Burnside Travel Guide
Christchurch


Popular places to visit

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.

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.

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 Burnside

Airport Gateway Motor Lodge
Clean and well maintained room, friendly and helpful staff.
Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026

Commodore Airport Hotel
Great hospitality in every part of the hotel
Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026

Airport Christchurch Motel
Great room, staff, location.
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026

Airport Palms Motel
Friendly helpful staff
Reviewed on 7 Mar 2026

Airport Delta Motel
Excellent basic hotel. Very clean. Shuttle doesn’t run very early but easy to take an uber to airport
Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026

BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch
Excellent, affordable accommodation in the heart of the Chch CBD area. The staff is top notch. Limited tele channels is the only con I can speak of.
Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Burnside

Ilam
Ilam is well liked for its bars. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Christchurch area, you might plan a trip to Jellie Park Recreation and Sport Centre or Bush Inn Centre.

Fendalton
Travellers like the historical sites in Fendalton, and Riccarton House is a top attraction you might want to visit.

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.

Riccarton
Riccarton is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Westfield Riccarton Mall and Riccarton Road.

Christchurch Airport
While Christchurch Airport may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like International Antarctic Centre and Harewood Golf Club.

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.


