12 Of The Best Christchurch Airbnbs For Your Next NZ Weekender
There's loads to do in Ōtautahi Christchurch, and whether you've visited before or not, it should be right up there on your bucket list. When it comes to the best accommodation, you could check into a hotel, but sometimes you’re in the mood for something with a little more character—which is exactly why we love Airbnb. Of course, you could attempt to trawl through all the options, but lucky for you, we've already done the hard yards.
From tiny homes and nature immersives to incredible views and rooms with lovely hosts, Urban List is making your holiday planning as easy as possible, because ain’t nobody got time for admin. Without further ado, here are the best Airbnbs to book in Christchurch for 2026.
Christchurch | Sleeps 4
Clock Tower View Apartment
Explore everything Christchurch has to offer from your own romantic Airbnb, right in the heart of the city. This light-filled apartment 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.
Insider Intel
Prefer to explore by bike? Handily, you can hire bikes from over the road so you’re sorted.
Scarborough | Sleeps 2
The Hut
This 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.
Insider Intel
Sit up at the panoramic bay view window—it's the the perfect morning coffee spot.
Christchurch | Sleeps 4
A Slice of Paradise in the City
Love the city but keen for a little solitude too? You can enjoy the best of both worlds at this charming five-star rated Airbnb situated 100 metres from a bus stop that takes you into the heart of Christchurch in 15 minutes. Your home away from home is a self-contained two-bedder that sits atop the hosts’ main house. It’s beautifully presented, with its own kitchen, bathroom, balcony and private access—and it has a romantic secret too.
Grab a bottle of wine and take the private exit down a back pathway and you’ll find yourself at a lake’s edge. Take a seat in the sunshine with your loved one and you’ll likely be visited by two resident swans as well as ducks and native New Zealand birds aplenty. It’s a truly unique experience and for a moment you’ll forget that the city is right on your doorstep just waiting to be explored.
Insider Intel
Ask your friendly host about feeding the ducks. They can supply oats which they love!
Christchurch CBD | Sleeps 3
Comfy Townhouse Apartment
Want to feel like you’re a Christchurch local? Book into this comfy townhouse apartment, stat. Located down a quiet one-way street near a coffee shop and dairy for the all-important snack runs, you’ll be just five minutes walk to Avon River and a short stroll from Quake City, one of Christchurch’s must-see points of interest.
Inside, your Airbnb is fresh and modern, with a Queen bedroom, and an additional sofa bed available on request. Travelling with a small peeps in tow? There's a fully-fenced backyard with artificial grass keep them safe.
Insider Intel
This spot is walking distance from the city centre, so you certainly won't run out of things to do.
Merivale | Sleeps 2
Peaceful Garden Studio
Delightfully colourful, with continenal brekky ingredients supplied and shared access to your hosts' swimming pool for an afternoon dip, this self-contained garden studio is a great Christchurch Airbnb pick.
It sits in a quiet spot, a mere 250m from the Crusaders’ Rugby Park and a local brunch haunt, and it's just a half hour meander from Victoria Street restaurant precinct. When you're not out exploring, we reckon you'll be sipping on something tasty at the dining table with its garden view, or checking out the selection of books and DVDs for a cosy evening chill session.
Insider Intel
If the season's right, you might be lucky enough to get a taste of your hosts' home-grown grapes.
Kennedy’s Bush | Sleeps 2
Bush And Birds
Serving up geometric glamping-esque vibes, this cosy self-contained A-frame is one of the best places to Airbnbs to stay at in Christchurch if you’re looking for rural charm within reach of city living. Just 10km from the CBD, you can spend the day wandering in nature—perhaps Halswell Quarry or Kennedy’s bush track—then head into town to get amongst historic sites and the buzz of the city.
Your champion host provides you with a continental home style brekky so you'll be fuelled up for a day's exploring. They've also got a beautiful garden, which you're welcome to wander at your leisure.
Insider Intel
It's worth noting that there's no cooking stove here—but that's all the the more reason to head into town and feast on all the delicious eats.
Sumner | Sleeps 4
Te Onepoto Lodge
Complimentary breakfast and a jaw-droppingly gorgeous beach view awaits you at Te Onopoto Lodge, which is ‘bach’ incarnate with everything you need for the perfect Kiwi vacay. From board games and a barbecue to native bird song and the sound of surf crashing onto Taylors Mistake Beach, this is one of the best Airbnbs to stay at in Christchurch, and we think you’ll agree.
Pour yourself a cuppa and take to the four-metre window seat to sip away while looking across the bay. There's a toasty private hot tub to take a dip in later, plus this place is pet-friendly so Floof can join in the holiday fun too.
Insider Intel
While you indulge in some hot tub action, there's a trampoline, rope swing, slides and play huts to keep the rest of the crew entertained.
Clarkville | Sleeps 4
Totara Stream City Edge Farm Stay
For the ultimate rural escape, look no further than this gorgeous farm stay hosted by Penny and Neville. While you’ll be just 20 minutes from the city at this Christchurch Airbnb, you’ll be immersed in nature 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—there's even a trampoline to have a bounce on at some point, if that's your thing. Us? we'll be sitting on the sun-drenched patio with a glass of New Zealand's finest.
Insider Intel
All beds have electric blankets, and there is ample central heating—so you will definitely be cosy.
Lyttleton | Sleeps 2
Cass Bay Escape
We're a sucker for a tiny home, and this miniature stay in Cass Bay is no exception. It may be small, but it boasts panoramic views of Lyttelton Harbour, luxury bed and linens, a full ensuite, and even a deck with an outdoor bar.
Sitting pretty, 20 minutes from Christchurch central, this stay is ideal for anyone wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle—but you're only five minutes from Lyttleton for any essentials which is pretty handy too. The beach and coastal walking tracks are all just steps away, so you'll be able to hit all of Christchurch's best nature-loving spots.
Insider Intel
There's even an outdoor bath with gas hot water to star gaze—perfect for soaking away a day of salt, sweat and sunscreen.
Lyttleton | Sleeps 2
Mariners Cabin
If you like your NZ beach stays super cosy and with some seriously good views then Mariners Cabin Airbnb 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 miniature home has a double bed from which you can look out at the beach and watch the boats sailing by.
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.
Insider Intel
There’s a wood-burner in your living space too, so you’ll feel all snuggly once the sun goes down.
Redcliffs | Sleeps 4
Sea-View
This sun-trapped Christchurch home has all the comforts of a new-build, without compromising on charm. Among the many amenties at your fingertips, you'll find uninterrupted oceans views from the balcony, an open-plan kitchen, dining and lounge, and a full-service laundry (ideal for longer stays).
This Airbnb sits in a super spot, within strolling distance of local cafes, Two Thumb Brewing Co, The Food Dude van, and some tempting takeaways (hello fish n' chips), plus there's a butcher, library and bottle shop within spitting distance too. Woo!
Insider Intel
For nearby activities, why not test out the newly-developed board walk into Sumner Village, or an adventure to Barnett Park cave.
Port Hills | Sleeps 4
The Net Unit
At the foothills of Port Hills is The Net Unit, an architecturally-designed, two-level Airbnb overlooking the leafy canopy of the surrounding neighbourhood. This stay is aptly named—kids will love the large net suspended above the lounge, perfect for reading, scrolling or just chilling out.
Just 5km from the centre of Christchurch, and a ten-minute walk to the local supermarket and bakery, this spot is ideally located for exploring the city.
Insider Intel
Well-behaved pets are welcome, but the property is unfenced (so you'll need to keep an eye on them).
Leading image credit: Airbnb | Supplied by host
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