Clifton 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.
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.
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.
University of Canterbury
Enjoy the student vibe when you visit University of Canterbury during your trip to Christchurch. Visit the shops and charming cafes 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
Arthur's Pass Full-Day Tour with TranzAlpine Train and Lunch
Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo
Arthur’s Pass Day Tour From Christchurch via Castle Hill
Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch
Waipara Valley Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch
Top hotels in Clifton
BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch
Good location and nice stay
Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026
LyLo Christchurch
Clean room, helpful staff, great common area with kitchen and relaxing seating areas
Reviewed on 11 Feb 2026
Bealey Quarter
Stayed twice over the course of our holiday. Spacious clean room, as there were 3 of us the triple room was perfect. Really comfy beds and pillows and the bed linen and towels were good quality. Staff helpful also. Would stay again.
Reviewed on 19 Feb 2026
Wyndham Garden Christchurch Kilmore Street
spacious room and very clean, quiet and walking distance to the town center
Reviewed on 11 Feb 2026
Novotel Christchurch Airport
Great stay. Genuinely lovely and oh so quiet room (as long as you are ok with open bathrooms). We arrived after midnight and were setting off on a road trip the following morning so it was a perfect solution for us.
Reviewed on 18 Feb 2026
Drifter Christchurch
Room was good and high tech, good location to catch the busses too. But short of reception staff and water was not very hot in shower
Reviewed on 6 Feb 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Clifton
Sumner
If you're spending some time in Sumner, Sumner Beach and Cave Rock are top sights worth seeing.
Lyttelton
You'll enjoy the sandy beaches and museums in Lyttelton. You might want to make time for a stop at Lyttelton Harbour or Lyttelton Farmers Market.
Woolston
You'll enjoy the restaurants and gardens in Woolston. You might want to make time for a stop at The Tannery or Caddyshack City.
New Brighton
You'll enjoy the beaches and parks in New Brighton. You might want to make time for a stop at Avon Heathcote Estuary or New Brighton Beach.
Linwood
You'll enjoy the parks and shopping in Linwood. You might want to make time for a stop at Eastgate Mall or Wilding Park Tennis Center.
Cashmere
You'll enjoy the mountain views and gardens in Cashmere. You might want to make time for a stop at Port Hills or Clearwater Golf Resort.
