We’ve found five dreamy spots to rest your head after a big day exploring the South Island’s picturesque Garden City
Five Acre Farm – The Cabin, from $589 night on Airbnb (Book here)
Planning a winter holiday in the Garden City? In Christchurch, you’re close to everything: picturesque beaches, gorgeous gardens and mountains prime for some winter skiing action.
Start your day at the farmer’s market, check out the cafes along Cashel Street, take the kids for a whirl on the famous Margaret Mahy playground, and head out for a crisp walk around Hagley Park. Or skip all that and take a drive 90 minutes out of the city to ski Mount Hutt – just make sure you’re bright and early to beat the winter crowds.
From sun-soaked penthouse apartments to cosy cabins in the country, we’ve found the best accommodation for your Christchurch holiday.
The best Christchurch accommodation to book now
A cosy cottage with beach views
From $374 a night on Airbnb
Best for: Groups of friends on a couples’ getaway
Live your best Nancy Meyers-life by escaping to this newly renovated cottage, which can’t get closer to the sea if it tried. Perfectly suited to two couples, each of the spacious bedrooms has a freshly fitted out ensuite bathroom, so everyone has plenty of space.
Enjoy a sunrise coffee in the beachfront garden, then cosy up by the fire with a glass of wine in the evening and put the world to rights. It’s only a 15-minute walk along a brand-spanking-new walkway to Sumner beach and village.
Key features
- Wood fire and heat pump
- Beachfront location
- Short walk to the village
A penthouse apartment overlooking the park
From $497 a night on Airbnb
Best for: Large groups looking for a luxurious city break
Sometimes you just need to get above the tree tops to feel like you’ve had a real city escape. Luckily, when waking up in this Merivale penthouse, you’ll be greeted with leafy views from every direction.
The elevator opens straight into the bottom floor of this spacious penthouse, with a second floor for large groups to spread out over. Only a stone’s throw from the city, you’ll be able to enjoy evening drinks on the private balcony looking out towards Hagley Park and the snow-topped Southern Alps, before heading out for a spot of dinner. If you’re looking for a particularly novel way to take in the park, why not take a relaxing private punt down the Avon River?
Key features
- Two free carparks
- City skyline views
- On the edge of Hagley Park
A colourful and comfortable ode to the past
From $249 a night on Booking.com
Best for: Art and history buffs wanting to soak in culture
If you’ve always wanted to feel like you’re stepping into a Wes Anderson movie on your holiday, look no further than The Observatory Hotel, situated smack bang in the centre of the historic Arts Centre. Built within the walls of the university’s former Biology and Physics buildings, this boutique hotel has been lovingly restored with maximalist pops of colour and patterns, and is rich in both history and creature comforts.
Catch a movie in the nearby Lumiere Cinema or browse the hotel’s library with a complimentary coffee in hand. Then fall asleep in one of the Royal Skylight rooms under the stars – it’s what last century’s astronomy students would have wanted.
Key features
- In the heart of the historic arts district
- Close to the Arts Centre bars and shops
- Fitness centre and meeting rooms available
A farm escape in the countryside
From $598 a night on Airbnb
Best for: Families wanting fresh air and quality time
The phrase ‘cosy wood cabin’ doesn’t always conjure images of sleek modern comfort – but with this boutique architectural accommodation, you’ll have the best of both worlds. Found on the grounds of a picturesque farm in the Heathcote Valley, this cabin is made up of two pods: one housing the lounge and dining area, and the bathroom and bedrooms in the other. ‘
Gumboots are provided for all ages, so take the kids for a stroll through the peaceful paddocks – greeting sheep and chickens along the way – before cosying up in front of the fire with a glass of wine that evening.
Key features:
- Friendly farm animals on the property
- Private hot tub under the stars
- Small kitchenette with all the essentials
- Porta-cot and high chair available
A modern-self-service apartment for tram-lovers
From $192 a night on Booking.com
Best for: Solo travellers wanting to be in the heart of the city
Small but perfectly formed, these one-bedroom apartments overlook one of the city’s best attractions, the central tram station. Enjoy a coffee on the balcony while gazing down through the glass and watch tourists and punters climb onboard. When you’re ready to head out for the day, you’ll find yourself only a short stroll from New Regent Street – continually voted ‘New Zealand’s most beautiful street’ by those in the know – and the fabulous glass-fronted Christchurch Art Gallery.
Key features
- Free Wi-Fi
- Short walk to New Regent Street’s bars and shops
- Kitchenette and separate lounge
Staying in Christchurch? Why not book one of these unique experiences?
- A one-hour private horse-riding river ride
- A scenic flight with food and wine for two
- A Port Hills ziplining adventure tour
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