30 Best Hotels in Christchurch and Canterbury, New Zealand

Inside the beautifully restored Old Government Building built in 1913, with its sweeping central staircase and high ceilings, the Heritage has suites in an Italian High Renaissance Palazzo style complete with stained-glass windows and dark-wood paneling. It has sports facilities, a fitness center, a heated lap pool, sauna, spa, and the highly rated O.G.B. Bar on the ground floor.

Surrounded by spectacular peaks, beech forests, and serene lakes, this sophisticated back-to-nature lodge shares 4,000 acres with its own high-country merino sheep station and nature reserve in a valley called Te Ko Awa a Aniwaniwa (Valley of the Mother of Rainbows). Rooms have balcony views of this incredible area. Full-day guided trips can take you to limestone caves, a tranquil lake, a glacier basin, or to spots where you might glimpse rare alpine plants and kea (native mountain parrot); you'll soon share the owners' passion for preserving this environment. There is a sister lodge at Lake Moeraki on the West Coast. 

Hidden behind an ivy-clad wall and pretty gardens, this lovely heritage villa boasts modern, spacious rooms. The interior is particularly welcoming with a large lounge and dining area, bathrooms are generous, and there is good off-street parking. The Canterbury Museum, Botanic Gardens, Art Gallery, Tram, and plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars are within easy walking distance. Arrive in time for a complimentary glass of wine at 5:30 pm. There are also three-bedroom apartments with leafy views that are fully self-contained, each spanning three floors.

This lodge is conveniently located right in the heart of Methven, and is one of the larger accommodation providers in the village. You can choose between en suite lodge rooms, or family apartments. There's also a small camping ground out the back. The rooms are simple but adequate and come with flat-screen TVs, and there's also a cozy shared lounge and small bar. 

This gem set on a private farm at Pigeon Bay is made up of four secluded villas, including an ultramodern waterfront home and a magnificent Victorian homestead surrounded by expansive heritage gardens with an impressive pool and spa facilities. You can customize packages to suit couples, families, or larger groups, adding extras like helicopter transfers from Christchurch, private gourmet meals, and wildlife boating tours.

Within walking distance to Akaroa township sits an historic Victorian house, which now stands as a bed-and-breakfast. Nestled among well-kept gardens, a petite vineyard and an avocado orchard, the birdsong here is a delight, especially from the native bellbird. Well-known for its outstanding hospitality, hosts Noel and Sharon will put on drinks and homemade hors d'oeuvres for all guests at 6 pm. Breakfast is a delight with both hot-cooked and continental fare. All six rooms are elegantly decorated; the architecture and the setting are superb, and the owner's passion for collecting has transformed the home into a living heritage museum.

The highly rated accommodations located right at Black Estate's award-winning winery–restaurant is a perfect escape for couples. The stunning, architecturally gorgeous building is stylishly decorated, with access to delicious food and wine. You'll also be able to rent bikes to explore the Waipara Wine Trail, which starts at Black Estate.

Part lodge, part boutique hotel, these slick accommodations were built around all that remained of the original Braemar Lodge—an impressive two-story-high river stone fireplace. Rooms are big and have expansive views across the river plain to Hanmer and its snowy backdrop (in winter). The warm sunny aspect is sheltered from the cold southerly winds that sweep through this area so you'll get real value from your own deck. The interior is neutrally contemporary; the rooms all have gas fires, swiveling TVs, and marble bathrooms. The on-premises Altitude Restaurant is worth a visit.  

These affordable one- and two-bedroom apartment-style units are just a two-minute walk from the center of town, surrounded by landscaped gardens. Shackleton's Bar and Grill features the best Canterbury produce, perfect after drinks in front of the open fire in the bar. They also do different packages including ballooning, golf, fishing tours, mountain shuttles, and ski and helicopter trips.

Just minutes from the airport and 10 minutes from central Christchurch, this family-owned, resort-style accommodation includes a heated indoor pool, sauna, spa, fitness center, and tennis court. Rooms are quiet, large, and comfortable, with the latest TVs and generous bathrooms. The stylishly landscaped terrace area, with a big open fireplace, is a great place to relax with a drink just about all year-round. Staff are superfriendly and helpful.

As Christchurch's tallest central city building (once an office tower), this is a prime location with spectacular views overlooking historic Victoria Square and the Avon River. Comfortable beds and quiet zones guarantee a good night's sleep. There's a chic restaurant, café, and bar, plus a well equipped gym. The Crowne Plaza is in walking distance to nearly everything in the city, and just around the corner from historic New Regent Street and Isaac Theatre Royal.

This 11-floor, upscale, New Zealand--owned and -operated hotel is a postearthquake renovation with a contemporary design. It's an easy walk to all the main shopping and dining areas, with the acclaimed O.G.B. Bar next door. Expect the latest technology and top-quality bedding and room comfort.

Set in beautifully landscaped gardens, this hotel is across the road from the thermal pools, and staying here will remind you of the grand, genteel era in which it was built. There are garden suites and three-bedroom self-contained villas that are great for families, too. Breakfast is served on the front courtyard or in Isobel's Restaurant, which also offers excellent evening dining and a top local wine list.

One of the city's newer boutique hotels, the Mayfair is within walking distance to the CBD and just a short stroll away from Hagley Park—the rooms are clean, bright, and modern with all the latest technologies. The Top of The House rooms and suites are a bit more expensive but have great views from a private balcony over the city. There's a bustling café on ground level. A breakfast package can also be purchased as an extra with the room. 

This modern accommodation complex has both motel rooms and apartments for small or large groups. It's warm in winter, which is a big plus for weary skiers, and many of the units have whirlpools, and all have the latest showers. Ask them about their apartments and holiday homes off-site, too.

This is the biggest spot in town with a main lodge that has private and shared rooms; there are also two separate cottages, two motel units, and backpacker dorms in the old YHA lodge. You can sign up for one of the bedrooms in the cottages, reserve an entire cottage, or choose a bed in the private or dorm rooms in the main lodge. There's one women-only bunk room. The interior design may be homely, but you can't argue with the impressive peaks right outside your window.

If you’ve come south for the views and outdoor activities then the Mt. Hutt Lodge delivers with its laid-back atmosphere. By day you’ll look out across the magnificent, sometimes turquoise Rakaia River toward Mt. Hutt, the area’s main ski field. By night you’ll be amazed at the clarity of the sky and the sheer depth of stars. Rooms are clean and pleasant with an eclectic mix on offer from motel units to time-share apartments of up to three bedrooms.

From the moment you walk into the futuristic lobby you will receive a warm welcome from staff who know the city well and can help with directions and recommendations. The comfortable, smart rooms have views overlooking the Southern Alps, New Regent Street, or directly on to the still-damaged cathedral. The restaurant has clever nooks designed for sole diners, a nod to the many business travelers the hotel attracts.

Surrounded by a tranquil garden, just a two-minute walk from town and a few steps from Akaroa Harbour, this character Victorian manor house has its original, ornate plaster ceilings and marble fireplaces. The house has been completely refurbished after the earthquakes with modern bathrooms and amenities. You'll also find fresh flowers in the spacious and pleasantly decorated rooms. Drive to the far end of Beach Road where the road runs onto what looks like a private driveway shared by a number of properties. Just follow that road a little farther to Oinako, which is marked.

Once a real vicarage, Old Glenmark is now a funky barn lodging—with lots of rough-sawn timber and colonial trimmings—that's suitable for families and makes a very comfortable base while touring the area. The Wicked Vicar, the Vicar's Mistress, Divine Daughter and the Sweeter Daughter are not members of the staff at this pleasant Victorian homestay, but are wines produced from the owners' small vineyard.

Just 20 minutes from Christchurch and almost hidden by glorious century-old gardens is one of New Zealand's most important historic homes, now an award-winning luxury retreat. Built in 1895 in Queen Anne style for Sir Heaton Rhodes, a high-profile Member of Parliament of the time, the three-story homestead has been restored to its former grandeur, yet has all the modern amenities you would expect in an exclusive luxury lodge. Each of Otahuna's seven suites has a distinctive character and reveals a different element of the Otahuna story. Original fireplaces complement the rooms and the wisteria-blue drawing room is divine. Be sure to wander the 30 acres of gardens (guided tours available), and take a dip in the heated pool (summer only). Do spend some time in the potager garden and the kitchen with the chef to learn some of his secrets.

Tucked in among giant kahikatea trees and native forest, and overlooking Little Mt. Peel (which isn't so little), this comfortable log lodge provides a haven of peace and quiet. Opened as a hunting and fishing lodge it's a nice getaway if you want to experience the great outdoors without hiking miles up into the hills. There are four bedrooms—two share a bathroom—all looking out to the mountains. You can self-cater, have breakfast provided, or request a fully catered service. Nearby there's rafting, fishing, hunting, horse trekking, hiking, helicopter tours, and visits to Mesopotamia Station up in the high country. It's available for exclusive bookings only.

Set on leafy Latimer Square, this newly built low-rise hotel is just a few minutes' walk from the central city, but far enough away to be quiet and relaxed. Many of the rooms and family-size suites overlook the square, and there is a spacious penthouse taking up the entire top level. It's just a short walk to the Transitional "Cardboard" Cathedral, a must-visit symbol of the new Christchurch. Do dine in the splendor of Bloody Mary's steakhouse restaurant—and don't forget to ask about the intriguing story of how it got its name.

This property has peaceful apartments and studios set off Amuri Avenue, the main street into Hanmer. Upstairs rooms have balconies with views of Mt. Isobel, and two apartments have private courtyards. Handcrafted slat beds and furniture have been installed in all the rooms, and each unit has either a full kitchen or kitchenette. A continental breakfast is available on request.

This lodge has comfortable and heated self-contained apartments and private rooms. It features a popular restaurant and bar, with cozy indoor dining by a roaring fire, or alfresco with mountain views. A light continental breakfast is included, and there's also the option to use the free ski storage and laundry facilities. Relax in the shared lounge area; watch TV and play a game of pool. 

Just 5 minutes from the airport, the Sudima has a gym and on-site restaurant including buffet dinner. Canterbury Museum, International Antarctic Centre, and Isaac Theatre Royal are nearby cultural highlights. From 6 am, a full buffet breakfast can be purchased as an extra in the room price, and there is a small à la carte menu that can be ordered from.

Considered a top golf resort in New Zealand, Terrace Downs is a good place to base yourself for a vacation away from the crowds. Although not strictly in Methven, Terrace Downs is a 20-minute drive away, with spectacular views of the Rakaia Gorge and the looming presence of Mt. Hutt. Accommodations are in a series of contemporary one- to three-bedroom villas and larger fairway chalets perched on a ridge above the clubhouse and restaurant, with views from their balconies over the golf course and of the mountains.

Adjacent to the thermal pools, this stylish, eco-friendly, 14-unit complex offers a choice of spacious one- and two-bedroom units. Most have sunny balconies with alpine views. There's a large parking lot in front and plenty of activities right on the doorstep.

Wake up to fresh-baked bread and newly laid eggs (when chickens are laying) at this basic-but-rather-quirky backpacker lodge housed in old railway carriages and huts. It's first-come, first-served for breakfast in the station waiting room (now a communal kitchen). Some of the carriages retain old leather seating and travel posters. There are also powered campervan sites and a number of tent sites, and they are close to the Weka Pass vintage railway.