A visit in the South Island of New Zealand is not complete without a tour in Christchurch. It is the second-largest city in the country and also the gateway to the South Island. The city is situated on the edge of the Canterbury Plains and was bordered by hills and the Pacific Ocean. The central city and some of its eastern suburbs have suffered earthquakes but it continues to operate. Christchurch is still a great place to live, work and of course, play!
If you choose Christchurch as your next holiday destination, you will certainly enjoy a lot of attractions and activities. The Garden City has a spectacular natural surroundings and inspiring history. Some of the things you can see and do in the city are a visit to the gallery, museums tours, whale watching and skiing.
Staying a day or two is not a problem also because there is plenty of tourist accommodation. All you have to do is to know where to look and make the right choice.
Christchurch offers a diverse range of accommodation with something for every level of comfort and budget that you have. Your choices range from luxury, boutique, hotels, motels, apartments, holiday homes , backpackers and holiday parks. To help you find the perfect accommodation, they have this so-called Qualmark stars. Use it to compare different accommodations because it is New Zealand tours' official mark of quality. Qualmark can be used to compare the following:
Hotels – There are a number of luxury hotels in Christchurch with 4 plus, 4, 3 plus and 3 ratings. There are elegant boutique and big chain hotels also. The price of each room may vary from one hotel to another but expect to pay more for accommodations with perfect view of the town and with complete amenities.
Self-catered accommodations – You will also find self-contained apartments, lodges or cottages. This type of accommodation is very famous in New Zealand and Christchurch is not an exception. Although their prices are not necessarily lower than hotels rooms, they provide the comfort and privacy that most of us desire during a vacation. Self catered accommodations have 1 to 2 bedrooms plus a living room so perfect for the whole family and more affordable for longer stays.
Motels / Motor Lodges – These are very ample in Christchurch because they are extremely affordable. The rooms have the basic amenities, clean and provide a good level of comfort. This is perfect for those who want to stay away from the city and all the sounds and noise that come with it.
Christchurch is a great place to have a holiday with its breathtaking scenery and natural wonders. However, before you explore the city, you need to decide which type of accommodation is suits your budget and needs.