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 Backpackers -- 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.basebackpackers.com), is perfectly located in Cathedral Square and has a popular bar and theme nights.

In Fendalton/Merivale/St. Albans

Motels abound in this area and most offer good deals.

In Sumner

There is a delightful beach stay at Grey Sands of Sumner (tel. 03/326-4275; www.elementsofsumner.co.nz), which has a two-bedroom apartment with laundry facilities and two secure carparks; it's also a stone's throw from the beach.

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$210 (US$149/£76) for a premium room to NZ$275 (US$195/£99) for very good business rooms.

Historic Retreat -- You'll have to be in quick if you want to stay in the divine little gem that is Jack's Cottage, Tauton 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 and Lyn 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$300 (US$177-US$213/£90-£108), which includes breakfast supplies and laundry service.

Rural Retreats -- Imagine total silence, snow-capped 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 03/318-6942; www.terracedowns.co.nz), which is located 45 minutes northwest of Christchurch. Complete with 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$350 to NZ$700 (US$248-US$496/£126-£253). 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/US$163/£83, breakfast included), a gorgeous garden, and a small farm filled with an amazing array of special animals. Look out for the stunning white peacock.

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$1,350 (US$957/£487), and for master suites NZ$2,025 (US$1,436/£731). Every comfort is assured.