Christchurch & Canterbury
A garden city still visibly rebuilding after the earthquakes, with the recovery itself now part of the story worth seeing, the Southern Alps close enough for a day trip, and punting on a river that runs improbably English through the middle of it all.
The best time to visit Christchurch & Canterbury is Nov–Mar, when typical daytime highs reach about 18°C (64°F). Local time there is 15:35 (UTC+12).
Good for
In season
The year at a glance
January · high 72°F · rain 1.5in · 15.1h of daylight · in the recommended window
shaded columns are the recommended window
| Month | High °CHigh °F | Rain mmRain in | Light | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 22°C72°F | 38mm1.5in | 15.1h15.1h | in the recommended window |
| February | 22°C71°F | 77mm3.0in | 13.9h13.9h | in the recommended window |
| March | 20°C68°F | 55mm2.2in | 12.5h12.5h | in the recommended window |
| April | 18°C64°F | 54mm2.1in | 11.0h11.0h | |
| May | 16°C60°F | 63mm2.5in | 9.7h9.7h | |
| June | 12°C54°F | 63mm2.5in | 9.0h9.0h | |
| July | 11°C53°F | 107mm4.2in | 9.2h9.2h | |
| August | 13°C55°F | 46mm1.8in | 10.4h10.4h | |
| September | 15°C58°F | 54mm2.1in | 11.9h11.9h | |
| October | 17°C62°F | 56mm2.2in | 13.4h13.4h | |
| November | 19°C66°F | 76mm3.0in | 14.7h14.7h | in the recommended window |
| December | 20°C68°F | 86mm3.4in | 15.4h15.4h | in the recommended window |
Good to know
- Currency
- NZD · New Zealand dollar
- Language
- Māori, English
- Plug
- I
- Driving
- on the left
United States: Type A, B at home, you will need an adapter. 230 V there, 120 V at home: check your charger says 100-240 V.
Would your whole group agree on it?
Can't agree where to go? Set what's actually possible, answer eight quick questions each, and out comes the one destination that fits everybody. Even the little ones join in, with questions read aloud and picture answers. Two minutes each, no signup.
Try it with your groupCommon questions
When is the best time to visit Christchurch & Canterbury?
The best time to visit Christchurch & Canterbury is Nov–Mar, when typical daytime highs reach about 18°C (64°F).
How warm does Christchurch & Canterbury get?
Typical daytime highs in Christchurch & Canterbury are Mar–May 18°C (64°F), Jun–Aug 12°C (54°F), Sep–Nov 17°C (62°F), Dec–Feb 21°C (70°F).
Is Christchurch & Canterbury expensive?
On the ground, Christchurch & Canterbury is mid-range.
What sort of trip is Christchurch & Canterbury good for?
Christchurch & Canterbury is good for landscape doing the heavy lifting, moving about and doing things, old stones and real towns, an unhurried pace.