15 Of The Best Christchurch Stays For A Beautiful Vacay

Prepare to step into a fairytale at this magical 1860s cottage on a seven-acre property with a secret garden just outside Christchurch. Casterton Cottage offers charm galore with its statement wallpapers, unique light fittings and luxe touches. Inside, you’ve got two bedrooms, a light-filled living area with a dining zone, comfortable seating and a fully equipped kitchen, plus your bathroom has stained glass windows, Italian mosaic tiles and a freestanding bath.

Trundle out to the deck though, and you’re in for even more of a treat. Out here you’ve got an outdoor dining area and hydrotherapy spa pool that pairs perfectly with a glass of bubbles. Beyond that, you’ll find the secret garden with aged trees, rambling paths and an actual swimming pool in the centre. (It’s worth noting the pool is open and heated from November to late March only). Grab the bathers from the suitcase and dive right into this epic stay.

Explore everything Christchurch has to offer from your own bolthole right in the heart of the city. This light-filled accommodation on Clocktower Lane is a stone’s throw from Hagley Park, Victoria Park, the Avon river, the City Shopping Precinct, the Theatre Royal and a whole variety of fabulous eateries so you won’t be short of things to do.

You’ve got two bedrooms to choose from here—both offering views from the large windows, and the master has doors which open onto a balcony that is perfect for that morning coffee. Downstairs, your living space is inviting with greenery, statement rugs and stylishly modern decor and you’ve also got access to a large garage for parking or storage—a rare bonus for a city centre stay. Prefer to explore by bike? Handily, you can hire bikes from over the road so you’re sorted.

Looking for the ultimate rural escape? Look no further than this gorgeous farm stay hosted by Penny and Neville. Your Airbnb is set on ten acres of farm in a quiet rural community, and yet you’re just 20 minutes from the city in case a spot of retail therapy calls.

There’s heaps of fun stuff back at base though, with rural walks to meander along, farm animals to dote on, even a stream with a row boat for a dreamy Little Mermaid moment, if that’s your jam. There’s a kitchenette available, as well as a barbecue for relaxed dining on long summer nights. Oh, and if you’re in the mood to unleash your inner child, there’s a trampoline to bounce on too.

Sea views, beach access and all-day sunshine thanks to its north-facing spot. Church Bay Hideaway offers some lush accommodation that ticks a lot of boxes. This Airbnb has enough space for six peeps to stay, so you can round up the whole crew (note that the bunk room is separate from the main house and a great choice for older kids).

Kick back and relax in the bean bags on the balcony, or potter down to the beach where you can put the complimentary paddleboard and kayak to good use. The legends that own this place also provide water shoes, life jackets, beach towels and wetsuits to make sand-time even easier. Back home after a day’s play, gather around the six-seater outdoor table and get that barbecue firing.

Pack your bathers, because Hamptons Retreat has a tempting outdoor hot tub for soaking under the stars. It’s just one of the accommodation perks at this peaceful Airbnb located just outside Christchurch. 

The living space in your super cute cottage is cosy and inviting, with a charming stone feature fireplace complete with a cracking indoor fire. Snuggle in for the evening with a glass of New Zealand’s finest, or if the weather’s balmy you might fancy taking a load off on the outdoor patio and drinking in the serenity.

If you like your stays super cosy and with some seriously good views then Mariners Cabin is the place for you. This tiny home, a 20-minute drive from Christchurch,  is just 13 sqm in size, and yet it has everything you need for a comfortable stay. Your accommodation has a double bed from which you can look out at the beach and watch the boats sailing by. There’s a wood-burner in your living space too, so you’ll feel all snuggly once the sun goes down.

A huge plus at this place is the outdoor space, which has a bathtub for soaking under the stars, a barbecue and a cute dining area. The beach track can be accessed from a pathway at the bottom of the garden if a picnic’s more your thing, and the thoughtful hosts provide two stand up paddleboards for guest use, and a yellow kayak in case adventure calls.

The allure of a sunset cheese plate paired with a nice glass of chilled white wine and a stunning view is real—and you can make all the good things happen at this stay overlooking Lyttelton Harbour. You’re just 20 minutes from central Christchurch here, and within easy access of all the best coastal walking tracks so you’ll have burned through enough energy to really indulge.

Wake in luxury linen in your queen size bed, throw open the bi-fold window and you can soak in uninterrupted sea and hill views with your first cuppa of the day. The outdoor breakfast bar is a top spot in which to perch while watching all the action on the water and you’ve got a lovely outdoor bath in which you can soak using the mineral bath salts provided. After that, it’s just a 500m walk to the beach or 40 minutes to Lyttelton where you can check out all the restaurants, cafes and gift shops your heart desires.

This white weatherboard home may be tiny (it’s a studio space with a kitchen, futon and outdoor bathroom) but it boasts a mammoth view of the beach, ocean and the Alps—making The Hut one of the most beautiful and best places to stay in Christchurch. 

Sun worshippers will revel in catching some rays on the two decks (one for the morning sun, the other for the afternoon sun), and surfing, biking, swimming and amazing walking tracks are nearby for all sorts of adventures.

Sometimes the best things come in tiny packages, and at Copper Beech Cottage you’re in for a seriously cute time. Your tiny home Airbnb is surrounded by trees, woodland gardens and has the Ōpāwaho River across the road. Plus, this place can accommodate small children and your doggo (they provide some thoughtful extras like bowls, bags and a long lead for the fluffy one too).

Pad on out to your own patio, and you’ll find a brazier to stoke up come sunset. There’s complimentary kayaks to use on the river if you fancy, although you’ll find us in the private hot tub with a cheeky vino just soaking in the sound of birdsong.

How about a cosy stay in a seriously unique timber-clad home among the treetops in Christchurch? This architecturally-designed tiny home is located in the foothills of Redcliffs and offers lovely views over the estuary, New Brighton and out to Kaikōura

You’ve got the beach within walking distance here and the city is a 20-minute drive away, plus your home away from home is the perfect place to kick back and relax thanks to its impressive double height windows which frame a sleek black indoor fireplace in the cosy living space. 

If you're planning a trip to The Garden City, you'll be happy to know that Chateau On The Park, a DoubleTree by Hilton, has reopened its doors. This peaceful, parkside stay is as charming as ever, as Chateau On The Park offers resort-level luxury without being far from the action. Bringing excellent hospitality, dreamy greenery (hello, weeping willows and rose gardens), and even an outdoor heated pool, it's no question that this Christchurch classic was sorely missed during its hiatus.

After your morning stroll through Hagley Park and an al fresco brekkie at the lush onsite Garden Court Brasserie, it's all too easy to head into town for a wander—the CBD is only 2.9kms away, and a free shuttle service is included in your stay. Adding an unforgettable touch of neo-Gothic feel to Christchurch's hotel scene, Chateau on the Park is the perfect place to take a leisurely vacay in style.

Our pick for the most conveniently located hotel, Crowne Plaza Christchurch, is also one of Christchurch’s most beautiful. The city’s tallest hotel, the Crowne Plaza, boasts 17 stories and has 200 or so rooms, which are all beautifully decked out in sophisticated navy and mustard hues. The beds at this upscale hotel are ridiculously comfy, making them perfect for either a relaxing staycation or an exciting weekend away.

Every detail here is perfectly executed, from the downstairs Cafe 1851, which pays homage to the hotel’s roots, to the welcoming lobby bar with its marble details. Much more than just a hotel, Crowne Plaza Christchurch is also a hangout spot for locals—lucky for you, the restaurant, Market Place, is known as one of the city’s best.

The Sudima is an inner-city delight and close to many of Christchurch’s hot spots. Conveniently nestled in Salisbury Street, its location means you’re within walking distance of the city centre and only a stroll from Victoria Street. There are 86 rooms, all decked out with lush plants and fresh flowers for a nice reminder of home. Stop by The Lane, the on-site restaurant, which celebrates locally sourced and sustainable ingredients with a menu that's largely plant-based but still offers protein options.

Oh, and there are free evening drinks and canapés, á la carte breakfast, a minibar, streamed movies, unlimited Wi-Fi, and access to the gym and yoga with every booking. Another draw is the Moss Spa with treatments ranging from manicures to waxing, not to mention relaxing massages and facials. Can you see why we're calling it one of the best hotels in Christchurch?

If you love a good park, then Hagley Park is, of course, the place to be. Walkways dappled in sunlight, the meandering Avon on its outskirts and the Botanic Gardens blooming on the river's banks. Jogways, walkways, cycle paths and the option of 12 rounds of easy-going golf. What a dream of a place.

Thus, Hotel Carlton Mill should be on your radar. It's the kind of family-owned gem that makes you feel like you've discovered a well-kept secret. The suites and self-contained studios are spacious and kitted out, enjoying something of a versatile position, which makes for the perfect stay, whether you're planning a romantic weekend or need space to spread out with the family. 

And although Carlton Mill is conveniently tucked between the boutique shopping delights of Merivale and the buzz of Victoria Street, you won't have to wander nearly as far for some of the best food the city has to offer. Strawberry Fare is the on-site, and it's something of a Christchurch culinary icon—their legendary desserts are available all day long, so go ahead and treat yourself to that afternoon sweet fix. We won't judge... We'll join you.

One of the newer kids on the block, The Mayfair is redefining hotel luxury. The style here is polished, modern, and charming, taking a classic boutique stay and adding an exciting splash of innovation. Setting itself apart, all of the spacious rooms at The Mayfair are equally gorgeous and functional, whether you’re booking a family weekend away or a solo work trip.

You’ll be impressed by the thoughtful attention to detail at The Mayfair: focusing on great service. From the cafe to the high tea to the cocktail bar, you can enjoy a day’s worth of skillfully prepared, delicious treats without even leaving the premises. If you are heading out to dinner, check out the hotel’s list of restaurant partners and accompanying chargeback facilities. Does it get any better?