Ilam Travel Guide
Christchurch
Popular places to visit
University of Canterbury
Enjoy the student vibe when you visit University of Canterbury during your trip to Christchurch. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.
Sumner Beach
The main beach in the seaside retreat of Sumner is an idyllic place to spend a day in the sun away from the centre of Christchurch.
Lyttelton Harbour
Enjoy cafés, markets and boat trips at this scenic European port town, steeped in history and bordered by volcanic hills.
New Brighton Beach
Surf, spot birdlife, walk across wild sand dunes and shop for handmade goods at a weekly market at this sandy beach and coastal suburb.
Hagley Park
Explore the great outdoors at Hagley Park, a lovely green space in Christchurch. Amble within picturesque gardens or visit the shops in this culturally rich area.
Cathedral Square
You can learn about the history of Christchurch when you stop by Cathedral Square. Visit the cathedral in this walkable area or simply enjoy its restaurants.
Things to do
Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch
Christchurch: Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Vintage Tram
Arthur's Pass Full-Day Tour with TranzAlpine Train and Lunch
Chairlift Sightseeing Pass at the Christchurch Adventure Park
Top hotels in Ilam
BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch
Good location, rooms are reasonable sized. The furnishing is a bit old (eg no USB ports for charging) so you need to bring an adapter. Overall good value for money
Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026
Bealey Quarter
Convenient
Reviewed on 6 Mar 2026
LyLo Christchurch
You can walk to the hostel from the airport in 10 or 15 minutes... shortest if you walk next to the Antarctic Center. The hostel has a very spacious common room/ kitchen with a vast patio and lots of varied seating and lounging opportunities.
Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026
Novotel Christchurch Airport
Friendly staff, clean room, great location by the airport
Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026
Wyndham Garden Christchurch Kilmore Street
Would you like to see more smily and enthusiastic looking staffs
Reviewed on 8 Mar 2026
Hotel Give
Close to good food and shops
Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Ilam
Burnside
Travellers come to Burnside for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Jellie Park Recreation and Sport Centre and Russley Golf Club while you're in town.
Upper Riccarton
Upper Riccarton is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Riccarton Road and Bush Inn Centre.
Fendalton
Travellers like the historical sites in Fendalton, and Riccarton House is a top attraction you might want to visit.
Riccarton
Riccarton is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Westfield Riccarton Mall and Riccarton Road.
Wigram
Parks and entertainment venues are just a few things travellers like about Wigram. A stop by Air Force Museum of New Zealand is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.
Merivale
Travellers come to Merivale for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Merivale Mall and Papanui Road while you're in town.
