Tag: Christchurch

Top Suburbs in Christchurch for Families, Young Professionals & Retirees

Posted on | by New Zealand Movers

The Best Suburbs in Christchurch for Every Lifestyle

Christchurch, the largest city on New Zealand’s South Island, offers an exciting blend of natural beauty, job opportunities, and family-friendly communities. Whether you’re moving to Christchurch for work, education, or a new start, there’s a suburb for everyone.

With its stunning backdrop of mountains, rivers, and oceans, the city boasts a mix of established neighbourhoods and emerging suburbs. Here’s a breakdown of the best suburbs in Christchurch, for every lifestyle:

Best Suburbs for Families

Fendalton

Fendalton is an affluent, family-friendly suburb just a short distance from the CBD. It’s known for its tree-lined streets, elegant character homes, and proximity to top schools such as Medbury School and Christchurch Boys’ High School. The area is renowned for its safety, making it a top choice for families with children of all ages. You’ll find parks and spacious properties, perfect for family living.

Sumner

If beachside living is your dream, Sumner is an idyllic family-friendly suburb. The area offers easy access to nature, including beautiful beaches, parks, and hiking trails. The Sumner Promenade is lined with cafes and quirky seaside architecture, making it a perfect spot for family outings. The local playgrounds make it especially popular with young children, and the short 20-minute drive to the CBD adds convenience without sacrificing natural beauty.

Riccarton

Riccarton is a well-established suburb just west of the city centre. It offers a mix of family homes with spacious gardens, parks, and highly regarded schools, such as St Theresa’s School and Christchurch Boys’ High School. Its proximity to the Westfield Riccarton shopping centre, as well as a variety of restaurants and cafes, ensures that everything your family needs is within a short distance.

Best Suburbs for Young Professionals

Merivale

For young professionals looking for a vibrant, central location with easy access to the CBD, Merivale is hard to beat. Located directly north of the city, Merivale offers a range of stylish apartments and townhouses. The area boasts excellent transport links, trendy cafes, boutique shopping, and a bustling nightlife scene. The nearby Merivale Mall and well-regarded schools make it an attractive option for those balancing work and lifestyle.

Ferrymead

A bit further out but full of character, Ferrymead is quickly becoming a popular choice for young professionals who enjoy a mix of residential living and retail vibrancy. Situated near the picturesque Charlesworth Reserve and Pegasus Bay, this suburb offers a cool, laid-back vibe with a range of cafes and boutique stores. Its proximity to the CBD, just a 15-minute drive, makes it ideal for commuters. The Ferrymead Heritage Park adds an extra cultural charm for those interested in Christchurch’s history.

Addington

Addington is a neighbourhood that has undergone a significant revitalisation in recent years. It’s a hotspot for young professionals seeking modern apartments and creative spaces. Addington is well-connected to the CBD and offers a lively cultural scene, with trendy cafes, bars, and restaurants. It’s also home to the popular Addington Raceway and event centre, ensuring there’s always something happening.

Best Suburbs for Retirees

1. St Albans

For retirees seeking a peaceful yet convenient suburban lifestyle, St Albans offers a perfect balance. The area is quieter than some of the city’s busier suburbs but still within easy reach of the CBD. With tree-lined streets, spacious parks, and proximity to healthcare facilities, it’s ideal for those looking to enjoy their retirement in a calm and relaxed environment. The local community is tight-knit, and the area offers a variety of cafes and shops for leisurely days out.

Halswell

Located on the southern edge of Christchurch, Halswell is a quieter, more rural suburb that appeals to retirees. The area offers a slower pace of life while still providing easy access to the city centre. With its larger properties, walking trails, and scenic views, Halswell is perfect for those looking to enjoy outdoor activities and a peaceful environment. There are also several parks and recreation areas, providing ample opportunities to stay active and social.

Riccarton

Although Riccarton is known for its appeal to families and young professionals, it also has a lot to offer retirees. Its central location, combined with proximity to the Westfield Riccarton shopping centre, makes it a convenient place to live. The suburb’s wide variety of parks and green spaces offer plenty of options for outdoor enjoyment, and the community-oriented vibe ensures retirees feel welcomed and connected.

Up-and-Coming Suburbs in Christchurch to Watch

While the established suburbs like Fendalton and Merivale are known for their appeal, several up-and-coming areas in Christchurch are becoming increasingly popular due to their development potential and growing amenities. These are worth keeping an eye on if you’re looking to invest or move in the near future:

Spreydon

With its affordable housing options and close proximity to the CBD, Spreydon is quickly becoming a sought-after area. The suburb offers a variety of property types, from family homes to modern apartments. It’s expected to continue growing as more amenities are introduced.

Wigram

Wigram is an exciting new development area that’s quickly evolving into a thriving residential and commercial hub. Its location close to the airport, combined with ongoing infrastructure projects, makes it a prime area for future growth.

Papanui

Papanui is another emerging area with great potential, especially for those looking for affordable housing within easy reach of the city. As more developments are planned, the suburb is becoming increasingly attractive to families and professionals alike.

Moving to Christchurch? Let New Zealand Movers Help

Whichever suburb you choose, moving to Christchurch is an exciting journey. At New Zealand Movers, we’ve helped many Kiwis move to, from, and within Christchurch. We expert moving services that ensure your relocation is smooth, safe, and affordable.

Get in touch with the friendly team at New Zealand Movers to start your next adventure in Christchurch with ease, request a quote online or call us on: 0800 00 00 22

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Moving To Christchurch – What You Need To Know

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Thinking about moving to a place that’s perfectly situated between the mountains and the sea? One of the most naturally beautiful places in New Zealand, Christchurch is our country’s second biggest city – and our biggest in the South Island.

If, like many other Kiwis and expats, you’re thinking or relocating to Christchurch, the team at New Zealand Movers offer you some extra information before packing up your current home. Here’s what you need to know about moving to Christchurch… and why it’s such a great idea!

It has some of New Zealand’s best educational institutions

First up, the schooling facilities. Christchurch is home to some of the best educational institutions in New Zealand. From kindergarten all the way up to university, you’ll find that Christchurch offers an elite level of education across both the public and private sector. From top-rated government schools like Hillmorton High School, to distinguished private schools like Rangi Ruru Girls’ School, moving to Christchurch basically guarantees an excellent education for your children. The University of Canterbury is New Zealand’s second-oldest university and frequently ranks as one of the best in the country.

It’s a big city with a relaxed feeling

With a population of almost 400,000, Christchurch is a big city – and yet it feels a lot more relaxed. There’s a bustling cosmopolitan hub in the centre of the city, with many village-feel suburbs surrounding it. Some of the best suburbs to live in Christchurch are Riccarton, Ferrymead and Sumner Beach.

Christchurch has excellent job prospects

Christchurch is a rapidly-growing city, meaning there’s plenty of work to be found across a multitude of different industries. Some of the most in-demand jobs include construction workers, IT specialists, teachers and lecturers, hospitality workers, healthcare workers and tourism professionals.

Homes are more affordable here

Homes on the North Island can certainly be on the pricier side. Christchurch, on the other hand, is a breath of fresh air in this department. While the average residential home in Auckland is over $1mil, and around $857,000 in the Bay of Plenty region, the average home price in the Canterbury region is significantly less, coming in at $668,000. Perfect for long-term movers, investors or both, your dollar goes further in Christchurch.

It’s a beautiful place to call home

People aren’t just attracted to Christchurch because of its affordable housing, great schools, and excellent job prospects – but it’s also a city set amidst some of the most stunning natural landscapes in New Zealand. From pristine beaches to majestic mountains, Christchurch offers outdoor enthusiasts a paradise at their doorstep.

  • Mountains, Beaches, and Rivers: Whether you enjoy mountain biking, hiking in the nearby Port Hills, or relaxing by the coast at Sumner Beach, Christchurch offers endless opportunities to explore nature. The Waimakariri River provides perfect spots for fishing, kayaking, or picnicking, while the Southern Alps are just a short drive away for skiers and adventurers.

  • A Year-Round Playground: The combination of mountains and the sea makes Christchurch a year-round destination for outdoor activities. Enjoy hiking and biking in the summer, and skiing and snowboarding in the winter.

With its unique blend of opportunity, lifestyle, and natural beauty, Christchurch is becoming an increasingly popular choice for both Kiwis and expats. If you’re thinking of relocating you and your family to Christchurch, New Zealand Movers are here to help and just a phone call away. Offering the best professional moving service in the country, New Zealand Movers are proud to deliver a premium moving experience to take the stress out of relocation. Get in touch with the friendly team of Christchurch movers at New Zealand Movers and ask for a quote today.

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Top Destinations to Move to in the South Island

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Looking for somewhere with affordable housing, job opportunities galore and a safe environment to raise your children? The South Island is an exciting, beautiful and livable place that ticks all of these boxes.

Each part of the island has its own unique charm. From the bustling streets of Christchurch to the action and adventure of Queenstown, the South Island presents a range of different lifestyle choices for every different type of person and family.

Here, we ask the experts at New Zealand Movers about the top destinations to move to in New Zealand’s beautiful South Island.

Christchurch

​Christchurch, New Zealand’s second-largest city, offers a unique blend of mountains, beaches, rivers, and cosmopolitan living. As of January 2025, the Canterbury region’s median house price stands at $675,000, significantly lower than Auckland’s median, which exceeds $1 million. This affordability continues to attract new residents. The city has evolved into a modern, resilient urban center, with ongoing developments such as the Te Kaha stadium and Parakiore Recreation & Sports Centre enhancing its appeal. Christchurch’s economy is robust, with thriving industries in technology, healthcare, and construction, offering abundant job opportunities for professionals seeking both career advancement and an exceptional quality of life.Read more about the best area to live in Christchurch.

Dunedin

Dunedin is an underrated gem on the South Island. A university city, it’s the perfect place for students thanks to the highly-esteemed University of Otago, ranked in the world’s top 1% of universities. It’s also home to a distinct mix of Scottish and Maori culture, with beautiful Victorian and Edwardian architecture. Dunedin is known for its strong job market in the areas of education, healthcare and professional services. To learn more about the best areas to live in Dunedin click here.

Nelson

Art galleries, wineries, mountains, and beaches – this compact gem facing Tasman Bay remains one of the top cities to live in on the South Island. As of 2025, Nelson continues to be known for its thriving arts scene and outdoor lifestyle, offering a mix of culture and adventure. Nelson also boasts New Zealand’s largest fishing port, making it a hub for well-paid jobs in the fishing, agriculture, and horticulture sectors, which attract newcomers seeking career opportunities. The city is recognised for its safety and family-friendly atmosphere, making it an excellent place for children to grow up, with plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and exploring nearby national parks. With an enviable climate and a welcoming community, Nelson offers an ideal balance of work, play, and relaxation.

Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand, is often regarded as the adventure capital of the world, attracting those who seek an exhilarating lifestyle amidst stunning natural beauty. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the Southern Alps, Queenstown offers breathtaking views, world-class skiing in the winter, and hiking, mountain biking, and water sports in the warmer months. It’s not just about the great outdoors, though—this vibrant town also boasts a thriving food and wine scene, lively events, and a growing tech industry, making it a great place for professionals and families alike. While the cost of living may be higher compared to other South Island towns, the exceptional quality of life and proximity to both nature and urban amenities make Queenstown a highly desirable destination for those looking to move to the South Island.

Wanaka

Snow-capped mountains and huge alpine lakes mark the resort town of Wanaka in Otago. The gateway to the Southern Alps, it’s a popular town in winter due to alpine sports. Wanaka is a fantastic place to live for those in tourism and alpine education, presenting a safe and interesting place for children to grow up.

No matter where you decide is the right place on the South Island for you and your family to move to, make sure you pick a trusted moving service like New Zealand Movers. New Zealand Movers are one of the country’s most experienced and highly-regarded furniture movers, with 43 years of experience in the industry. New Zealand Movers can help you get settled in your new home, whether you’re on the North Island, South Island, or somewhere across the globe. Grab a quote from the friendly team today!

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What Is The Best Area To Live In Christchurch?

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The South Island’s biggest city is a special place. Christchurch is bordered by mountains, oceans, and rivers, making it a nature-lover’s dream. And aside from that, it’s a city with great opportunities for career growth, family life, and home buyers.

With a population of over 400,000, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to the suburbs of Christchurch because there’s a lot of variety in the city. Today, we’ll help you out, giving you our top suburbs in Christchurch!

Fendalton

Fendalton is one of the most affluent suburbs in Christchurch, located just minutes from the CBD and full of beautiful, old character homes. It’s a great area for raising kids of all ages due to the safety of the neighbourhood and its proximity to top schools such as Medbury School and Christchurch Boys’ High School and the University of Canterbury.

Merivale

Merivale is another top suburb that must make our list. It’s located, directly north of the CBD, making the commute to work and travel across town a dream. Another of Christchurch’s most affluent suburbs, Merivale has some of the best schools in Christchurch such as Rangi Ruru Girls’ School and St Margaret’s College.

It is also home to the popular Merivale Mall and a large selection of cafes, restaurants, and bars.

Sumner

If you want to wake up next to the beach, then Sumner is the suburb for you. Popular with families, locals spend their days out in nature, at the beach, parks, and on the local hiking trails.

Sumner Promenade is popular with locals and tourists lined with cafes, quirky seaside architecture, and the Scarborough Park which has a playground and paddling pool for children.

Better year, Sumner is conveniently close to the CBD – only a 20-minute drive!

Ferrymead

Only a 10-minute drive from the Sumner, Ferrymead is an uber-cool neighbourhood of Christchurch to live in. It’s a short 15-minute drive from the CBD and located on a small peninsula right around the corner from scenic beauties like the Charlesworth Reserve and Pegasus Bay.

It’s a hip suburb for retail and hospitality, with cafes and boutiques spread across the area. For the old souls, Ferrymead Heritage Park is a major tourist attraction that recreates Christchurch in Edwardian times, featuring quaint old buildings and shops.

Riccarton

Located just west of the CBD, Riccarton is another top suburb in Christchurch. It’s an affluent neighbourhood, featuring luscious parks, beautiful houses, and access to great schools like St Theresa’s School and Christchurch Boys’ High School. It’s conveniently close to the Riccarton Westfield, plenty of cafes, Asian eateries, and other restaurants – all within walking distance!

Found the perfect suburb in Christchurch for you? Whichever area you choose, New Zealand Movers are here to help! They’ve moved many Kiwis to, from, and within Christchurch, offering their top-rated services at quality prices.

For a smooth, safe, and affordable move, get in touch with the friendly team of Christchurch Movers at New Zealand Movers and start your new life in Christchurch off on the right foot.

 

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5 Reasons To Move To Canterbury

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Christchurch, and the entire Canterbury region, is one of the best places in New Zealand. Not only to visit, as so many of us do but to live there. Mountains, beaches, and national parks are all part of the deal when you move to Canterbury, along with the perks of a modern, international city. Here are our top 5 reasons to move to Canterbury and why New Zealand Movers are the team to get you there.

Housing is refreshingly affordable

One of the best things about moving to the Canterbury region is that you’re almost always saving money when buying or renting a house, compared to the North Island. The median house price in the Canterbury region is around $680,000, while it’s well over a million in Auckland and Wellington.

Job opportunities in Christchurch

Job opportunities in Canterbury are plentiful. The Canterbury region has seen its fair share of hardship in the past decade, but the city of Christchurch has quickly set about rebuilding itself, with plenty of work to be done in construction, IT, retail, and hospitality. No matter what field you’re in, there are plenty of job opportunities in New Zealand’s second-biggest city.

It’s practically designed for family life

Canterbury is a haven for families, with top-ranking primary and secondary schools like Rangi Ruru Girls’ School and Middleton Grange School, alongside highly-rated universities like The University of Canterbury.

Not only is there world-class education but plenty of family-friendly activities. Weekends are spent the way they should be – hiking, bike-riding, picnicking, and going to the beach on warm days.

Nature

Nature is one of the biggest drawcards of the Canterbury region. Mountains, rivers, and beaches are all big parts of life in Christchurch, with national parks dotted all over the region. You’re also super close to New Zealand’s national playground: the Otago region, where hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to each year for adventure sports.

International city

Ōtautahi, Christchurch is an international city, home to New Zealand’s first international airport. You can go straight from Christchurch to Australia, Singapore, the USA, and Dubai to anywhere in Europe, with frequent services from the city.

Sold on moving to Canterbury? Get in touch with New Zealand Movers. They’re your experts in intercity and international moves, helping you get settled in the Canterbury region, wherever you are moving from.

New Zealand Movers pride themselves on a professional, affordable service, offering full-scale moves with packing and storage included if necessary. Get a quote from New Zealand Movers today.

What are the Best Suburbs in Christchurch?

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It’s the largest city on the South Island, and there’s a heck of a lot of reasons to call it home: Christchurch. This small but mighty city has a spirit like no other, making it a truly special and unique place. So, if you were going to move to Christchurch, where would you hang your hat? There are plenty of great spots to settle down in Christchurch – in fact, it can be hard to narrow the list down. That’s what we’ll try to do in this post: these are the best suburbs in Christchurch.

Merivale

Beautiful character buildings, tree-lined streets and the air of affluence. This sounds like Merivale to us! Merivale is one of the best suburbs in Christchurch for a number of reasons. For starters, it’s in a central location, not taking long to head into the CBD. It’s also known for its local mall where you’ll find boutique shops, fashion outlets, cafes and bars. If you’ve got the budget for it, moving to Merivale is well worth it.

Sumner

A seaside haven nestled in a beautiful valley. This is what you get when you move to Sumner. One of the oldest settlements in Christchurch, Sumner has always been a desirable place to live. You’ll enjoy a laidback coastal lifestyle in a vibrant suburb that’s as safe as it is cool. Strolling to the beach in the summer months is what the Sumner locals tend to enjoy most, being a popular spot for surfers.

Ferrymead

After the 2011 earthquakes in Christchurch, Ferrymead was one suburb that got a total makeover. Many businesses decided to make Ferrymead their new home, and that has transformed the suburb into a bustling pocket for retail and hip restaurants. With a short drive to the CBD, you’ll have no problems in terms of commuting when you live in Ferrymead. It’s also home to the super quaint Ferrymead Heritage Park – recreating Christchurch life in the Edwardian era.

Riccarton

A suburb that can cater to most budgets is Riccarton. With a mix of townhouses, character homes and units, Riccarton offers a central location and a great cosmopolitan lifestyle. The café and bar scenes are thriving, meaning it’s the perfect place for young and upcoming professionals. Families are also attracted to the Riccarton area, with good schools and plenty of parks and playgrounds just around the corner.

Choosing a suburb to live in Christchurch is difficult because there are so many to choose from. Once you make your decision, give the team at New Zealand Movers a call! They’re expert movers who help relocate people like you to the suburbs of Christchurch every day. For a stress-free moving experience (with a stress-free price tag) request a quote from the friendly team of Christchurch movers at New Zealand Movers and start your new life as a Cantabrian today.

Five Reasons to Move to Christchurch

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It’s a city of nature, culture and incredible spirit. There are hundreds of reasons to make the move to Christchurch. As the largest city on the South Island, you can live a North Island lifestyle without the North Island price tag. A modern, progressive city, people in Christchurch enjoy great food and drink while being surrounded by natural beauty everywhere. Let’s go through our top five reasons to move to Christchurch and who to call if you want a little help getting there.

1) Affordability

So many people have been driven away from the North Island by the insane house prices. The South Island has a different story. It’s hard to find something worth the money in the cities of Auckland and Wellington, and house prices are rising in smaller cities like Hamilton and Tauranga. But in Christchurch, the cost of living is noticeably cheaper, and you’ll be sure to find something you love at an affordable price.

2) Plenty of work

You need a job to be able to move somewhere. Fortunately, in Christchurch, the job market is absolutely booming. If you work in construction or IT in particular, Christchurch is calling your name. There are plenty of other areas where Christchurch is top of the list in employment growth. A good place to start – look around on job websites! See what Christchurch has to offer for you.

3) Big city life

So, theoretically, when you move to the South Island, you have to trade off the ‘big city’ perks, right? Not at all. In Christchurch, you’ve got state of the art educational facilities, hospitals and an international airport. Now, throw in the other perks of a modern city like arts and entertainment, great food and drink and a bustling nightlife. What else could you possibly need?

4) Cuisine

Christchurch has some of New Zealand’s best food and drink. Wine bars, trendy cafes, cuisines from around the globe… there isn’t much you can’t get your hands on in Christchurch. Arts and food are thoroughly entwined in Christchurch, with local creatives using their artistic flair to spruce up many eateries here.

5) Nature vibes

Christchurch is basically synonymous with ‘the great outdoors’. With rivers, beaches and mountains, there’s something outdoorsy for everybody in Christchurch. Taylor’s Mistake is a popular spot for surfers, who then drive up to Sumner for a sesh of snowboarding, possibly on the same day. How cool is that?!

So, are you ready to make the move to Christchurch? We bet you are! First, you’ll need a little help from an A-grade moving company like New Zealand Movers. They move people just like you into the city of Christchurch all the time, so they’re seasoned professionals at it. With great rates and great service, call up the friendly team for a moving quote today.