Before you decide where to stay in Christchurch New Zealand, it is worth considering all the options. You may be travelling to Christchurch on business, checking up on family, or just touring around. You may be on financial limitations, looking for a luxurious romantic getaway or after comfortable accommodation with facilities to suit your needs.
It does not take long by international comparison to get to the central city from any of the suburbs.
If you prefer to stay in the country, closer to animals, then you will be able to stay in the country with around a 30 minute drive to be in the city. Even during peak travel times it would take around 45 minutes.
Christchurch has a population of around 368,000 people.
From the beaches to the central city is roughly a 15 to 30 minute drive. By bus you will be looking at 25 to 40 minutes plus any time spent waiting for the next bus.
Christchurch streets are laid out in a grid like pattern with many streets tucked in behind the main streets. Hotels, motels, apartments and even bed and breakfasts can be found in places undiscovered by the tourist.
Like any city, Christchurch also has areas you will not necessarily be aware of. One of our favourite spots is the suburb of Sumner located on the beach at the bottom of the Port Hills.
This is a little village offering very much its own village atmosphere and a relaxed setting. There are a selection of Christchurch beaches where you will find a place to stay, most of the other beaches are on a more open strip of beach front from Spencer Park to South Brighton.
There are some appealing places to stay on the Port Hills, the backdrop to Christchurch City. Places to stay on the hills tend to be more the homestay or bed and breakfast type of accommodation.
Most of the large Christchurch Hotels are found in the Christchurch Central Business District, although there are some out by the airport. There are Christchurch hotels with a smaller amount of accommodation found in across Christchurch including Christchurch beaches, the suburbs and the Christchurch rural area.
Rangiora is a small town to the north of Christchurch. Many people travel from there to their work in the city. For accommodation away from the city, you may enjoy a stay either in Rangiora or in the rural area between there and the city.
The rural area around Christchurch offers a selection of homestays, farmstays or bed and breakfast accommodation as well as a choice of lodges.