The below information has not been updated since the Christchurch earthquake on 22nd February 2011. Our city is being rebuilt and it is exciting times with new developments every week, as it is a little hard to keep this updated with the most recent happenings we have decided to leave as is until we find the right person to re-write/keep updated. Maybe you would be keen to take this job on if so contact Danny de Hek.

Christchurch is visitor-friendly, having been laid out by the founding fathers to a simple geometric grid design centred on Cathedral Square.

Within a few city blocks in each direction you can find everything from backpacker hostels, to Bed & Breakfast guesthouses and top international hotels. The main visitor attractions are only a short stroll away.

This broad range of accommodation begins with five star luxury on the very edge of Cathedral Square. The Millennium and The Heritage hotels offer style and sophistication with a charming bird’s eye view of the city. Other quality hotels overlook Hagley Park and offer stunning city views, like the Chateau on the Park in Deans Avenue, Holiday Inn in Oxford Street and the Park Royal and Copthorne in Durham Street.

Christchurch has over 120 motels strung out in small clusters along Papanui Road, Riccarton Road, Bealey Avenue, New Brighton and other suburban areas. They are highly competitive with prices ranging from $90 to $200 for two people per night, with special deals for weekends and long term stays. Inner city motels include City Court in Colombo Street, Akron in Bealey Avenue and YMCA in the Gardens in Hereford Street.

Bed & Breakfast places offer a high standard of service, decor and cuisine with a very personal touch. Often occupying fine Victorian stately homes, they serve traditional English style cooked breakfast for a nightly tariff around $100 to $150 for two. Examples are the Highway Lodge in Papanui Road, Homlea in Bealey Avenue and Windsor in Armagh Street. Some boutique apartments are available, like the Metrosuites in Colombo Street and the Chateau Blanc Apartment Hotel in Montreal Street. A number of exclusive lodges and retreats can be found in outlying areas beyond the city.

Hostels abound in Christchurch – around 20 at last count – providing backpackers and other travellers with great value at around $20 for a dormitory bed and $40-$70 for single or double rooms. You can expect friendly staff, good facilities and a laid back atmosphere at places like the New Excelsior in High Street, Stonehurst in Gloucester Street, Star Times in Cathedral Square, Foley Towers in Kilmore Street, Charlie B’s in Madras Street and YHA Hostels in Manchester Street and Worcester Boulevard. Camping grounds can be found in the suburbs of Addington, Lynwood, St Albans, Russley and South Brighton.