Search through the range of current accommodation specials to grab yourself a bargain.
The New Zealand Backpackers category includes budget "shared" accommodation in a hostel, lodge, or "hotel". Most offer a mixture of dormitories, double, twin and single rooms. Some rooms may include linen, or offer linen hire. 
Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs) provide "home-like" or "character" accommodation; think a garden cottage, converted villa or a 'homestay' arrangement. Bed & Breakfast accommodation will always include breakfast. 
At the top end of the price scale, Exclusive accommodation includes intimate, luxurious and highly individual establishments offering the finest locations, food and wine, facilities, activities and service.
Stay with a New Zealand family, in their home, with Farmstay and Homestay accommodation. Homestays are commonly located in urban areas, whereas farmstays let you experience real Kiwi life on a New Zealand farm!
Freedom camping in New Zealand means pitching a tent or parking a motorhome on public land, without paying. Visitors need to be careful where this is done, as many regions will fine campers staying in undesignated areas.
NZ Holiday Homes are rentable time-share and 'summer house' type accommodation. Typically self contained and un-serviced, holiday homes vary hugely in size and are often located near beaches, lakes and mountains.
The New Zealand Holiday Parks category includes camping grounds and motor camps. All properties provide communal kitchens, toilets, showers and laundries and a variety of additional features.
A New Zealand Hotel is 'a property with at least one licensed bar and restaurant on the premises or adjacent, with charge-back facilities.' All rooms have tea and coffee-making facilities and on-site management at all times.
The New Zealand Motel category includes a wide range of accommodation - from budget to top end. New Zealand motels typically offer a 'unit' or room with a private bathroom and at least tea and coffee-making facilities. 
The Self Contained Units category includes studio units and self contained holiday cottages. 'Self Contained' implies full kitchen and bathroom facilities and can comprise a studio or multi-bedroom layout.
Serviced Apartments range from exclusive luxury suites to affordable family-size accommodation. Serviced daily, apartment accommodation should include a full ensuite bathroom and full kitchen facilities.
Search through the range of current specials on activities to see more of New Zealand, for less!
Adventure is all about getting out into the wild, pushing your limits and going places you only ever dreamed of! New Zealand has plenty of adventure activities to choose from.
From dirt bikes to armoured tanks - New Zealand has some amazing adventure driving experiences to rev you up!
Take to the air! Whether in a balloon, plane, glider or with a parachute attached, New Zealand looks spectacular from the air. You’ll find plenty of airborne activities throughout the country.
Visit New Zealand's array of attractions. Museums and markets, cathedrals and chocolate factories; there's something for everyone.
Take a wild mountain biking tour, try heli-biking, rent a scooter, motorcycle or push bike and explore the cycling paradise of New Zealand!
Bubbling mud, soothing thermal pools, natural hot springs... New Zealand is a geo-thermal wonderland. You’ll find geothermal areas in both the North and South Islands.
New Zealand boasts some of the top golf courses in the world. Try your luck at one of the many courses sprinkled around the country, from the Far North, to the Deep South.
New Zealand's landscape is purpose built for walking. Get the most out of your visit by taking a guided walk - learn about the landscape, the flora & fauna and - best of all - never get lost!
Horse riding and horse trekking are a great, eco-friendly way to see New Zealand’s backcountry. Each region offers vastly different experiences.
Tried and true entertainment for all the family, mini-golf is a popular and fun way to pass the time in New Zealand.
For a unique Kiwi experience, explore and climb New Zealand’s spectacular and diverse mountain ranges with a guided mountaineering expedition.
A great activity for nearly any age, paintball is a popular pastime in New Zealand. Beware of the bruises!
New Zealand is known for its exceptional ski resorts and heli-skiing opportunities. Get amongst it with this list of unforgettable skiing, snowboarding and heli-skiing adventures.
Adventure tours to scenic tours; garden tours to wine & food tours - join a tour to experience your favourite things with like-minded people.
Venture into New Zealand's beautiful landscape on a walk or hike. Home to many world-famous bush walks, New Zealand is a spectacular walking holiday destination.
Get out and on the water! With thousands of kilometres of coastlines, numerous lakes and winding rivers, you’ll never run out of activities, be it diving, jet boating or kayaking.
New Zealand is home to some world-class wines and top restaurants. Sample a selection of wines on a wine tour in some of New Zealand's best wine regions.
Indulge yourself! Sink into a steaming hot pool; enjoy a relaxing massage; or treat yourself to a soothing spa treatment.
Search through the range of current transport specials to grab yourself a bargain.
New Zealand is well serviced with a strong network of domestic flights to all the main centres.
Exploring New Zealand by bus is easy and affordable. Several companies offer commercial, as well as scenic transport for visitor, covering the length and width of the country.
Travel to your own agenda with a New Zealand rental car. The choice and variety are broad to fit your style & budget.
Take a cruise on a New Zealand ferry. Journey between NZ's islands, or cruise Gulf Harbour.
Travel in luxurious style with a New Zealand limousine rental!
Explore New Zealand's back roads and highways on a motor cycle.
Motorhomes, campervans, RVs... whatever you call them, they're an excellent and popular way of discovering NZ.
Make your way around NZ on a multi-day overland package tour!
Sit back, relax and enjoy a train ride through stunning New Zealand.
Whether to the airport, across town or to another city, shuttles are a convenient and affordable transport option.
Taxis are available in all major towns & cities in New Zealand.
Browse through New Zealand event listings to find an event near you. Stay up to date with the best happenings in the country.
Catch up on travel news related to New Zealand and find out about local happenings without having to leave your house!
A selection of travel writers offer insights into some of New Zealand’s most scenic and often, quirky attractions. These stories are sure to amuse and inform you.
About Christchurch
Christchurch is recovering well from the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes that struck the region. Hundreds of visitors have returned to the city and numerous activities, accommodation providers and eateries have reopened, so come and join the excitement as Christchurch gets back on its feet!
Heritage and History
Christchurch's most recent historic event occurred on February 22, 2011. On that day, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck the region, killing 181 people, destroying many of the region's buildings and severly damaging core infrastructure.
The February earthquake occurred five months after a 7.1 magnitude quake that struck at 4.35am on September 4, 2010. Both the September and February earthquakes were followed by many aftershocks - while some have caused further damage to buildings and infrastructure, many have also not been felt and for the most part do not disrupt day to day life.
Before the earthquakes, Christchurch was well known for its beautiful heritage buildings, in particular the Canterbury Museum, Christ’s College and Arts Centre complexes – prime examples of Gothic Revival architecture. Thankfully all of these examples are still standing following the earthquakes, although the Arts Centre is undergoing extensive renovations.
Christchurch 'The Garden City'
Known as 'The Garden City', Christchurch's moniker is immediately apparent - particularly in spring. Take a tour of the Christchurch Botanical Gardens, or stroll around the 161 hectare Hagley Park - the world's third largest inner city park. Blooming all year round, many private gardens are also open for public viewing.
Christchurch Accommodation & Activities
Although some of the accommodation and activity operators in the central city have closed or are under renovation, there are still many options in the wider city. It is strongly recommended to book in advance of travel. Whilst we try to ensure all the information on our website is up to date and accurate, we ask that you do contact your chosen Christchurch accommodation or activity provider to confirm they are still operational before you arrive.
Shopping in Christchurch
In November 2011, just nine months after the devastating earthquake that destroyed much of the city centre, Christchurch's newest shopping precinct opened: an innovative, open-air shopping mall constructed entirely of shipping containers. Known as the Re:Start the Heart project, the 'container mall' is located in Cashel Street, between Colombo Street and Oxford Terrace, and is a top visitor attraction in its own right.
The demise of the famous Arts Centre market has meant that market stall holders have had to find new spaces to sell the wares: the result being a larger number of smaller markets held frequently around central and suburban Christchurch. On most Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays you'll be spoilt for choice from the range of farmers', artisan, craft and speciality markets on offer in central and suburban Christchurch.
Cultural Attractions
The lively Cultural Precinct that once housed the Christchurch Art Gallery, Arts Centre, Court Theatre and Canterbury Museum was closed after February's disaster. The Arts Centre is undergoing extensive renovations forecast to take several years. However, the Court Theatre (which was located inside the Arts Centre complex) has reopened in the nearby suburb of Addington. And while the Christchurch Art Gallery remains closed (for now), Canterbury Museum is still fully operational with new exhibitions arriving all the time.
Due to the sudden lack of display space for artwork, Christchurch residents have been forced to get creative, and a number of public artworks and interactive spaces have been established in the spaces where buildings once stood. Visit www.gapfiller.org.nz to find out more.
More Information
Download Lonely Planet's guide to Christchurch for more in-depth information on what to do in Christchurch.
Christchurch
Accommodation
Whilst many Christchurch accommodation providers were forced to close following the earthquakes there are still many top quality hotels, motels, backpackers and B&Bs operating in central and suburban Christchurch.
Christchurch
Activities
A large number of Christchurch activities and attractions are still fully operational and welcoming visitors! Parks, zoos, bus tours, day trips, family activities... browse our listings and discover the numerous choices on offer.
