Christchurch on a Budget: Garden City Adventures

Discover the charm of Christchurch without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Christchurch, New Zealand offers budget-friendly accommodation options that cater to travellers on a limited budget. Visitors can explore the city's vast parks, including Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens, free of charge. Additionally, cheap food options include local markets and food trucks that offer a taste of New Zealand's diverse cuisine.

Day trip plan

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  • Start with a stroll through the Botanic Gardens, admiring the colorful flowers and foliage.
  • Check out the Re:START mall, made entirely of repurposed shipping containers and featuring local businesses.
  • Stop by the Christchurch Art Gallery, which offers free admission and showcases both local and international artists.
  • Have lunch at The Pizza Library, a quirky pizzeria with bookshelves lining the walls.
  • Take a walk along the Avon River, enjoying the serene atmosphere and scenery.
  • End the day at the Cardboard Cathedral, a unique structure made from cardboard tubes and a symbol of Christchurch's resilience after the 2011 earthquake.
  • Bonus: Grab a budget-friendly bite to eat at one of the food trucks at The Commons, a lively outdoor eating and drinking destination.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Christchurch, New Zealand by plane is to fly into Christchurch International Airport from major international airports such as Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. You can also fly from other regional airports within New Zealand such as Auckland or Wellington.

Car

Driving to Christchurch, New Zealand is a great option if you want to explore the stunning scenery of the South Island. The most popular route is to travel from Auckland to Wellington, and then take the Interislander ferry to Picton. From Picton, you can drive down the east coast to Christchurch.

Train

There is no direct train service to Christchurch, New Zealand. However, you can take the TranzAlpine train from Greymouth on the West Coast of the South Island, which is renowned for its stunning scenery.

Boat

You can take a cruise ship to Christchurch, New Zealand which docks at the Lyttelton Port. Another option is to take the Interislander ferry from Wellington to Picton and then drive down the east coast to Christchurch.

Bus

The best way to get to Christchurch, New Zealand by bus is to take a direct bus service from major cities such as Auckland, Wellington or Queenstown. Alternatively, you can take a hop-on-hop-off bus service to explore the South Island at your own pace.

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