Discover Christchurch
Hotels, halal food, prayer spaces, things to do, and itineraries in Christchurch.
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Must-see attractions in Christchurch
From headline landmarks and heritage icons to parks, waterfronts, and major museums, discover 20 standout sights to build into your time in the city.
Christchurch has been on a steady growth for cultural diversity, change and a cosmopolitan outlook towards its society and the International arena. With beautiful sceneries around its snowy and beach areas, the city has capitalized well on these natural aspects to build the foundation of a multi billion dollar tourism industry. Being the second largest city of the country, Christchurch houses a major chuck New Zealanders together with enough room for traveling personnel! Being host to a multitude of festivals and events, the city has developed greatly in infrastructure, easy access to facilities and a friendly environment that provides a comf
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Muslim travel planner
Plan a Muslim-friendly trip in Christchurch
Halal restaurants in Christchurch
Christchurch’s food scene is part of the city experience. Choose from 29 restaurants and food districts with location notes and planning tips.
christchurchCanterbury Tales
Canterbury Tales is known to serve its diners with the best of everything. From pleasant atmospheres to great food and award winning edible pieces of art, the restaurant is a model of perfection from every angle. With a meal for over NZ$ 50, diners get an opportunity to try various blends of spices on the ever changing menu and to taste the best of New Zealand from the best providers.
christchurchPedro’s
Tastefully decorated on traditional Spanish crockery are New Zealand’s most divine Spanish dishes prepared under the watchful eye of Pedro Carazo. For 30 years, Pedro has maintained his restaurant as a comfortable retreat for diners who enjoy the chatter in the air and the delicious food together with the owner’s hospitality. Sea food is the specialty here topped with lots of seasonings and garlic.
christchurchPescatore
An attentive service, an ambient place and a superb menu are what Pescatore prides itself on to attract valuable customers who are regulars at the restaurant. Pescatore offers a 10 course menu with the most elaborate food settings and tastes unmatchable in all of Christchurch along with an expensive wine lists.
christchurchRotherams
Let yourself be spoiled by the most hospitable service, tasteful food and a very impressive wine list, all from the gifted chef and owner of Rotherams. Visited by most locals on very special occasions, this gem of a restaurant offers nothing second best from its well selected ingredients to the artful presentation of its meals and the memorably romantic time diners spend here.
christchurchBodhi Tree
The only Burmese restaurant in all of New Zealand, Bodhi Tree creates quite a stir in the locals and tourists for its spicy and unique dishes that are seasoned with exotic herbs bound to tingle your taste buds. Meals are served in small servings that ooze specialty and dare you to order more and more. Because of its demand, there is always a crowd waiting to be seated at the Bodhi Tree so remember to make reservations to enjoy these traditions from Burma.
christchurchFlying Burrito Brothers
The spiciest food in all of Christchurch with the biggest selection of tequila in all of New Zealand is housed inside this small den. Mexican herbs and spices are generously used in the meals that will quite certainly make one ooze out smoke! Though the interior is too extravagant, Flying Burrito Brothers has a very loyal clientele that stops by every now and then for a drink and a hot spicy meal on an adventurous day. Main course meals may go up to NZ$40.
Christchurch masjids and Muslim travel
Landmark masjids and prayer-aware notes for visitors planning salah, family movement, and halal-friendly days.
Where to stay in Christchurch
Choose where to stay by trip style, from landmark luxury and family bases to central, airport, and neighborhood-led stays.
christchurchThe Charlotte Jane
A Victorian school turned boutique hotel, Charlotte Jane offers nothing less than perfection. With a total of 14 units, this hotel makes up for its small size through exceptional service, elaborately decorated rooms and expensive extras such as huge attached bathrooms with Jacuzzis, spacious rooms and a scrumptious menu for meal times. The Henderson House is an extension to the Charlotte Jane to provide more room for mobility for guests. All rooms are equipped with amenities like TV, VCR, minibar, kitchen and hairdryer. Additional facilities: restaurant, bar, concierge and nearby golf course. Room rates start from NZ$515.
christchurchOrari Bed & Breakfast
One of the best value hotels in the city, Orari B&B is located across Montreal Street near North Hagley Park. The big old house lives up to the expectations of the impeccable area with clean and spacious rooms, fully equipped with AC, hair dryer and Wi Fi. The original wooden interior of this 1893 villa have been restored and add a very appealing charm for guests. Room rates start from NZ$ 160 and include a scrumptious breakfast. Closing season: June & July. Location: 42 Gloucester Street Phone: 03/365-6569 Fax: 03/365-2525
christchurchThe Heritage Christchurch
Experience the best of both, the Colonial Era as well as the contemporary living styles at The Heritage. With a Government style building adjacent to a tall tower, Heritage is a high class accommodation in Christchurch with 175 room units, each with special lounges, walk in closets and all basic amenities included. Located in the Inner city, the hotel is close to all major attractions with tons of in house facilities to enjoy. Suite and deluxe rates vary between NZ$ 210 to NZ$ 475.
christchurchPeppers Clearwater Resort
A high class airport facility, Peppers Clearwater is a resort spread across 465 Acers of land lovely rooms overlooking the sea. A combination of suites and apartments are housed in the grand lodging that offers great value for the variety of services offered. Laze in one of the spacious terraces or challenge a friend to a game of golf, Clearwater resort plans to offer many more amenities that are underway. Room rates start from NZ$236. Additional facilities: golf course, spa, restaurant, bike rentals, fishing guide and lessons and tennis court.
christchurchElm Tree House
Built along the ancient European architecture, The Elm Tree House is arguably the coziest and warmest accommodation in all of Christchurch. The place has a total of 6 suits that are all decorated in warm colors and are very spacious. Equipped with TV, hair dryer and internet, Elm tree has a perfect location to access the near by golf course, tennis court and many cafes and restaurants.
History and today in Christchurch
Read the city today, its history, residents, culture, and character before planning your route.
When to go
The beauty of the Garden City is that every time of the year is the best time to visit! All seasons in Christchurch are pleasant and have attractions of their own that lure tourists from around the world.
City Information
Fast Facts
Location:: Christchurch is the largest city in the Southern Island of New Zealand. Located one third of the way down the east coast, it is the second largest urban city of the country that enjoys a view of the sunny beaches as well as the snowy ski resorts. To the south of the city is the Bank Peninsula.; Dialing codes:: International dialing code: +64 ; area code: 3; Emergency numbers:: Police, ambulance and firefighters: 111
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Public Holidays
1st January: New Year’s Day 2nd January: Second Day celebration of New Year 6th February: Waitangi Day Good Friday: Friday before Easter Easter Monday: Monday after Easter 25th April :ANZAC Day 1st Monday of June: Queen’s birthday 4th Monday of October: Labor Day 25th December: Christmas Day 26th December: Boxing Day
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Annual Temperatures
Min Temp °Ϲ Max Temp °Ϲ January 12 23 February 12 22 March 10 20 April 7 17 May 4 14 June 6 11 July 1 11 August 2 12 September 4 14 October 6 17 November 9 19 December 11 21
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Christchurch Today
Christchurch has been on a steady growth for cultural diversity, change and a cosmopolitan outlook towards its society and the International arena. With beautiful sceneries around its snowy and beach areas, the city has capitalized well on these natural aspects to build the foundation of a multi billion dollar tourism industry. Being the second largest city of the country, Christchurch houses a major chuck New Zealanders together with enough room for traveling personnel! Being host to a multitude of festivals and events, the city has developed greatly in infrastructure, easy access to facilities and a friendly environment that provides a comfortable stay for foreigners. Christchurch has risen above others as a hub for education and academic transfers in the Asian Market. Students from all over the continent chose this city over others for undergraduates and masters degrees and for the escalating job opportunities that the economy offers particularly in electronics and software development.
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Christchurch History
Christchurch’s name was coined on 27th March 1848 by John Robert Godley who named it after one of the constituent colleges of Oxford University in the first meeting of the Canterbury Province. It was elevated to the status of the oldest established city of New Zealand on 31st July 1856 after the early inhabitants of the Ngai Tahu were driven out by the European settlers.
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Christchurch residents
People in New Zealand can be categorized into various ethnicities because of the friendly diversity that the country is exposed to. A major chunk of the population is called New Zealand European which comprises about 74.5% of the total following which are the Maori with 9.7% share. Other European, Pacific Islander Asian and others make up 4.6%, 3.8% and 7.4% respectively. New Zealanders are nature loving people who indulge greatly in peaceful outings and picnics. According to one writer, the “Kiwis are open people who like to impress visitors and make them have a good time”. People in Christchurch are very helpful and extend assistance to strangers without even being asked for it. They are polite and caring even though one might think of them as reserved initially. With nil discrimination by class or wealth, Kiwis are part of a very egalitarian culture that makes Christchurch a very easy pick for a long vacation.
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Best of the city in one day
Wrapping up the whole of Christchurch in a day’s trip is quite impossible because much of the beauty and history of the city yearns to be explored. However, if a day is all you have here’s Irhal.com’s list of the most important sites you must visit in order to say you’ve truly done the city of Christchurch:
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Shopping in Christchurch
Explore 18 shopping stops, from malls, markets, and book bazaars to fashion streets and souvenir finds.
christchurchVault
Fulfilling a promise to preserve New Zealand’s heritage, culture and historic past, the Vault has a fine collection of handmade New Zealand handicrafts, unique gifts and decorative home ware. The wooden interior filled with yellow lights compliments the shop and is inviting to the passersby. Indulge in a few high priced delicacies to cherish your New Zealand vacation for years to come.
christchurchRiccarton Rotary Market
Experience the hustle bustle in New Zealand’s largest outdoor market organized on every Sunday of the month. From 9am to 2pm, over 300 vendors set up stalls in the Riccarton Park and sell their best produce of the week. From fresh fruits and vegetables to low priced clothing and accessories to second hand appliances, you name it and the market has it. Not only do shoppers make purchases, they laze around in the park and join friends and family for lunches and snacks at the market.
Regency Duty-Free Shop
Regency Duty free has the biggest range of duty free products at the Christchurch airport and other city stores through out the city. Hundreds of duty free products are on display including alcohol, collectable cigarettes and other souvenirs that travelers pack up to take home. Antiques, building monuments and the handicrafts of Christchurch are the most valuable souvenirs to gather from the Garden City.
christchurchWild Places
Another of the finest gift shops in town, Wild Places is full of New Zealand delights like handicrafts, kites, handmade toys and books. The gifts are moderately priced for all tourists to take their picks, however some specialty items may have a heavy price tag attached. Buy for friends and family back home to give a memorable finish to your holiday.
christchurchUntouched World
A classy and upbeat apparel store, the Untouched World is full of glamour and stylish clothes especially top of the line woolen and sports gear. The outlet prides itself for being a green organization and one that believes in sustainable development. The philosophy of being fashionable without harming the planet is depicted in the high quality clothing and the awards and recognitions that the store has won over the years.
Signature sights in Christchurch
A curated pick of the city's standout sights, led by the strongest editorial recommendations.
Festivals and events in Christchurch
Plan around 24 festival seasons, public events, Ramadan/Eid periods, book fairs, art cycles, and winter food activity.
christchurchKids Fest
A country wide festival full of entertainment and fun lines the month of July in Christchurch. Various venues are selected for storytelling, walks with famous cartoon characters, circuses and many more fun filled activities for children in particular. This year the kids Fest will be celebrating its 20th anniversary and hopes to surprise New Zealanders with amazing treats!
christchurchEllerslie International Flower Show
Taking inspiration from London’s Chelsea Flower Show, this one in Christchurch is no less than a piece of wild imagination. Acres of land are dedicated to hundreds of different kinds of flowers that are mused upon by some 57,000 on lookers. Held in the Hagley Park of the city, Ellerslie Flower show is also an opportunity for garden decorators to showcase their talents at flower sculpting and awe the gazing audience.
christchurchANZAC Remembered
In the memory of the war days, Christchurch commemorates with a concert full of nostalgic songs of the past. The event is greatly treasured by the 60 + New Zealanders who go down memory lane with songs sung by various bands on that day. The ANZAC day also being a national holiday attracts hundreds of families to the allotted venue for a fun filled day.
christchurchWorld Buskers Festival
One of the most fun filled, free of cost entertainments in the city is the Buskers festival that takes place at various venues including Cathedral square, Buskers Park, Botanical Gardens and Peacock Foundation. The festival comprises of street dancers, jugglers, one wheel cyclists, jokers and clowns who together put up exciting performances in juggling, stand up comedy, acrobatics and contortionism.
christchurchThe Press Kite Day
Very popular among teenagers and adults alike, the event gains most of its popularity with the presence of world renowned kite flyers at the venue. Kites of various sizes and shapes are displayed together with flying demonstrations that keep people captivated. The Kite Day is celebrated at the Brighton Beach and is free for all to drop by.
Christchurch tours and experiences
Heritage walks, food crawls, coastal trips, museum circuits, family days, and guided ideas for an easier day out.
christchurchChristchurch Big Five Attractions
A very famous sightseeing tour, the Big Five takes you round the city in one day and covers major areas that are to be visited at least once. The tour starts with an engaging visit to the Antarctic Center, an exciting view of native kiwis and their habitat in the Willow Wildlife Park, an adventurous ride of the tram to see the city center and its busy life, a panoramic view of the gardens of the city on a Gondola and finally a two hour harbor cruise to see surrounding lands. The tour departs at 9am in the morning and lasts for about 7 hours and costs $ 166 per person.
christchurchChristchurch Hop-on Hop-off Tram Tour
Tram ride offers a very exciting tour of Christchurch, especially the city center. The open tram lets tourists observe natural environment and get a feeling of the Garden City. If you are with family and want to explore the city at your own pace, the hop on hop off tour is the best you can get. The tram pass lasts up to 48 hours on a stretch so you can hop off and take your time around an attraction, eat and freshen up before continuing the tour that would take you around the Cathedral Square, Arts Center, Botanical Gardens, Avon River and Cathedral Junction. The tram ride starts from 9am and the tour as a whole is for about 25minutes and costs $13 for a two day tram pass.
christchurchChristchurch Half day Gardens Tour
Being the garden city of New Zealand, Christchurch has one eighth of its land dedicated to parks and landscapes. To explore these landscapes hop on a half day tour of two public and two private parks of the city for 3 hours and enjoy a day with nature. The tour includes descriptions of the flowers and shrubs in the park and their historic significance. Tour starts at 9am and costs $80.
christchurchDiscover Christchurch Sightseeing Tour
A gradual progression from the city center highlights like the Cathedral Square, Victoria Street, Arts Center and Botanical Gardens to the northern parks and plains of Christchurch is the highlight of this exploration trip of the city. The tour takes you around the Hagley Park and Mona Vale homestead to a superb view of the beaches and the city from the Port hills. This well rounded tour will bring you back to the city from the eastern side so no corner of the city is unturned for tourists.
christchurchChristchurch Snow and Kiwi Tour
This tour covers both, the best entertainment of the city and the educational aspect as well. A half day trip to the Kiwi resorts of the Willowbank wild life reserve and the Antarctic Center gives tourists a chance to enjoy the notorious snowmobile ride and get an up close of the Kiwi world as well. Tour starts at 3pm for a cost of $145 and lasts 5 and a half hour.
The Irhal city file
Christchurch travel guide sections
Focused sections for articles, directories, maps, and trip planning.
