Currency
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Language
English, Te Reo Māori
Time Zone
NZDT (UTC+13) or NZST (UTC+12)
Best Time to Visit
Oct–Apr
Typical Duration
14-35 nights
Price Range
$955–$65,074 per person
Port Type
Port of Call
Tender Port
No
Gateway to New Zealand's South Island, offering access to stunning natural landscapes including fjords, mountains, and adventure activities in the Canterbury region.
Cruises that visit Christchurch
- cruises to Christchurch
- Christchurch sailings
- Christchurch cruises
- 11-night Celebrity Cruises cruise
- 11-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 12-night Celebrity Cruises cruise
- 12-night Celebrity Cruises cruise
- 12-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 12-night Celebrity Cruises cruise
- 13-night Celebrity Cruises cruise
- 13-night Celebrity Cruises cruise
- 14-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 14-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 14-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 14-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 14-night Silversea cruise
- 15-night Seabourn cruise
- 27-night Seabourn cruise
- 30-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 30-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 30-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 30-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 62-night Seabourn cruise
- 92-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 92-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 92-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 108-night Explora Journeys cruise
- 112-night Explora Journeys cruise
- 126-night Seabourn cruise
- 128-night Explora Journeys cruise
Build Your Day in Christchurch
Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.
Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Getting around:
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Heaps to do,great walls,and a great cafe
Westfield Riccarton
Great selections of stores across two levels, and plenty of parking.
Open · Closes 9 PM
Riverside Market
It's great for families and groups as everyone can over something different.
Northlands Shopping Centre
Lots of shops easy to follow layout information and directions
Open · Closes 9 PM
Hagley Park North
You can walk to parks, rivers, ponds, museums, and art centers!
The Margaret Mahy Family Playground
Lots to do, big water play area, and food trucks/coffee for mum and daf
The Palms Shopping Centre
Excellent selection of smaller shops, good access plenty of parking
Open · Closes 9 PM
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
It's affordable and really interactive.
Canterbury Museum
Free entry, great activities for kids, and really friendly staff.
The Tannery
Lovely atmosphere and a cheery selection of beautiful shops and services.
Open · Closes 5 PM
South City Shopping Centre
Has a great food court and variety of shops.
Open · Closes 6 PM
Christchurch Gondola
Kids loved walking around the hills and the adventure ride in the building.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Sat
International Antarctic Centre
The exhibits are interesting, educational and engaging.
Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū
A fantastic art museum that's perfect for everyone to visit and experience.
King of Snake
Inventive and elegant dinner options and wonderful drink selection
Closed · Opens 12 PM
Quake City
My daughters especially loved the interactive stations.
Fiddlesticks Restaurant and Bar
Nice food, great drinks, and the staff handled a large group really well.
Christchurch Tram
Riccarton House and Bush
They had a mobile library day with games and activities for the children.
Cardboard Cathedral
An incredible structure with cardboard framing & a beautiful gift shop.
Mona Vale Garden Park
Amazing gardens, fabulous food, and cute wildlife.
Halswell Quarry
Nature ponds, walking tracks, and gardens celebrating sister cities.
The Colombo
Well lit, clean, quiet, a good place to meet friends, or browse the shops.
Open · Closes 5:30 PM
New Regent Street Precinct
There is plenty of shops there - food, drinks, thrift shops.
Open · Closes 5 PM
Merivale Mall
A really nice, spacious and well lit and laid out specialty mall.
Open · Closes 7 PM
Punting On The Avon (Antigua Boat Sheds)
Highly recommended for a fun, leisurely 30 mins on the river.
O.G.B Bar & Restaurant
Great atmosphere - wide choice of cocktails with highly skilled bar staff.
Closed · Opens 3 PM
5th Street
The menu was creative, staff was soo friendly, and the food was phenomenal!!
Closed · Opens 4:30 PM
Smash Palace
Awesome vibes, friendly staff and tasty beers.
Closed · Opens 2 PM
Cave Rock / Tuawera
Very crowded during the weekend when it is a sunny day, HAVE FUN.
Twenty Seven Steps
The food is delicious and the atmosphere and service are wonderful.
Closed · Opens 5 PM
The Crossing
Large shopping mall with traditional mid-range prices
Open · Closes 6 PM
Serve Social
Great atmosphere, fair priced drinks.
The Last Word
Lovely vibes, friendly staff, and great cocktails!
Closed · Opens 2 PM
The Goldfinch
Each meal was delicious and unique, great atmosphere.
Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Pink Lady Rooftop
Lovely venue, friendly staff, v.accommodating manager and great cocktails!
Closed · Opens 3 PM
ROCA
The service was great, attentive staff who knew the menu and drinks list.
Closed · Opens 12 PM
The Monday Room
Was delicious food, great service and amazing cocktails!
Cathedral Square Christchurch
We were here in 2019 and they've definitely progressed.
Mr. Brightside Rooftop Bar
great live music ,incredible views Really friendly staff.
Closed · Opens 3 PM
Manu Restaurant and Bar
The food, drinks, service and atmosphere were all amazing.
Closed · Opens 5 PM
City Mall
Good place for shopping leisurely, price also affordable
Open · Closes 5 PM
Soul Quarter
Great atmosphere, great food and service, a rare treat to get all three.
Closed · Opens 4:30 PM
Austin Club
Outstanding cocktails, professional and attentive staff, amazing ambience.
Closed · Opens 5 PM
The Loft Bar
Amazing service amazing drinks amazing bar staff and running of event!!!!!!
Closed · Opens 12 PM
Christchurch Botanic Gardens Tour
botanical garden, lake park, rose garden, rock garden...
Opens soon · 11 AM
The Dirty Land
World class cocktails, fabulous service, great vibe, highly recommend.
Closed · Opens 4 PM
Christchurch Tramway Restaurant
Delicious food, amazing service and unique dining experience.
Closed · Opens 7:30 PM
Canterbury Brewers Collective
Great beers on tap, super nice service, cozy atmosphere.
Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.
About Christchurch
Christchurch stands as a compelling destination for cruise travelers exploring the stunning landscapes of New Zealand and the greater Australia & New Zealand region. As a primary port of call, this vibrant South Island city welcomes passengers from leading cruise lines including Viking Ocean Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, Seabourn, Royal Caribbean International, and Silversea. With 75 upcoming cruises and peak seasons spanning October through February, Christchurch serves as an ideal embarkation or exploration point for those seeking immersive Pacific voyages.
Most cruises calling at Christchurch feature 14-night itineraries that weave together the region's most captivating destinations, including Auckland, Tauranga, Dunedin, Sydney, and Hobart. This positioning makes Christchurch perfect for travelers eager to experience New Zealand's dramatic scenery without committing to a full repositioning cruise.
The port itself offers convenient access to the city's revitalized downtown, where you'll discover excellent shopping, dining, and cultural attractions within walking distance or a short taxi ride. Beyond the port, Christchurch serves as your gateway to some of the South Island's most breathtaking natural wonders—from the adventure capital of Queenstown to the stunning fjords of Milford Sound. Whether you're embarking on an extended voyage or enjoying a day in port, Christchurch delivers the perfect blend of urban exploration and access to New Zealand's world-class outdoor experiences.
Most cruises calling at Christchurch feature 14-night itineraries that weave together the region's most captivating destinations, including Auckland, Tauranga, Dunedin, Sydney, and Hobart. This positioning makes Christchurch perfect for travelers eager to experience New Zealand's dramatic scenery without committing to a full repositioning cruise.
The port itself offers convenient access to the city's revitalized downtown, where you'll discover excellent shopping, dining, and cultural attractions within walking distance or a short taxi ride. Beyond the port, Christchurch serves as your gateway to some of the South Island's most breathtaking natural wonders—from the adventure capital of Queenstown to the stunning fjords of Milford Sound. Whether you're embarking on an extended voyage or enjoying a day in port, Christchurch delivers the perfect blend of urban exploration and access to New Zealand's world-class outdoor experiences.
Cruise Lines at Christchurch
- Viking Ocean Cruises (48 cruises)
- Celebrity Cruises (17 cruises)
- MSC Cruises (17 cruises)
- Royal Caribbean International (8 cruises)
- Seabourn (5 cruises)
- Explora Journeys (3 cruises)
- Silversea (1 cruise)
Cruises Departing From Christchurch
Cruises Visiting Christchurch
Ship Schedule at Christchurch
Christchurch Location
Other Cruise Ports in New Zealand
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Christchurch known for?
Christchurch is known for its English heritage, Avon River punts, and historic colleges such as Christ's College.
When is the best time to visit Christchurch?
Spring and autumn offer mild weather and scenic beauty; summers can be busy.
What are top attractions in Christchurch?
Canterbury Museum, Botanic Gardens, Avon River punting, and the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
How can I get around Christchurch?
Public buses, the tram, cycling, and walking are convenient in the city center.