Hotels

I recommend staying in the inner city or near Hagley Park, within the four major avenues, so you're within walking distance of the main attractions. All rates quoted include the 12.5% GST and free off-street parking unless otherwise stated.

Inner City

A new inner city hotel that's big on economy, style, and environmental sustainability is Hotel SO, 165 Cashel St. (tel. 0508/165-165 in NZ, or 03/968-5050; fax 03/968-5051; www.hotelso.co.nz), which regularly offers rooms under NZ$100 along with great perks like free wireless Internet, a funky virtual concierge, a revolutionary wake-up system, and colorful compact rooms. It's my pick for the best value-for-money in the city and it has a great central location. Almost every aspect of the hotel is geared toward environmentally friendly practices.

New and improved backpacker stays have sprouted in the inner city region. The best is the highly awarded Stonehurst, 241 Gloucester St. (tel. 0508-786-633 in NZ, or 03/379-4620; www.stonehurst.com), which has a wide range of accommodations from dorms to tourist motels and flats. Christchurch City Central YHA, 273 Manchester St. (tel. 0800/278-299 in NZ, or 03/379-9535; www.yha.co.nz), has 166 beds in dorm and double arrangements. Base Backpackers, 56 Cathedral Sq. (tel. 0800/227-369 in NZ, or 03/982-2225; www.stayatbase.com), is perfectly located in Cathedral Square and has a popular bar and theme nights.

Near the Airport

If you've just landed in Christchurch and urgently need sleep, try Copthorne Hotel Commodore, 449 Memorial Ave. (tel. 0508/266-663 in NZ, or 03/358-8129; www.commodore.net.nz), which has 135 rooms from NZ$220 for a premium room to NZ$295 for very good business rooms.

Rural Retreats

Imagine total silence, snowcapped mountain peaks, and an endless spread of perfect rolling green. This is what you get when you stay at Terrace Downs High Country Resort, Coleridge Road, Rakaia Gorge, Canterbury (tel. 0800/465-373 in NZ, or 03/318-6943; fax 03/317-9372; www.terracedowns.co.nz), which is located 45 minutes northwest of Christchurch. Complete with a new day spa and one of New Zealand's top 18-hole golf courses, it provides accommodations in stylish villas and chalets, beautifully crafted from local stone and timber. It's close to Mount Hutt ski fields and some of the best fishing around. Rates range from NZ$390 to NZ$850. I found the terrace villas just perfect.

For something more modest and closer to Christchurch, visit Merrilies Rebbeck, who will welcome you at Ballymoney Farmstay, Wardstay Road, RD, Christchurch (tel. 03/329-6706; fax 03/329-6709; www.ballymoney.co.nz), located in the very pretty Tai Tapu area, just 15 minutes from central Christchurch. She has two guest suites (NZ$230-NZ$270, breakfast included), a gorgeous garden, and a small farm filled with an amazing array of special animals. Look out for the stunning white peacock.

Historic Retreat

You'll have to be in quick if you want to stay in the divine little gem that is Jack's Cottage, Taunton Gardens, Governor's Bay Road, Governor's Bay (tel. 03/329-9746; fax 03/329-9546; www.tauntongardens.co.nz). Located in the middle of Barry Sligh's beautiful, 1-hectare (2-acre) woodland garden, this little 1860s cottage has been fully restored into the quaintest sleep you'll find anywhere. It has its own kitchen and a beautiful bathroom, and you can roam the gardens at will. It's about a 25-minute drive over the Port Hills from Christchurch and about a 15-minute drive around the bays from Lyttelton. It costs NZ$250 to NZ$330, which includes breakfast supplies and laundry service.

A Rare Privilege

Otahuna Lodge, Rhodes Road, Tai Tapu, Christchurch (tel. 03/329-6333; www.otahuna.co.nz), is my favorite place on earth! This magnificent 1895 mansion, 20 minutes out of the city, gives you an insight into the life of the Victorian landed gentry -- a life of privilege and luxury that has been accentuated by the clever hands and good taste of owners, Hall Cannon and Miles Refo. The seven magnificent suites are gigantic and get my pick for the best accommodations in Canterbury. It is one of the grandest homes in the region and the level of craftsmanship and architectural detail is awe inspiring. You won't regret a stay here. The meals are divine, and the rural setting and 12 hectares (30 acres) of gardens have much to offer. Stay at least 2 nights to make the most of it. The wholly inclusive rate for suites is NZ$1,238 to NZ$1,688, and for master suites NZ$1,800 to NZ$2,250. Every comfort is assured.