Christchurch Travel Forum

Hi all,

We are making our first trip to NZ Christchurch in December for a week. We're not too sure yet of what we'll be seeing or doing during the trip.

Should we pre-book our accommodation or do we just turn up and see how we go? I don't like the idea of having to fit to a schedule, but then I don't want to risk getting stuck and not having anywhere to sleep.

How have others planned their trip?
Thanks

take your chances I think...probably depends on the standard of accommodation you want and whether you fall into school holidays. The motels run a "duty motel" system and it's the job of the duty motel to help you find accommodation. It's only about 40m drive from one side of CHC to the other and 15m from the airport to town. Plenty of info at http://www.whatsonchristchurch.co.nz/...you can also use wotif, ezibed.co.nz, ratestogo aatravel.co.nz etc

For Budget accommodation in New Zealand take a look at:
www.backpack.co.nz
www.yha.co.nz
www.bbh.co.nz
www.newzealand.com

happy travels
Jaap

Hi Cherie,

I agree with the thoughts of others that you will have no difficulties whatsoever randomly picking up a good cheap Motel when you get here (I live near AKAROA on Banks Peninsula).

I also don't like to "organise" too much on holiday -- weather considerations as well as interesting places that appeal to you dictate this way to plan I think.

If you are a member of an Automobile Association in Australia - your member card there will allow unlimited access to the services of the New Zealand Automobile Association. There office in Hereford Street, Christchurch CBD, will give you a comprehensive Accomodation Guide Book for free for the South Island with ALL MOTELS listed and prices.

I would Google search the web page for AFFORDABLE CAR RENTALS CHRISTCHURCH in Tuam Street and at the Airport for a small car (minimum rental 7 days). I have found them the best priced for my overseas friends if you want reliable but not flash wheels.

3 days should be spent around Banks Peninsula. Google AKAROA. Apart from the amazing scenery and beaches, there is also the strong French flavoured harbour village of AKAROA where also so many friends have raved about the AKAROA BLACK CAT 2 hour cruise geting close and personal with our rare dolphins here, seals and blue eyed penguins.

I really hope this is helpful.

CHRIS

If you are in Chch before Christmas you should not have a problem to find accommodation without the need of prebooking. If so, just pop over to Lyttelton ;-)