A modern hotel that occupies the renovated Gothic Revival Science Observatory building next door to The Arts Centre Matatiki Toi Ora and opposite the Canterbury Museum and Botanical Gardens, it’s just a short walk from Hagley Park and the Avon River. The stylish interior has been designed and fitted by local crafts people and artists whose art decorates the walls throughout the building.
The hotel is surrounded by food and beverage outlets, artisan shops and a specialist cellar door which are part of the Arts Centre Precinct and open to guests and visitors. Breakfast is available in these cafés or can be delivered to your room. There’s a gym and fitness area in the hotel. Parking at the hotel is limited and carries a small charge.
OUR OPINION:
A great base from which to explore the city and its gardens, with each room providing historic character.
Speak to someone
who's been there
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our New Zealand specialists
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01993 838 92501993 838 820
- Make an enquiry
Photos of The Observatory Hotel
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![The Observatory]()
The Observatory -
![Royal skylight room, The Observatory Hotel, Christchurch, New Zealand]()
Royal skylight room, The Observatory Hotel, Christchurch, New Zealand -
![Prestige room, The Observatory Hotel, Christchurch, New Zealand]()
Prestige room, The Observatory Hotel, Christchurch, New Zealand -
![The Observatory Hotel, Christchurch, New Zealand]()
The Observatory Hotel, Christchurch, New Zealand -
![The Observatory Hotel, Christchurch, New Zealand]()
The Observatory Hotel, Christchurch, New Zealand
Rooms
Each room is comfortable and individually designed due to the historic nature of the building. They’re decorated with local artwork and the furniture is made locally too.
Location
Situated around a 20-minute drive from the airport and roughly a 15-minute walk to the heart of the city, the hotel is in a prime location with several cafés and shops in the immediate area too.
Food and drink
Beverages and light snacks can be found in the lounge within the hotel. There are numerous cafés, bars, and restaurants within the immediate area as well as in the heart of the city, which is a 15- to 20-minute walk away.
Tour ideas in Christchurch
Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at The Observatory Hotel as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.
Alternative places to stay nearby
Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favourite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can't be bettered.
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![Otahuna Lodge, Christchurch]()
Otahuna Lodge
Christchurch -
![The Classic Villa, Christchurch]()
The Classic Villa
Christchurch -
![50 Bistro, The George, Christchurch]()
The George
Christchurch
Experiences while staying here
The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area's inhabitants.
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TranzAlpine Railway ![The TranzAlpine Train, New Zealand]()
TranzAlpine Railway
TranzAlpine Railway
Making the great traverse of the Southern Alps, the TranzAlpine train links Christchurch on the Pacific with Greymouth on the Tasman Sea, in a spectacular journey lasting four and a half hours.
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Christchurch and nearby places
- Akaroa & Banks Peninsula 26 miles away
- Arthur's Pass National Park 68 miles away
- Hanmer Springs 71 miles away
- Kaikoura 95 miles away
- Hokitika 102 miles away
- Lake Tekapo 113 miles away
- Punakaiki 119 miles away
- South Island 120 miles away
- Mount Cook National Park 128 miles away
- Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers 132 miles away