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111

For all emergencies.

Emergency Number

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New Zealand Dollar ($)

Local Currency

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389,300 (2022)

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UTC+12 until 3:00am on 28Sep25, then UTC+13

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English
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Port Essentials

Everything you need to know for your visit to Christchurch.

Cruise Terminal

Address 37-39 Gladstone Quay, Lyttelton, Canterbury, 8082, New Zealand
Distance to CBD 12 km (7.5 miles)
Tender Required No
Walk Off/Shuttle Shuttle Required
Notes The Lyttelton cruise terminal is located approximately 12 kilometers southeast of Christchurch. Shuttles are usually provided to both Lyttleton and Christchurch.

General Information

Current Offset UTC+12
Daylight Saving Start Sunday, 28 September 2025 at 3:00am local time. The offset moves to UTC+13.
Daylight Saving End Sunday, 5 April 2026 at 2:00am local time. The offset moves to UTC+12.
Primary Local Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZD $).

Currency Conversions

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.

Overall expectation Tipping is not customary in New Zealand, as workers are generally paid a living wage.
Weekdays 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturdays 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sundays 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Notes

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 eSIM
Outlets Type I
Voltage 230V at 50Hz
Outlet and Plug
Electrical outlet

Transportation

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

Uber

Website: Click here.

Phone: 0800 46 8237

E-Scooter

Lime

Website: Click here.

Phone: 0800 467 001

Neuron

Website: Click here.

Bike Rental

Bike Venture

Website: Click here.

Phone: +64 27 222 9893

Action Bicycle Club

Website: Click here.

Phone: +64 3 261 9197

Chill Explore

Website: Click here.

Phone: +64 3 365 6530

Hire Bikes

Website: Click here.

Taxi

Blue Star Taxis

Website: Click here.

Phone: +64 3 379 9799

Gold Band Taxis

Website: Click here.

Phone: +64 3 379 5795

First Direct

Website: Click here.

Phone: +64 3 377 5555

Chauffeur Services

ChauffeurNZ

Website: Click here.

Phone: +64 27 251 1133

PrimeTravel

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.

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

Universal

Call 111

Notes: For all emergencies including Police, Fire, and Ambulance.

Healthline

Call 0800 611 116

Notes: 24/7 free health advice from registered nurses (non-emergency).

Current Travel Advisory for New Zealand.

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

Safe to drink? Yes
Precautions Tap water is safe and reliable. Consider using bottled water if you are sensitive to mineral content changes from your home location.


Weather

Monthly weather in Christchurch
°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.

Best Time To Visit

Temperature Chart

Monthly Max/Min Temperature Chart

Rainfall Chart

Monthly Rainfall & Rainy Days Chart

UV Index Chart

Monthly 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
4.9 (2227)
View Details
Banks Peninsula
4.8 (2182)
View Details
Lake Pukaki
4.7 (2074)
View Details
Arthur's Pass National Park
4.7 (922)
View Details
Lake Tekapo
4.6 (1439)
View Details
Canterbury Museum
4.6 (1063)
View Details

PortQuest 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.

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Browse Tours

Full Day Guided Walking Tour and Picnic around Godley Head
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...

$181 USD (≈ 311 NZD)
6h 0m
5.0 (136)
Find out more
Discover Christchurch Tour
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...

$235 USD (≈ 403 NZD)
6h 0m
5.0 (94)
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Uniquely Kiwi Landsailing Adventure
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...

$60 USD (≈ 102 NZD)
2h 0m
5.0 (28)
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Luxury Private Guided Crater Rim Walk on Banks Peninsula
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...

$353 USD (≈ 606 NZD)
6h 0m
5.0 (22)
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Half Day Guided Walking Tour on Banks Peninsula
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...

$151 USD (≈ 259 NZD)
4h 0m
5.0 (31)
Find out more
Waipara Wine Experience for 2 or more, inc tastings and lunch
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...

$108 USD (≈ 185 NZD)
5h 30m
4.9 (127)
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Canterbury Winery Heli Lunch
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...

$535 USD (≈ 916 NZD)
3h 0m
5.0 (6)
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Private Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch
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...

$634 USD (≈ 1087 NZD)
6h 0m
5.0 (5)
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Akaroa Group Day Tour from Christchurch
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...

$118 USD (≈ 202 NZD)
6h 0m
5.0 (3)
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Methven Opuke Hot Pools Tour
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...

$109 USD (≈ 186 NZD)
6h 0m
5.0 (3)
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Christchurch to Aoraki Mount Cook helicopter tour
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,...

$1896 USD (≈ 3251 NZD)
3h 0m
5.0 (2)
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Private Christchurch City Highlight Half Day Tour
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...

$172 USD (≈ 295 NZD)
4h 0m
5.0 (2)
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Guided Walking Tour & Scenic Drive - Lyttelton & Godley Head
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...

$138 USD (≈ 237 NZD)
3h 0m
5.0 (2)
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Waipara Wine Trail Group Tour From Christchurch
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 ...

$127 USD (≈ 217 NZD)
1h 0m
5.0 (2)
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Christchurch to Akaroa by Helicopter
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...

$468 USD (≈ 802 NZD)
2h 0m
5.0 (1)
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Kaikoura Whales
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...

$1480 USD (≈ 2536 NZD)
3h 0m
5.0 (1)
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Christchurch Helicopter Flights
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...

$199 USD (≈ 342 NZD)
0h 35m
5.0 (1)
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Christchurch to Mt Cook via Lake Tekapo Half-Day Tour (One-Way)
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...

$120 USD (≈ 206 NZD)
5h 0m
4.8 (13)
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Christchurch City Top Sights Half Day Tour(Small Group Tour)
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...

$112 USD (≈ 192 NZD)
3h 0m
4.3 (3)
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Lyttelton Shore Excursion - Waipara Wine Tour With Lunch
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...

$109 USD (≈ 186 NZD)
5h 0m
4.6 (18)
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Christchurch City Highlights Half Day Tour
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...

$112 USD (≈ 192 NZD)
4h 0m
4.2 (9)
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Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch City Sights
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...

$60 USD (≈ 104 NZD)
3h 30m
4.5 (203)
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Discover Christchurch Sightseeing Tour with optional International Antarctic Center Admission
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...

$54 USD (≈ 93 NZD)
3h 0m
4.2 (38)
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Waipara Wine Trail Afternoon Tour from Christchurch
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...

$88 USD (≈ 150 NZD)
5h 30m
4.4 (425)
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Christchurch Travel Map

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Legend

  • Terminal icon Cruise Terminal
  • Restaurant icon Restaurants
  • Bar/Pub icon Bars & Pubs
  • Hospital icon Hospitals (Emergency)
  • Pharmacy icon Pharmacies
  • Attraction icon General Attractions
  • Museum/Gallery icon Museums & Galleries
  • Zoo icon Zoos