Christchurch,
New Zealand
Christchurch, New Zealand
111
For all emergencies.
Emergency Number
New Zealand Dollar ($)
Local Currency
389,300 (2022)
Population
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Local Time
UTC+12 until 3:00am on 28Sep25, then UTC+13
Time Zone
English
Māori
New Zealand Sign Language
Official/Primary Languages
Port Essentials
Everything you need to know for your visit to Christchurch.
Cruise Terminal
General Information
New Zealand Dollar (NZD $).
Below we've listed some conversion rates for the New Zealand Dollar against popular international currencies. The exchange rates are based on 100 NZD, are refreshed once per day and were last updated on 20 Aug 2025
Currency | Equivalent |
---|---|
USD | 58.34 |
EUR | 49.98 |
GBP | 43.31 |
AUD | 90.62 |
CAD | 80.88 |
JPY | 8577.00 |
CNY | 418.38 |
To convert custom amounts, or to see the exchange rate of the New Zealand Dollar against different currencies, try our currency converter by clicking the button below.
Credit cards, especially Visa and MasterCard, are widely accepted in Christchurch. While American Express is accepted at larger businesses, it's less common than Visa and MasterCard, and surcharges may apply.
Tap-and-pay options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted. Most major banks, like ANZ, TSB, and Kiwibank support these payment methods.
Shops are generally closed on Christmas Day, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. On ANZAC Day, shops may open after 1:00pm.
Check specific store websites or listings for confirmed hours.
Staying connected in Christchurch, New Zealand, is simple thanks to a free public Wi-Fi network covering much of the central city:
- Christchurch Free Wi-Fi: Provided by Enable in partnership with the Christchurch City Council, this network covers key areas across the central city. You’ll find access around popular spots like Riverside Market, Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, and numerous cafés, restaurants, and public spaces.
A note of caution: Public Wi-Fi is convenient, but it’s not always secure. Avoid logging into sensitive accounts or entering personal information when connected to open networks. Consider using a VPN for additional security.
PortQuest recommends Nomad eSIM
Whether you're checking maps, messaging friends, or booking last-minute tours, staying connected matters. That’s why we recommend Nomad eSIMs — one of the best travel eSIMs on the market (and we've tried a few!)
Nomad offers reliable, affordable data in over 100 countries, including most cruise ports. No physical SIM swap, no roaming surprises — just install and go.
Get a Nomad eSIMTransportation
Below is a list of common transport options for cruise ship visitors. We haven't included every possible choice — public transport, for example, is not listed since most visitors won't need it for a short, one-day stay.
Ride-share
Website: Click here.
Phone: 0800 46 8237
Bike Rental
Website: Click here.
Phone: +64 27 222 9893
Website: Click here.
Phone: +64 3 261 9197
Website: Click here.
Phone: +64 3 365 6530
Website: Click here.
Taxi
Website: Click here.
Phone: +64 3 379 9799
Website: Click here.
Phone: +64 3 379 5795
Website: Click here.
Phone: +64 3 377 5555
Chauffeur Services
Website: Click here.
Phone: +64 27 251 1133
Website: Click here.
Phone: +64 3 925 9219
Christchurch is an easy city to explore on foot, especially the flat and compact city centre. There are wide footpaths, safe crossings, and pedestrian-only areas.
Many popular sights, shops, and restaurants are close together. Public transport is also available to reach places further out.
Tip: Consider walking along the central river area, which is both flat and easy, as well as beautiful.
Safety & Health
Call 111
Notes: For all emergencies including Police, Fire, and Ambulance.
Call 0800 611 116
Notes: 24/7 free health advice from registered nurses (non-emergency).
Level 1 – Exercise Normal Safety Precautions
The security environment is similar to that of a large Australian city.
- Use common sense and look out for suspicious behaviour.
- Monitor media for changes to local conditions.
- Check entry requirements before you travel.
Not sure what these levels mean? Learn more about travel advice levels.
Smartraveller is the official travel advice service of the Australian Government. While primarily aimed at Australian citizens, PortQuest believes it offers practical, up-to-date safety guidance for travellers worldwide. See the full advisory on Smartraveller.gov.au .
Last updated: 17 Mar 2025
Weather
°C °F | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Maximum Temp | 21.5 | 21.5 | 19.5 | 17 | 14.3 | 11.3 | 10.8 | 11.9 | 13.9 | 16 | 18 | 20.3 |
Minimum Temp | 13.1 | 13.1 | 11.5 | 9.1 | 6.7 | 4.6 | 3.4 | 4.2 | 5.5 | 7.4 | 9.6 | 12.1 |
Avg Rainfall (mm) | 51 | 44 | 49 | 55 | 54 | 65 | 61 | 47 | 44 | 53 | 56 | 64 |
Avg Rainy Days | 7 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 |
Daylight Hours | 15 | 13.8 | 12.4 | 10.9 | 9.6 | 9 | 9.3 | 10.4 | 11.8 | 13.3 | 14.6 | 15.4 |
Avg UV Index | 8.9 | 8.3 | 7 | 5.2 | 3.4 | 2.3 | 2.8 | 4.2 | 6 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 8.8 |
Best Time to Visit
Cruise ships usually just spend one precious day in port — and we want to help you make the most of it.
To give you the best chance of an enjoyable visit, we’ve created a custom “Best Time to Visit” score for each month, unique to each destination. The score is calculated using factors that are likely to matter the most:
- Comfortable temperatures
- Lower rainfall and fewer rainy days
- More daylight hours
- Moderate UV levels
Each score is based on historical monthly averages and adjusted for each port’s climate. We weight the above factors — for example, long daylight hours and fewer wet days matter more when you're only ashore for part of the day. That's also why no month gets a 10/10, as there's always a trade-off. For example, warmer weather and clear skies comes with higher UV (and more sweat!).
This chart isn't meant to suggest that a port is bad to visit outside the highest rated months — each season provides something memorable for each location. But if you’re deciding when to cruise, this will hopefully give you the best chance of having perfect weather on your visit.
Temperature Chart
Rainfall Chart
UV Index Chart
1–2: Low
3–5: Moderate
6–7: High
8–10: Very High
>10: Extreme
Tours & Experiences
Each tour you see below has been selected for cruise ship visitors. For example, each tour has Free Cancellation, as most of us have experiened the stress of trying to refund a tour when a port visit is cancelled or an itinerary changed on short notice. They're also no more than 6 hours in length, leaving you plenty of time to make dinner on the ship, or explore the port further on foot.
By booking through our links, you help support PortQuest and allow us to continue providing valuable content to enhance your port visits (at no extra cost to you).
Top Attractions
Discover the top attractions in Christchurch, selected for cruise passengers!
Akaroa Harbour
View DetailsBanks Peninsula
View DetailsLake Pukaki
View DetailsArthur's Pass National Park
View DetailsLake Tekapo
View DetailsCanterbury Museum
View DetailsPortQuest Picks
Our team has hand-selected these tours to showcase the best and most unforgettable experiences each port has to offer — ones we've either personally enjoyed or have at the top of our bucket list.
Browse Tours

Full Day Guided Walking Tour and Picnic around Godley Head
Enjoy a stunning guided walk along the Godley Head Loop Track, one of the most breathtaking hikes in Christchurch. Your guide picks you up from your accommodati...
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Discover Christchurch Tour
This is a wonderful way to see Christchurch City. We showcase the best of the city to you and include some of the best local attractions. We enjoy a fabulous lu...
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Uniquely Kiwi Landsailing Adventure
Feel the wind in your face as you race your friends and family around our cusom-built track in a blokart. Fun, safe, accessible, sustainable, and much easier th...
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Luxury Private Guided Crater Rim Walk on Banks Peninsula
Enjoy a private guided walking on Banks Peninsula, a spectacular extinct volcano within 30 minutes of Christchurch. Experience world-class views and see some of...
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Half Day Guided Walking Tour on Banks Peninsula
Enjoy a half-day guided walk on Banks Peninsula, a spectacular extinct volcano only 30 minutes from Christchurch. Experience world-class views and see some of N...
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Waipara Wine Experience for 2 or more, inc tastings and lunch
This is the best wine tour in Christchurch/Canterbury. You will visit some of the best wineries in North Canterbury on the all-inclusive Waipara Wine Experience...
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Canterbury Winery Heli Lunch
Enjoy a helicopter flight to one of our region’s world-renowned wineries to enjoy beautiful food and award-winning wines in the magnificent locations of North C...
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Private Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch
We specializes in providing a range of guided travel experiences, often focusing on adventure and exploration. Embark on a memorable 6-hour Akaroa day trip fr...
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Akaroa Group Day Tour from Christchurch
This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the region, with a guide providing expert insights into the area's rich history and natural beauty. Key highli...
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Methven Opuke Hot Pools Tour
Experience the award winning Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa, located in the heart of Mid-Canterbury. Start in Christchurch, where you’ll begin your bespoke tour fill...
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Christchurch to Aoraki Mount Cook helicopter tour
Fly from Christchurch to view the highest mountain in New Zealand, Aoraki Mount Cook—the training ground of Sir Edmund Hillary. Viewing the Canterbury plains,...
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Private Christchurch City Highlight Half Day Tour
This will be Private tour just for you and your group. There will be no disturb, no noise. You can enjoy the tour with your group. You can see the best highlig...
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Guided Walking Tour & Scenic Drive - Lyttelton & Godley Head
Godley Head is an exciting and beautiful place at the far end of the Port Hills. From Godley Head, you will be treated to uninterrupted and spectacular views of...
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Waipara Wine Trail Group Tour From Christchurch
Waipara Springs, founding winery and restaurant of the Waipara Region, was established in 1989 and remains an entirely owned and operated Family Estate located ...
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Christchurch to Akaroa by Helicopter
Fly from Christchurch to takes in views of extinct volcanoes, rugged coastline and bays filled with the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean. Explore Akaroa by f...
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Kaikoura Whales
Kaikoura Whales Fly with Garden City Helicopters from Christchurch to Kaikoura for the ultimate whale watching experience ever! Take in views of the spectacu...
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Christchurch Helicopter Flights
Get a bird’s-eye view of Christchurch’s road to recovery as you look down upon vacant city blocks as well as ruined buildings that are being rebuilt along Chris...
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Christchurch to Mt Cook via Lake Tekapo Half-Day Tour (One-Way)
Christchurch to Mt Cook via Lake Tekapo Small Group Tour (1 way). This small group, fully-guided day transfer allows you to travel in style to Mt Cook while see...
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Christchurch City Top Sights Half Day Tour(Small Group Tour)
A half-day tour for first-time visitors to Christchurch. Perfect for travelers short on time or those who want to see the city’s top attractions without missing...
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Lyttelton Shore Excursion - Waipara Wine Tour With Lunch
Enjoy exploring three North Canterbury’s boutique vineyards, with wine tastings of both red and white wines and lunch. Wineries that we visit are Waipara Spring...
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Christchurch City Highlights Half Day Tour
You can see the best highlights of Christchurch in one day with great, exciting stories. We will take you to the “MUST SEE” attractions, landscapes, beautiful g...
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Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch City Sights
Embark on a half-day sightseeing tour of Christchurch while your ship is at port in Lyttelton. This tour highlights both the damage to the city inflicted by sev...
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Discover Christchurch Sightseeing Tour with optional International Antarctic Center Admission
Experience the grand architecture, beautiful gardens and scenic view points on a half-day city tour of Christchurch. Wander the Monavale Gardens with pretty pon...
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Waipara Wine Trail Afternoon Tour from Christchurch
Enjoy an afternoon Wine Trail tour exploring three of North Canterbury's boutique vineyards including Waipara Springs, Torlesse, Pegasus Bay, Waipara Hills or G...
Find out moreChristchurch Travel Map
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