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The Observatory Hotel

The Observatory Hotel

Christchurch, New Zealand

The Observatory Hotel

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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 cafes 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.

OUR RATING: First Class

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Photos of The Observatory Hotel

  • The Observatory
    The Observatory
  • The Observatory Hotel, Christchurch, New Zealand
    The Observatory Hotel, Christchurch, New Zealand
  • Prestige room, The Observatory Hotel, Christchurch, New Zealand
    Prestige room, The Observatory Hotel, Christchurch, New Zealand
  • Royal skylight room, The Observatory Hotel, Christchurch, New Zealand
    Royal skylight room, 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 cafes 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 cafes, 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.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

    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 favorite 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.

    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.

    • 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.

      View details

    Christchurch and nearby places