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World Travel Guide > Guides > Oceania > New Zealand > Christchurch

Local time Christchurch

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Travel to Christchurch

Flying to Christchurch

There are no direct flights to Christchurch from the UK, but Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Emirates and British Airways all offer tickets with one stopover. The fastest route is via Singapore. If flying from the USA, there are direct flights from Los Angeles to Auckland, from where it's a short connecting flight to Christchurch. The most expensive time to travel is between December and February. Cheaper fares are usually available from mid-April to mid-June.

Flight times

From London - 24 hours (including stopver); New York - 24 hours (including stopover); Los Angeles - 16 hours (including stopover); Toronto - 24 hours (including stopover); Sydney - 3 hours.

Travel by road

New Zealand is an ideal country to explore by car, as the scenery is spectacular. All roads are State Highways, with SH1 running the length of both islands. Most roads are single lane and travel will take longer than you think, especially in Christchurch where many roads require levelling post-quake and underground services still need to be replaced; be prepared for lumpy roads.

You need a valid national driving licence, for up to 12 months. The legal driving age is 16 years, although there are restrictions placed on drivers under 18. Insurance is not mandatory but is recommended. Traffic drives on the left. Speed limits are 100kph (62mph) on open roads, 50kph (31mph) in urban areas and 20kph (12mph) in the vicinity of schools and stopped school buses.The New Zealand Automobile Association (tel: +64 9 966 8688; www.aa.co.nz) provides information on road conditions (tel: 0900 33 222, in New Zealand) and general information (tel: 0800 500 444, in New Zealand) and has a reciprocal agreement with the British AA, so visiting members can get free maps.

Helmets are required to be worn by riders of all bicycles, scooters and motorbikes.

Emergency breakdown services

AA (tel: 0800 500 222, in New Zealand; +64 966 8688 from overseas).

Routes

The main road to Christchurch is SH1. It bypasses the city, though, so from the north (Picton and Kaikoura), follow SH74 for the city centre. From the south (Dunedin and Queenstown), follow SH1 or SH73 for the city centre and Lyttelton Harbour.

Coaches

InterCity (tel: +64 3 365 1113; www.intercity.co.nz) runs coaches throughout New Zealand. Backpackers also use the Kiwi Experience (tel: +64 9 366 4286; www.kiwiexperience.com), which sells a variety of travel passes including accommodation. Naked Bus (tel: +64 9 979 1616; www.nakedbus.com) often has very cheap fares.

Time to city

From Dunedin - 5 hours; Queenstown - 6 hours; Invercargill - 7 hours; Picton - 6 hours 30 minutes.

Travel by Rail

Services

Christchurch's railway station is on Troup Drive, in Addington. Regular shuttles run from the station to the city. The Scenic Rail Pass provides access to the entire Tranz Scenic Rail Network, and is a great way to explore New Zealand.

Operators

KiwiRail Scenic Journeys (tel: +64 4 495 0775 or 0800 872 467, in New Zealand only; www.kiwirailscenic.co.nz) operates train services to and from Christchurch including the TranzAlpine to and from Greymouth via Arthur’s Pass, considered one of the world’s great scenic train journeys. The Coastal Pacific line runs to and from Picton via Blenheim and Kaikoura, but it is closed indefinitely due to earthquake damage. 

Journey times

From Greymouth - 4 hours 30 minutes; Picton - 5 hours 15 minutes.

Transfer

Taxis and shuttle buses meet trains (or book beforehand to ensure you don’t need to wait or queue for one). The station is a 10-minute drive from the city centre.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

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Eliza’s Manor Boutique Hotel

With beautiful period features, Eliza's history spans three centuries. This grade II historic, wooden house was built in 1861 by one of the city's founding fathers, before being restored and turned into a hotel in 1981. It's within easy walking distance of the gardens, museum, and New Regent Street while just around the corner is Victoria Street with its plethora of restaurants and bars. The hotel's delicious cooked breakfast will set you up for your day of exploring the city.

The Equestrian Hotel

If city centres are not your cup of tea, try staying in suburban Hornby, which was largely untouched by the quake. Beside State Highway 1, this hotel is also ideal if you are heading further south. Rooms range from executive to budget, and are set on lovely grounds with a music bar, lots of outdoor seating, and a miniature railway model. The hotel is also located near a large shopping centre.

Merivale Manor

Set in an elegantly restored historic home dating from 1882 and within walking distance of the city centre, Merivale Manor is a perfect home away from home. Choose between studio or suite accommodation with luxurious amenities such as jetted tubs, full kitchens and laundry facilities. Breakfast is included in the rate.

Haka Lodge

Around a 5-minute drive from the heart of Christchurch, and with a bus stop on its doorstep, Haka Lodge is a good budget choice for those wishing to stay close to the centre of the action. The lodge offers a range of accommodation options, from shared rooms and hotel standard private rooms to a two-bedroom apartment unit. Haka also features a communal kitchen, free unlimited Wi-Fi, a chill out area and a verdant garden.

Rendezvous

This hotel is set opposite the fabulous and historical 1930s New Regent Street, with its array of Spanish-Mission style buildings. Standard rooms have queen-size beds and en-suites, and most feature uninterrupted views of the city or the Southern Alps. Those wishing to venture a little further afield should note that the tram leaves from New Regent Street, running alongside the Rendezvous on its way to the Square.

Novotel Christchurch

Novotel Christchurch is a landmark hotel located in the heart of the Square, beside the once-iconic Christ Church Cathedral. Facilities include a bar, restaurant, fitness centre and guest laundry. It's only moments to the main city attractions, including the Shipping Container Mall, the historical New Regent Street and Hagley Park.