Islington 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 Islington
BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch
Love my room, very efficient staff
Reviewed on 16 Mar 2026
Bealey Quarter
Comfortable clean rooms and a great location with easy walk to all the city centre activities and sights.
Reviewed on 13 Mar 2026
LyLo Christchurch
great location, just pretty noisy but good to be able to walk to the aiport for very early flight
Reviewed on 15 Mar 2026
Novotel Christchurch Airport
Dreadful - oversold our room, left us without a room at the hotel at 1am, with the backup option 15 min shuttle away. Did not let us know ahead of time, instead surprised us upon check in. Stay somewhere else nearby. Disgraceful.
Reviewed on 17 Mar 2026
Wyndham Garden Christchurch Kilmore Street
Nice location, lots of restaurants within walking distance.
Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026
Hotel Give
Very clean, great shower pressure, very nice location.
Reviewed on 16 Mar 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Islington
Hornby
The museums and shopping are a few reasons travellers visit Hornby. Though there aren't many top sights in the neighbourhood, you can visit Air Force Museum of New Zealand and Riccarton Park, a few notable attractions nearby.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Halswell
Halswell might not have many top sights, but Air Force Museum of New Zealand and Christchurch Adventure Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
