Christchurch, with its old-world charm and breathtaking scenic beauty is a popular tourist destination. Acclaimed for its art scene and verdant spaces, New Zealand’s oldest and most populous city sits tucked in the picturesque Canterbury region of South Island. The serene Avon River flowing through the center of this Garden City with a spectacular park along its banks easily wins the hearts of visitors. Hagley Park, Botanical Gardens, Riccarton House, and quaint Tudor-style houses on the riverbank are just some of the Top Things to do in Christchurch. The city is replete with places of interest such as Adventure Park, Quake City museum, gondolas, and the serene Akaroa settlement for penguins and seals. Apart from the city center, the university neighborhood of Riccarton and the residential area of Merivale are good picks for your stay. Here are some of the best hotels in Christchurch, New Zealand, to choose from.
Fino Hotel & Suites
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The stylish Fino Hotel & Suites sits along Kilmore Street at the heart of Christchurch. It offers luxury apartments steeped in high-end comforts. The private balconies of the rooms provide panoramic city views. Equipped with amenities such as free WiFi, this hotel will appeal to corporate travelers as well as leisure pursuers. Standard, superior, and corporate suites spell sheer luxury and spacious living areas, the ultimate comfort. Situated at a vantage point, the hotel provides easy access to all the important pulse points of the city. With the Casino and Theater Royal in close proximity, there is no dearth of entertainment. The restaurants offer a variety of gourmet dishes, however, the room service and housekeeping could do with some improvement.
Airways Motel
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A five-minute drive from Christchurch International Airport, the comfortable Airways Motel offers you a convenient getaway. Situated on Dinton Street and Russley Road, close to the city bus stand, it is close to Hornby Mall and Riccarton Racecourse. The Air Force Museum and Yaldhurst football academy are other notable landmarks near the motel. Priced affordably, this cozy motel houses 19 units with family rooms, studio apartments, and spa facilities. Airport transfers, 50 plus SKYTV channels, and unlimited WiFi make it a tourist-friendly option. However, the airport transfer is chargeable. The service provided here is quite good and the staff goes that extra mile to make their guests comfortable. Ideal for overnight stops, this motel, while among the best hotels in Christchurch, might not be your first choice for longer stays.
Peppers Clearwater Resort
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Peppers Clearwater Resort offers you a unique experience at their aesthetically designed waterfront lodging with an excellent standard of accommodation. Located only seven minutes from the city airport, this resort welcomes you with its fine dining, fishing, and boating. Nearby Willowbank Wildlife Reserve and Omarino Wine Park will delight the nature lover within you. Expect a great stay in well-designed guest rooms, boathouse-style villas, and suites that are sure to surprise you with their homespun hospitality. However, the décor could do with some updating. The dining area overlooking the shimmering lake and golf course can provide a delightful experience. Along with a splendid choice of cuisine and friendly, personal service, this is what places it among the best hotels in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Quest Christchurch Serviced Apartments
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Keeping with the times, Quest Christchurch Serviced Apartments offers you comfortable accommodations perfect for short or long stays. Among the best hotels in Christchurch, New Zealand, it is located close to Cathedral Square and New Regent Street. This property has 67 serviced apartments including well-appointed studios flooded with natural light. The rooms are fully-equipped with sumptuous kitchenettes making them ideal for families, or even groups looking for an experience of a home away from home. The open-plan space houses a comfortable king or queen bed, ensuite bathroom, desk, TV, and high-speed internet access. The air conditioner tends to be a little noisy at times. Restaurants and entertainment options are just a quick walk away.
CentrePoint on Colombo
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If you are looking for quality motel accommodation, do not look further than CentrePoint on Colombo. A relaxed atmosphere is the hallmark of this motel and free car parking is the icing on the cake. There are simple rooms and apartments with balconies that afford an unbroken view of the scenic beauty around. Spacious ensuite rooms feature contemporary décor in vibrant colors. Many popular city attractions are close by such as the casino, New Regent Street, and Botanic Gardens. Victoria Street with its multiple dining options is not too far away either. There are no elevators here and if you have a lot of luggage, navigating the stairs might be a tad bit difficult!
Rendezvous Hotel Christchurch
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The best of the city is well within the range of the plush Rendezvous Hotel Christchurch. Nominated as one of the 25 ‘Trendiest Hotels for South Pacific 2012 Awards’, it is just a stone’s throw away from Cathedral Square. The stylishly designed accommodations come at an affordable price. For the smart and the elegant, one or more of the 171 modern rooms and suites are sure to fit the bill. High-speed WiFi over a work desk with an ergonomic chair offers a healthy working experience. Unwind with your favorite music through the iPod docking station or enjoy a movie on the flat-screen TV. The chic bar offers a range of beverages while contemporary cuisine at the restaurant tantalizes your taste buds. With a gym and sauna, staying active and rejuvenating after come easy.
Crowne Plaza Christchurch
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An international-style hotel located at the heart of the city, Crowne Plaza Christchurch doesn’t disappoint. Sporting contemporary design, this plush hotel sits in an enviable location right across Victoria Square. Attractions such as the Cathedral and Isaac Theater are merely steps away from this property counted among the best hotels in Christchurch, New Zealand. Take your pick of 204 spacious rooms with the finest in digital technology, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi streaming HD TVs. The four flexible meeting and conference venues are ideal for conducting business. The elegant restaurant, as well as the stylish bar, promise you hours of relaxation. Try to get a room on a quieter floor as some of the lower ones can be quite noisy.
Airport Palms Motel
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Airport Palms Motel offers affordable and comfortable accommodation just minutes from the international airport. Ideal for overnight travelers, this property is located in a quiet residential area. The city center is about a fifteen-minute drive away. Plush bedding, showers, and good service with a personal touch make for a pleasant stay. The motel offers free airport transfers and free WiFi. Restaurants are located close by and there is a convenient bus service available to the city and malls. Botanical Gardens and the Air Force Museum are within minutes of this establishment that is among the best hotels in Christchurch, New Zealand. While there is a laundry on-site, check out the hours as it is not open 24-hours.
Pavilions Hotel
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Set at the edge of the central business district in Merivale, the family-owned Pavilions Hotel is only minutes from the international airport. Hagley Park and the casino are just a short stroll away. Take your pick of 92 beautifully designed and well-appointed guest rooms, suites, and apartment units. The most popular are the studio rooms – standard, superior, and executive spa. Also available are one, two, and three-bedroom suites ideal for families and groups while the cottages give you a feel of a home away from home. The Pavilions is a perfect location for company meetings. Conference delegates gain personal attention and enjoy boutique hospitality despite being in a large hotel. A restaurant and bar are available on site along with a fitness area. While it is a decent place, it is slightly on the expensive side.
BreakFree on Cashel
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Located in a prime location, BreakFree on Cashel offers easy accessibility to many of the city’s main attractions. Landmarks such as Canterbury Museum, Botanical Garden, and Hagley Park, as well as delightful market experiences, await you close to this property. Considered among the best hotels in Christchurch, New Zealand, this hotel brings you sleekly-designed rooms and state-of-the-art technology. Mood lighting and the latest gadgets give a modern, urban touch to the interiors. Perfect for business as well as leisure travelers, this hotel has an onsite café and a sleek bar. There are also plenty of restaurants in the vicinity should you wish to tantalize your taste buds. A workout room, in-room massages, childcare, and laundry service are all available at additional fees. The housekeeping services could be a little more efficient.
Rydges Latimer Christchurch
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The luxurious Rydges Latimer Christchurch entices you with its stunning surroundings and topnotch amenities. Although it is only walking distance to the city center, the prevailing tranquility is sure to take you by surprise. Iconic Latiman Square sits right next to the property while the Earthquake Memorial and Bridge of Remembrance are close by. The first four floors of the hotel contain 138 stylish and spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows. Meanwhile, the fifth floor offers you a penthouse suite that overlooks the breathtaking landscape stretching right up to the Southern Alps. Unlimited WiFi is available across the property and there is also an elegant restaurant onsite.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Christchurch:
- Christchurch Tramway Restaurant 4 Course Dinner Tour – Travel through the center of Christchurch in a tram and pass by landmarks as you relish a four-course meal on board.
- Waipara Wine Trail Afternoon Tour from Christchurch – Spend an afternoon exploring the vineyards and boutique wineries along the Wine Trail.
Recommended Activities In Christchurch:
- Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour – Enjoy the sights of Christchurch in a fun way as you hop on and off the double-decker buses.
- Christchurch Scenic Helicopter Tour – Step into a helicopter and take off on the experience of a lifetime to get a bird’s eye view of Christchurch.
