South Island’s biggest city and possibly the best destination to experience a wealth of New Zealand’s wilderness and a ton of Kiwi culture would be Christchurch. While a large part of the city’s development may have been decimated, owing to earthquakes in the past years, the undying spirit and bursts of vivaciousness remain. New markets have emerged, eclectic bars and restaurants boost Christchurch’s hospitality scene, wads of art oozes from here and there, and interesting ‘rebuilding’ tours (of sights that sustained damage from the earthquake) make it well worth a stop. Check yourselves into one of these top Airbnbs in Christchurch, New Zealand, and experience everything that this city has to offer – trust us, you’ll not be disappointed.
1. Kid-friendly studio house for five (from USD 71)
If minimalism and luxury had physical manifestations, this studio house would be it. Spread across a bedroom, living space, kitchen and dining area, attached balcony, and a sprawling attached garden, this house can comfortably sleep up to five guests. It is especially recommended for families with little children since there’s lots of space for them to rollick around and even a swing and a playhouse for them to use for their enjoyment. Standard facilities (laundry, WiFi access, and kitchenette essentials) and amenities (tea/coffee refreshments, cereals, and toiletries) will be made available for your use. Plus, there’s free street parking, for those of you driving down. The property is less than 5 minutes’ distance from the city’s airport and about 15 minutes’ drive away from the main city.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
bedsheets were warm and thankful for the heater keeping us warm and toasty throughoutnice room for 4 familydefinitely recommend for anyone looking to rent a comfortable unit at christchurchamazing host cozy studio with all the amenitiesher place is stunning: well decorated very private with great bathroom and super comfy bedCleanliness:
extremely clean and tidyunit was clean and well appointed clean and comfortablesparkling clean and super stylish placeit was very clean and tastefully furnishedroom was very clean and spaciousHost:
sharon is nice hostsharon is an amazing hostvery outstanding service good hostshe is a friendly host who shared with us dining recommendationsthe host is very friendlyRead more reviewsLocation:
a really nice apartment close to the airportgreat location close to the airport if you arrive/leave to christchurchfantastic place to stay close to the airporta perfect location and hostperfect location for those taking a morning flight
2. Cosy home for two (from USD 53)
Done up in the most colourful manner, accentuated by lots of greenery, and enlivened by ample light, this one-bedroom house is the perfect accommodation for two. There’s an attached deck, and even a garden, so you can bask in the Kiwi airs. Else, stay indoors and enjoy self-cooked meals from the house’s kitchenette – we hear that Lou (the hostess) keeps it well stocked! There’s a bus stop just about 10 minutes’ walking distance from here, so you can enjoy easy access to several parts of the city.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
comfortable self catering accommodation with small kitchenettewarm and comfortable independent room with lovely porch and small courtyard functionalit was well stocked with breakfast items and had all the other amenities one would wantthe shower was great along with all the other amenitieslou has the heater cranked waiting for my arrival and appreciated the breakfast foods providedCleanliness:
a great clean quiet place to stayvery clean tidy warm and cosy uniteverything was clean and the washroom was spaciousher place is tidy and clean recommendit is quiet clean and well equippedHost:
host is lovely very thoughtful and attentivethank you lou for being such a friendly hostthank you lou for your kind hospitality we'd return anytimethe host goes the extra mile to accommodate tourists in being very thoughtful in hospitalitybeautiful place and good hostRead more reviewsLocation:
the bus is very convenient and the local indian restaurant is deliciousa nice place in an interesting citya great place to break up my journey and restawesome space and location easy to get around and super helpful tips from lou :)awesome stay cozy a snuggly wee spot close to city centre will defs be back
3. Apartment with easy access to tourist spots (from USD 87)
Newly renovated, extremely clean, and a bangin’ value-for-money, this studio apartment is for travellers planning to cover lots of tourist sites in Christchurch. It is located in Cathedral Junction, which brings all attractions in Christchurch Central City within easy access from this rental. The apartment is equipped with standard amenities and basic kitchenette essentials (coffee maker, utensils and cutlery, toaster, microwave, etc.), enough for you to prepare light meals.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
nice cozy place with all the amenitiesthe apt is beautifully decorated with all the amenities that i neededthe room was a perfect space for two peoplethe apartment is bigger then it looks in the photos and stylishly furnished - would definitely recommendwe had such comfortable nights thereCleanliness:
very clean and secureplace is very clean and well maintainedvery clean well set up and comfortable apartmentstylish comfortable and clean apartmentspotlessly clean and the decor super cuteHost:
fantastic host with amazing servicethe check in process was super easy and the hosts are very communicativefantastic hosts willing to provide guidance and assist as neededhosts are thoughtful and very responsivegreat hosts friendly and quick to communicate withRead more reviewsLocation:
great location right in the city center walking distance to everythingthe best location in christchurchcute place in a really great central locationperfect location and very convenientgreat location and very comfortable bed
4. Spacious apartment with easy access to city centre (from USD 57)
Located about five minutes’ drive from Christchurch Central City, this one-bedroom house is a brilliant option for a family of four. Plus, you’ll have easy access to Lyttelton Harbour, Sumner Beach, and even Christchurch Adventure Park. As for the living space itself, large floor-to-ceiling windows allow ample light into the house and gorgeous views of the attached garden. You can kick back and relax indoors, cook yourself meals in-house – the kitchenette is stocked with basics (cereals, tea/coffee refreshments, fruit, milk, cooking oils, etc.) – or make use of unlimited WiFi to get some work done. Guests with small children can request the host to make a cot and high chair available too!
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
nice oak table and chairs and comfy sofacomfortable space with plenty of natural lightmodern bathroom and great water pressure with air con and heatall kitchen amenities for light cooking and the bench top oven was appreciatedthe room was lovely and big with lots of natural light from the big windowsCleanliness:
nice clean homely and warm spaceeverything was extremely clean and tidyclean quiet comfortable and cosythe flat was clean and homelyit was clean spacious and cozyHost:
she was very attentive and kindhayley is a great hostshe is friendly and helpfulour host hayley was unobtrusive but very helpful and responded quickly to any requests we madethe host family is really kind and friendlyRead more reviewsLocation:
good location with good facilities easy to find and nearby to the shopping mall thank u haleygreat location & cozy apartment perfect for what i wantedhayley’s place is near to city centre we love how comfortable her place wasa beautiful space in a great locationgreat location close to get anywhere lovely spot and very clean
5. Brilliantly equipped rental at a great location (from USD 49)
About five minutes’ distance from the Christchurch Airport, ten minutes from Christchurch Central City, and convenient access to lots of other tourist spots around, this studio home makes for a fantastic choice of stay for up to two guests. The rental’s tariff includes the daily cleaning fee, laundry facilities (upon request), unlimited WiFi accessibility, and basic breakfast essentials – awesome, innit? Plus, lots of space for you to kick back and relax. There’s also a large patio for you to soak in some Kiwi airs and sun. Else, step out and explore the many things Christchurch has to offer.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
fantastic room with quality amenitiesplace was very clean and the chairs were particularly comfortablemachi & roger’s place is 5 mins drive from the airport with comfortable bed and great amenitiesa small and comfortable space for 2complimentary tea coffee & breakfast was a wonderful little touch with plenty to choose fromCleanliness:
lovely clean and modern unitsparkling clean and very moderneverything was spotlessly cleanthe place was clean and newvery clean very comfortable bed and warmHost:
cheers to the hosts againmacho & roger are one of the best hosts around their hospitality is unrivalledlovely stay and excellent hostsmachi and roger were fantastic hoststhey are so kind and wonderful hosts highly recommend their spaceRead more reviewsLocation:
close to the airport in a nice neighborhoodperfect for location and conveniencesuper close to the airport as wellgreat place to stay and near to the airportgreat location very near christchurch airport which is great after a long haul flight
6. Modern condo with excellent facilities (from USD 60)
This one-bedroom condominium is ideal for up to two guests. The living space has an attached patio and courtyard, so you’ll have enough space at your disposal. While indoors, you can prepare yourselves light meals in the kitchenette and/or make use of entertainment facilities, such as the PlayStation 3, unlimited WiFi, and Netflix. Else, step out and explore Christchurch, since there are quite a few eateries, sightseeing spots, and theatres within a walking distance.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
there were lots of thoughtful touches that made it comfortable and invitingcouple of notes:- excellent linen is used on the bedthe bed was very comfortable and the room had everything we neededthe room was amazing with some of the facilitiesCleanliness:
very clean and tidyclean and niceclean and comfortable roomvery clean and neatits very clean and comfortableHost:
cynthia is a nice hosthost is very friendly and nicehost was quick to communicate and provided clear instructionssuch a kind hostcommunications were quick and responsiveRead more reviewsLocation:
easy walking distance to everythingthe location is greatnice location just a quick walk to the city centergreat place walking distance to the citythe location was great too being a short walk away from everything we needed
7. Centrally located studio apartment (from USD 109)
In its one bedroom and a common living area, this plush Airbnb vacation rental can easily sleep up to three guests. The space has been done up in an entirely sophisticated and modern fashion, with all amenities and facilities included (full kitchen, free parking, entertainment options, toiletries and linens, etc.). It is located in Cathedral Junction, so you have a world of shops and other interesting tourist spots within an easy distance. Else, you can hitch a tram and explore other parts of the city too.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
a very stylish apartment with plenty of natural lightit was very comfortable and the bedding was lovelywe vey much enjoyed staying in their light and airy apartmentthe entire apartment was exactly as in the pictures and felt totally comfortable and safewe had an amazing stay at this apartmentCleanliness:
clean and well furnishedplace was sparkling clean and stylishly designedroom was clean and fully equippedzeenie and sarah’s place was great it was super clean and comfortablewell equipped and spotlessly cleanHost:
the hosts were excellent communicatorsthe hosts are nice and responsivehosts are easy to communicate withthe hosts were also easy to contact and were very accommodatingthe hosts were super helpful when i wanted to extend my booking and were great to communicate withRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is fantasticgreat location right in the city center walking distance to everythingcute apartment in a nice and convenient locationmany central christchurch sites of interest are within easy walking distancefantastic location and gorgeous apartment
8. Suite-living for two
Overlooking a swimming pool on one side and gorgeous sand dunes on the other, this suite is the perfect place to accommodate up to two guests. It is part of a larger house, but complete privacy and lots of on-site facilities are guaranteed. While here, you can enjoy a fun barbecue session and seat yourself on the outdoor chairs to devour your relishes as well as the scenery around. Other than this, there’s also an on-site outdoor and indoor (heated) swimming pool each, sauna, hot outdoor showers, etc. Else, pick up one of the bikes (available for guest use for free) and go around exploring the neighbourhood. If you want to venture out further, the New Brighton Pier is about half an hour away, while Christchurch Central City is about 15 - 20 minutes away.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
other amenities include a heated pool washer dual-temperature air purifying fan and well equipped kitchen for homely comfortslots of great amenities in the kitchen and bathso many amenities and extras tucked into a lovely apartmentthe yard comes with an outdoor shower and beach chairs for better appreciation of the peaceful fieldsmy daughter had a lot of fun in the heated poolCleanliness:
clean and well designed houseclean comfortable and invitingvery clean and modern place as wellplace was sparking cleanexceptionally clean which is very much appreciated by meHost:
kate was really helpful hostkate has been a very nice hostkate is an extremely wonderful host and she provides a fantastic service for her guestsvery kind and generous hostkate is one of our favorite hostsRead more reviewsLocation:
amazing two minute walk to the beachgreat beach side location in the northern suburbs of christchurch with easy car access to the cityperfect location too easy access to the city but in a quiet beach side settingthe location is perfect a few step from the beachit is a perfectly private place to relax and walk on the beach
9. Sophisticated home with views
Also a suite, this vacation rental can comfortably sleep up to four guests and is equipped with all standard facilities and amenities. It is less than five minutes’ distance from several shops and bars in the city, so is a popular choice among travellers. What makes it even better is an on-site outdoor pool and a spa, allowing fabulous views of Christchurch’s skyline and the Southern Alps far ahead. However, do note that the host stays on-site, although in a different section; they have a dog who may welcome you with a friendly bark, so don’t be afraid. Or, if you are, do let the hosts know in advance.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
beautiful view and great facilitiesgreat amenities especially the poolthe most impressing one is the view to look christchurch in front of the poolstunning views with a pool and spa at the doorstep to a private roomdee's place is lovely and comfortable and with outstanding views over christchurch lovely extras and nothing too much troubleCleanliness:
so spotlessly clean and comfortableeverything is exceptionally cleanroom is very clean and tidyvery spacious clean and well-stockedvery clean accommodation with breakfast provided which was more than adequateHost:
kind host and tidy roomdee was friendly and a great hostshe is a lovely host and helpt us with her kindness and hospitalitythank you super hostdee was a fantastic host would definitely recommendRead more reviewsLocation:
great place in a great locationquiet location with fabulous facilitiesgreat location and value if you plan to stay in christchurchbeautiful place 20 minutes to airport and 10 minutes to city centereverything was nice and easy and great location
10. Quaint cottage for a family stay
With a sophisticated appeal in its decor and a vibe of Britishness abounding the atmosphere, this Airbnb vacation rental is the perfect nesting spot for a family getaway. It can easily sleep up to four guests in its two bedrooms on a double occupancy basis and is removed from Christchurch’s downtown hustle-bustle to give you an ideal space to bond and relax. But, if you do feel like stepping out, the city centre is about 20 minutes’ stroll away and a bunch of fantastic eateries and brewpubs are also nearby. The cottage has been recently renovated, so you can be assured the latest amenities. However, if you do find something missing, let Jane (the hostess) know and she’ll ensure you enjoy a fab stay here.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
good amenities and wifiit is very comfortable and has good amenitiesthe cottage had everything needed for the stay and was very cozy and comfortablethe cottage was lovely and cosy with a great fireplace in the living room to keep us warma perfect place for 2 couples like us with two queen bedsCleanliness:
a lovely cottage clean and tidyadorable cottage clean beautiful touches inside we loved itbeds were comfortable place was clean heating worked wellthe house is clean and welcoming and well insulated with sufficient heatingwonderful house clean and great amenitiesHost:
great host and charming warm housejane provided great local recommendations and was responsivehighly recommend as a friendly and responsive hostcute place & nice hostjane was also so friendly and responsiveRead more reviewsLocation:
great house in strategic locationthe location was also greatwalkable to all the main attractions in townwe were pleased with location and every detailgreat location close to cbd and shops around the corner
The city of paradoxes
Christchurch offers a paradoxical experience quite like none other – while the downtown is ridden with damaged or work-in-progress structures, the outskirts are quite a breath of fresh air (quite literally!). You may choose to opt-in the sort of getaway you’d like to have and get planning on that trip right away. And, while you’re at it, here are some top Airbnbs in Christchurch, New Zealand, that are worth considering.
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