Which Christchurch Hotel Will You Choose?

From heritage stays to modern luxury, these are the best Christchurch accommodation options for your next visit to the largest city on New Zealand’s South Island.

Sudima Christchurch City

On the doorstep of the vibrant Victoria Street restaurant precinct, the Sudima is a new luxury boutique hotel that gleams with subtle golden cladding and boasts stylish modern interiors in its 86 rooms. Part of New Zealand’s first carbon neutral hotel group, it also offers excellent all-day a la carte dining at in-house restaurant and bar Vices & Virtues, as well as a smorgasbord of pampering at day spa Moss.

The George

Directly across the road from the city’s iconic Hagley Park, the five-star George hotel embraces Christchurch’s “Garden City” status with a subtle botanical theme infusing its opulently decorated rooms and suites. Public areas are decorated with works by some of New Zealand’s most acclaimed artists including Ralph Hotere and Bill Hammond – guests can book a private tour, accompanied by a guide and a complimentary glass of NZ sparkling.

Image credit: The George

Heritage Christchurch

Architecture buffs and history hounds will love this beautifully restored memento of the city’s past. Built in the opulent Italian High Renaissance Palazzo style, the 1913 building on central Cathedral Square was fortuitously saved from the wreckers’ ball and reimagined into Heritage Christchurch, complete with heated lap pool. You’ll also find acclaimed speakeasy-style cocktail bar OGB at the same address.

Rydges Latimer Christchurch

Perched on the edge of the English-style inner-city park of Latimer Square, within a stone’s throw of the cutting-edge architecture of the temporary “Cardboard Cathedral”, the smart Rydges Latimer Christchurch mixes corporate-chic livery with friendly Kiwi service. The upper floors of the five-floor hotel have lovely views of the Port Hills and Southern Alps, while steakhouse restaurant Bloody Mary’s offers a winning celebration of New Zealand beef.

Image credit: Laneway Photography

Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square

The modern high-rise Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square stands out in a low-rise city. The Cathedral Square address means it’s close to all of Christchurch’s main attractions, such as the Riverside Market, and if you head to the high ground – otherwise known as the executive suites – you’ll be rewarded with mesmerising views of the city and the Southern Alps.

Dyers House

Angela Hanson and Barry Hawkins, the owners of Dyers House, a grand hilltop Edwardian 10 minutes from the city centre, have all the tricks and tips of Christchurch at their fingertips. When you’re done exploring their recommendations, the boutique lodge of just three self-contained suites has a grandly decorated communal sitting room for relaxing on a chaise lounge as well as a beautifully maintained garden to stroll through.

Peppers Clearwater Resort

Golfing aficionados rejoice: the sprawling Peppers Clearwater Resort (pictured above and top) on nearby Lake Kaikainui has its own 18-hole championship course. The Christchurch iteration of the Australian boutique brand hotel brand offers more outdoors fun in the form of trout fishing in closeby lakes and streams (they can even arrange a guide to show you the finer points of fly fishing) but if that sounds like too much hard work for dinner, the resort’s Lume Restaurant goes deep into the produce of the Canterbury region.