings capturing New Zealand’s bold landscapes by painters like Rita Angus and Colin McCahon. Do not miss the large sculpture in the forecourt, a collaboration work between sculptor Graham Bennett and architect David Cole called ‘Reason for Voyaging.’ Daily free guided tours take place at 11am and 2 pm, each lasting 1 hour.

Go to the summit of Mount Cavendish

Take a picturesque soar on the Christchurch Gondola – which, in fact, is not a gondola but a mountain cable car – to reach the 500-metre high summit of Mount Cavendish. Your apprehension of being suspended mid-air will be soothed by incredible views of the city, Lyttelton Harbour, Banks Peninsula, and the magnificent Southern Alps. Once atop the mountain, after learning about the history of the area via the Time Tunnel ride, grab a snack at the Red Rock Café or unbury a curio at Shop at the Top. You can also reach the summit by hiking an incredibly scenic route up to the top.

Take a boat trip along the Avon River

One of the most iconic things to do in the Christchurch region is punting on the beautiful Avon River. Step aboard a classic punt boat – a flat bottomed boat pushed along the river by a pole accompanied by a qualified punting pilot in Edwardian themed costumes – and glide across the water for a leisurely cruise as you pass by local landmarks. Upon request, your punter may offer a detailed commentary of the surroundings while you meander under ornate bridges, canopies of drooping willow trees, or catch a glimpse of riverbank wildlife.

Eating Out in Christchurch

New Zealand’s cuisine is a blessed fusion of Maori, British, American and Asian cultures, among others. Some of the must-try items while you’re in Auckland include: Hāngi, Whitebait Fritters, Crayfish, Meat Pie, Fish and Chips, Lolly Cake, Pavlova, Rewana Bread, and Hokey Pokey Ice cream. From cheap and cheerful to well-established fine dining restaurants, Christchurch offers some kind of culinary delight to everyone. Here are some of our top picks.

The perfect restaurant for a special date, Inati has degustation items like bresaola, pumpkin seed crumble and smooth-flavoured duck trumpets which will make you drool. If you want the best Thai food, look no further than Thai Box for authentic renditions of classics like tom yum soup, massaman curry or pad thai. New on the block, the trendy Italian restaurant Earl is making waves with its share menu and bistro classics menu which include options like the butcher’s steak with smoked potato. Afterwards, satiate your sweet cravings with chocolate cremeux with salted caramel or panna cotta. Tomi is a Japanese restaurant that is well known for its sashimi, sushi and teriyaki, but their sake tasting menu is a cut above the rest. Twenty Seven Steps is a heritage restaurant with great appetisers on the menu like blue cheese with asparagus, white radicchio with summer leaves and walnut oil. Savour their parsnip rosti or tai tapu venison tenderloin for the mains.

Christchurch Transport

Airport

The largest and busiest airport in Christchurch is Christchurch International Airport (CHC).

Getting around

The Bus Interchange is the transport hub of Christchurch. You can get to most places through their extensive metro network. Cycling is also quite popular in Christchurch and there are several cycle lanes spread across the city.

Most visitors travelling through New Zealand typically hire a car as it offers comfort, flexibility, and convenience. New Zealand not only has a great network of well-laid roads but the landscapes on the way are incredibly scenic as well. If you’re travelling in a large group, consider hiring a minivan. You can also do a one-way hire, which means that you can pick up your vehicle in one city – say Auckland – and drop it off in another – like Christchurch – before flying out. This would save you the hassle of having to drive it back.