Christchurch Tours & Vacations

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises). 

However, we continue to strongly recommend  that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Learn more about Intrepid's COVID-19 policy

Christchurch is located on the South Island of New Zealand so traveling to this picturesque city largely depends on where you're coming from. If you're located in the surrounding regions or other close-by cities then the easiest way to get to Christchurch would be to drive. If you're traveling from other parts of the South Island that are further away such as Queenstown, or if you're traveling from destinations in the North Island, catching a flight to Christchurch Airport would be the quickest and most convenient way. 

Getting around Christchurch is extremely easy with a heap of different options available from hiring a bike and cycling around the city to catching public transportation. Christchurch's public transportation system is quite effective with two bus networks designed to take you to the major landmarks and suburbs within the city. Alternatively, you can also easily catch a taxi or rent a car for longer day trips to surrounding regions. 

Read more about getting around Christchurch

Christchurch enjoys a temperature climate with fairly even and dry temperatures. Due to Christchurch's location to the equator, Summer isn't very hot and it's unlikely to see extreme heat during the season. On the other hand, Winter's are quite cold in Christchurch with freezes often happening overnight. Despite Christchurch's tendency for cooler weather, the city still enjoys 2,100 hours of sunlight a year. 

Read more about the weather in Christchurch

What to pack for Christchurch largely depends on what time of the year you're traveling in. Due to Christchurch's fairly temperate and dry climate and cooler temperatures, it's a good idea to pack a jumper and some wet weather clothes no matter the season. If you're traveling in Winter or Autumn you should pack appropriate Winter clothes such as pants, thicker shirts, and socks, as well as scarves, beanies, and gloves. While the temperature never gets too hot in Summer, you can still pack t-shirts, shorts, dresses, and hats. 

Christchurch is considered to be a fairly safe city as it has a low level of crime, however various crimes can still happen so it's best to stick to well-populated areas. It's also a good idea to avoid places or situations that make you feel uncomfortable, especially if you're traveling alone or moving around at night. New Zealand is also located on a fault line so theoretically minor shakes and larger earthquakes can happen at any moment so it's always best to be prepared. 

Rebuilding after the Christchurch earthquake in 2011 has been a slow but steady process with the city divided into four distinct sections, categorised by the level of damage sustained. A lot of the buildings that were damaged have been rebuilt with stronger foundations so as to avoid a disaster of this scale happening again, however, there is still more work to be done to get Christchurch back to the level it was before the earthquake. 

Christchurch is a city where you can get many types of cuisines, ensuring there's a little something for everyone. Whether you're after Thai food or you fancy a bit of Italian, Christchurch is packed with the best restaurants to satisfy your hunger. Here are some of our favourites: 

• Indian Summer, central Christchurch
• Twenty Seven Step, central Christchurch
• Arbour Woodfire Pizza, Lyttelton
• Bacon Brothers, central Christchurch

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. Christchurch has implemented a number of policies to make moving around the city easier including interactive maps for people with hearing disabilities and safer pedestrian crossings for those that are visually impaired. Intrepid Travel is also committed to guiding travellers with disabilities towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Learn more about Accessible Travel with Intrepid