The 12 best suburbs in Christchurch: A local’s POV

The Northern Suburbs of Christchurch are home to some of the city’s best school zones, character homes (and boujee residents). There’s also quality shopping, tree-lined streets, close proximity to the city, and plenty of cafes - so expect to pay a premium. 

Median HomesEstimate: $1.29

Merivale is one of the city’s most desirable suburbs, and properties here are in high demand. It’s very close to the central city, yet quiet, with boutique shopping, several old character bungalows, and some of Christchurch's best schools. You can cycle through Hagley Park to the CBD in around 10 minutes, or drive in three, missing most of the traffic. If you’re on a budget, several townhouses and apartments have started popping up in the area at affordable prices. 

Median HomesEstimate: $770,000

Like Merivale, St Albans is close to everything, but it’s a bit more affordable than its fancy neighbour. Here and in nearby Edgeware, there are plenty of townhouses and apartments, with the odd character home if you want a larger space. Expect lots of young families, pockets of lovely quiet residential streets, and easy cycling links. 

Median HomesEstimate: $725,000

Bryndwr, correctly pronounced as Brin-doour but often said as Brin-wah by locals, is a suburb just northwest of Merivale. It’s a mostly lovely neighbourhood, with a mix of renters, some state housing between Aorangi and Greens, and quiet residential streets. It’s relatively affordable, yet extremely well located - a perfect family area. Just make sure you choose a street carefully, and keep in mind it gets expensive the closer you get to Fendleton and Merivale (in fact properties on the border of Bryndwr are often sneakily marketed as Fendelton). 

Median HomesEstimate: $1.13m

Strowan is a classic northern suburb. It’s well located near the city, has lots of greenspace, a location 5km from the CBD, and plenty of beautiful old homes. It’s also home to one of NZ’s biggest private hospitals, and the cycle lane along the railway track makes getting to the CBD super easy and pleasant. 

The Port Hills are a range of hills to the south of Christchurch CBD, that are packed with walking and mountain bike trails, and other outdoor pursuits. The suburbs on the hills, and around the foothills are great places to live - close to the city, but closer to nature, and outdoor activities. 

Median HomesEstimate (Cashmere): $1.06m

Cashmere & Huntsbury are two neighbouring suburbs that sit at the low levels, and feet of the Port Hills range. They’re a little bit boujee, and slightly expensive, but they are home to good schools, lots of green spaces, and lovely views, as well as easy access to nature. When buying in these areas, pay special attention to where the sun goes throughout the day, mass movement zones around the hills, and flood zones. 

Median HomesEstimate (St Martins): $745,000

North of Cashmere and Huntsbury, a bit closer to town, you’ll find St Martins and Beckhenham. These are both desirable suburbs, with leafy areas, character homes, plenty of good schools, a New World, and easy access to both nature and the city. Houses here can be a bit pricey, so it’s worth looking north to Waltham if you’re priced out (this suburb is still nice, but much cheaper). 

Median HomesEstimate: $720,000

Lyttleton is a little port town just over the Port Hills and it feels completely unique. The Harbour is beautiful, and the area attracts creative types, so there are plenty of galleries, and cafes - plus  great pubs, and a lovely farmer’s market every Sunday. Despite its unique vibe, it’s just a 20 minute drive from the city. 

The ports can be a bit noisy and bright, so it’s a good idea to make sure your house is far enough away. It’s also important to ensure your place gets sun in winter, which means looking on the east side of the harbour. 

East of the city there are a few central suburbs, but the nicest spots out here are along the coastline. You’ll find little seaside villages and decent beaches, all just a short drive from the CBD. The lifestyle out here is idyllic too, with easy access to the hills, plus a thriving cafe and restaurant scene, and unique historic homes. 

Median HomesEstimate: $1.05m

Sumner is a quaint wee self-containted beach town, about a 20 minute drive from the CBD. There are cafes, boutique shops, and a beautiful beach - plus plenty of cute old homes, and the odd new build. It’s further from town, but the draw of the beach and the village vibes are strong.

Median HomesEstimate (Mt Pleasant): $1.06m 

Most of the areas on the coastline from Mt Pleasant to Scarborough are lovely places to live, near beaches and nature. Take your pick! Mt Pleasant is the cheapest of the hill suburbs, and it has the benefit of being near the Eastern Beaches, whereas Moncks Bay has stunning sea and alpine views, and lots of brand new luxury homes. 

The inner-west may be Christchurch’s fanciest area, with stately old homes, and prestigious schools. It’s an ideal area for families and retirees, but does come at a premium compared to the rest of the city (especially Fendleton). 

Median HomesEstimate: $1.53m

Fendalton is next door to Merrivale and it’s similar in many ways. It’s one of the oldest  residential areas of the city, so there are larger sections, older, fancier homes (and many would say, older, fancier residents). It’s one of the most expensive areas here, but it’s also incredibly quiet, with lovely green streets, and a central location near the city - close to the best schools, and the university. This is the perfect mix of class and convenience, suited to families, retirees, and big spenders.