What is the process for securing a parking space upon arrival?
10 December 2024
It is advisable to reserve a car parking space ahead of your arrival, as availability is limited.
75 photos
THE OBSERVATORY HOTEL CHRISTCHURCH, Christchurch – A Smart Stay in the City
155US$
Reserve directly with us
up to 10% cheaper
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Key details
About the Hotel
9 Hereford Street The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora,
Christchurch,
New Zealand,
8013,
Canterbury
- Close to the Arts Centre Precinct
Great
8.9
9.7
4.7
4.7
Loved by The Observatory Hotel Christchurch guests
"Old world aesthetic with a modern twist. Was lovely to sit in the library and help yourself to complimentary, quality tea and coffee."
"The 19th century stone building is part of the Christchurch Arts Centre.. and a great restaurant/wine bar, the Cellar Door."
5-Star Luxury in the Arts Centre of Christchurch
Amenities
The Observatory Hotel offers premium meeting rooms equipped with the latest technology, catering to corporate needs and special events. The state-of-the-art Observatory Gym provides an energizing space featuring a range of fitness equipment for all workout routines. The
Rooms
The hotel boasts 33 uniquely designed rooms, each adorned with locally crafted furniture, showcasing rich textures and artistry. Each room offers extraordinary amenities including high-speed Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a Smart TV, ensuring comfort and connectivity. Notable accommodations include the Legacy and
Location
Situated in the
Wellness
The
Business
Meeting rooms at The Observatory Hotel offer flexible spaces tailored for workshops, planning sessions, and corporate meetings, equipped with high-quality amenities. The hotel's central location makes it convenient for business travelers to access various venues and services in the city. The hotel's professional environment enhances productivity while ensuring comfort.
Highlights
Location: Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora precinct
Rooms: 33 uniquely designed rooms
Amenities: premium meeting room facilities
Wellness: Observatory Gym for diverse fitness options
Relaxation: Drawing Room Lounge for serene moments
Accessibility: close to Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Must-do experiences
- Stroll through the Botanic Gardens for stunning landscapes and peace.
- Savor the world-famous Canterbury lamb at the Casanova Restaurant.
- Visit the Christchurch Art Gallery for contemporary Kiwi artworks.
- Explore the vibrant Riccarton Farmers' Market on Saturday mornings.
- Enjoy a punting trip on the Avon River for a unique city view.
View all
Choose the Room
From cosy doubles to spacious family suites – all with flexible options, breakfast, and exclusive deals.
Prestige Room
2 persons
325 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
room details
Observatory Legacy Room – Lower Ground floor
2 persons
205 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
room details
Observatory Deluxe Room
2 persons
270 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
room details
Prestige Skylight Room
2 persons
325 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
room details
Show all roomsLess
Check Dates & Room Rates
See what's available for your travel dates
Amenities
Thoughtfully designed amenities for a comfortable & memorable stay
General
- No smoking on site
- Wi-Fi
- On-site car park
- Handicap parking
- Safe deposit box
- 24-hour reception
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Express check-in/ -out
- No pets allowed
- Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
- Wheelchair access
- Security
- Luggage storage
- Locker room
- Lift
- Smoke detectors
- Electric vehicle charging station
- Fire extinguishers
- Key card access
Sports & Fitness
- Fitness centre
- Cycling
- Golf course
Guest Parking
- Electric kettle
Services
- Housekeeping
- Car hire
- Dry cleaning
- Tours/Ticket assistance
- Welcome drink
Business
- Meeting/ Banquet facilities
- Fax/Photocopying
Children
- Cots
Facilities for people with disabilities
- Toilet for disabled
- Bathroom for disabled
Spa & Leisure
- Back massage
- Head massage
- Full body massage
- Foot massage
Room features
- Air conditioning
- Heating
- Mini-bar
- Sitting area
- Tea and coffee facilities
- Ironing facilities
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Self-catering
- Electric kettle
Media
- Flat-screen TV
- AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
- Carpeted floor
Show more
The Observatory Hotel Christchurch Location
9 Hereford Street The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora,
Christchurch,
New Zealand,
8013,
Canterbury
Map view
9 Hereford Street The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora,
Christchurch,
New Zealand,
8013,
Canterbury
City landmarks
Church
Cardboard Cathedral
4000 ft
Park
Hagley Park
2800 ft
Museum
Quake City
2400 ft
Square
New Regent Street
3500 ft
Landmark
185 Empty White Chairs
4000 ft
Landmark
Victoria Square
3100 ft
Park
North Hagley Park
3200 ft
Landmark
Latimer Square
3000 ft
Landmark
Kate Sheppard Memorial
2100 ft
Landmark
Hagley Oval
3700 ft
Landmark
Godley Statue
2100 ft
Mall
Re:START Mall
2100 ft
Landmark
Christchurch Town Hall
3900 ft
Casino
Christchurch Casino
3500 ft
Square
Cathedral Square
2400 ft
Garden
Mona Vale
1.5
mi
Nearby
Museum
Canterbury Museum
1100 ft
Bridge
Bridge of Remembrance
1900 ft
Gallery
Christchurch Art Gallery
1700 ft
Montreal St
2011 quake memorials
1800 ft
Fountain
Peacock Fountain
700 ft
33 Rolleston Avenue
Christ's College
1200 ft
68 Oxford Terrace Corner of Oxford Terrace and Montreal Street
Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial
1300 ft
Waterloo Place
Statue of Robert Falcon Scott
1400 ft
Christchurch Botanical Gardens
William Sefton Moorhouse Statue
500 ft
Museum
CoCA - Centre of Contemporary Art
1200 ft
Museum
Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities
100 ft
2 Worcester Boulevard
Rutherford's Den
300 ft
Market
The Arts Centre te Matatiki Toi Ora
1000 ft
ChristchurchNew Zealand
Avon River
2000 ft
Restaurants
Fiddlesticks Restaurant and Bar
1000 ft
48 Worcester Street Corner of Worcester Boulevard & Montreal Streets
Cook 'N' With Gas
1100 ft
23 Worcester Street
Curator's House Restaurant
700 ft
7 Rolleston Avenue Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Zen Sushi and Dumplings
1100 ft
301 Montreal Street The Arts Centre
The Astro Lounge
1400 ft
23 Worcester Street Cook'n' With Gas Building
Universo Brasserie & Bar
1100 ft
49 Worcester Blvd Christchurch Art Gallery
The Kitchen Cafe
800 ft
53 Hereford Street
Explore Christchurch
Explore Christchurch
Canterbury Museum
4 minutes' walk
A treasure trove of art and history, featuring diverse exhibitions and unique artifacts, suitable for all ages.
Christchurch Art Gallery
7 minutes' walk
A contemporary art space showcasing local and international artists, with free admission and guided tours available.
Hagley Park
11 minutes' walk
A sprawling urban park perfect for a leisurely stroll, with beautiful gardens, trees, and lakes, ideal for families.
New Regent Street
13 minutes' walk
Famous for its quaint architecture, this vibrant street offers boutique shops, cafés, and a charming atmosphere.
Quake City
9 minutes' walk
An engaging experience showcasing Christchurch's earthquake history through interactive exhibits and innovative displays.
Curator's House Restaurant
3 minutes' walk
A unique dining experience with stunning views, offering a menu featuring local ingredients. Reservations recommended.
Cook 'N' With Gas
4 minutes' walk
A relaxed atmosphere serving contemporary New Zealand cuisine, known for its inventive dishes and warm hospitality.
Fiddlesticks Restaurant and Bar
4 minutes' walk
Casual yet upscale dining focuses on seasonal produce, offering a diverse menu and an inviting ambiance.
Zen Sushi and Dumplings
4 minutes' walk
Offering delicious sushi and dumplings in a cozy environment, with options for gluten-free and vegetarian diets.
Christchurch Casino
13 minutes' walk
An exciting venue featuring a range of gaming options, live shows, and dining choices, suitable for adults.
The Astro Lounge
5 minutes' walk
A laid-back bar offering live music and a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for both relaxing and socializing.
Getting around
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-23:59
Check-out
until 10 am
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Breakfast
A full breakfast is served at the price of NZD 30 per person per day.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
33
Guest Ratings & Reviews
Real Guest Experiences & Ratings
Show moreShow less
Pros
Charming building
Friendly staff
Perfect location
Spacious rooms
Cons
Basic breakfast
Cold bathroom
Complicated shower
Guest reviewsbased on 824 reviews
David from United Kingdom
Couple
Prestige Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 17, 2026
9/10
historic charm and convenience
stone detailhelpful staff
i appreciated the central location close to the botanical gardens. the building itself has great architectural detail, very excellent stone. the staff provided helpful bag storage.
0 Helpful
Walter from Germany
Couple
observatory deluxe room
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 15, 2026
8.7/10
great stay
fine decordowntown locationcomfortable bedhelpful staff
the building boasts fine decor and character, a location right downtown next to the botanic gardens. the bed was comfortable with high quality linens. i appreciated the room, clean and stylish (it was a nice experience). the staff was helpful in arranging a cake in the room for a birthday.
The breakfast room reminded me of a hostel. It had limited variety and no eggs. i found the timing of the room service could be better adapted to breakfast times. the gym had only two treadmills and a weight bench.
Rooms
9/10
the room featured tea selections and cookies. the room was furnished well. the room and bathroom had elements designed for people with disabilities, so everything was low level, it was quite different.
Dining
8/10
the breakfast included a good selection of items. i packed a hot mocha to go before leaving (it was tasty). the breakfast area is located on the third floor, it offers a pleasant start to the day.
Facilities
9/10
the hotel is located within the canterbury university buildings. the lobby area had a pleasant atmosphere. the grounds added to the overall experience, offering a beautiful and historical feel, so i enjoyed a walk.
0 Helpful
|
christian from germany
Single
prestige room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 09, 2026
9.0/10
historical charm and stellar service!
prime locationgorgeous roomamazing shower
the location rocks being super close to town! strolling in the gardens was a total breeze from here. the building's a stunner and my room was gorgeous, a killer spot to chill. the shower and bathroom? amazing!
the absence of drawer storage in my prestige room meant i lived out of my suitcase , it was slightly inconvenient
Location
9/10
The hotel is a short walk into the central business district. Many restaurants and shops are easily accessible! its proximity to the arts centre and botanical gardens makes it convenient. the location is ideal for exploring
Dining
8/10
the hotel has a pleasant lounge area complete with a coffee machine. there is a beautiful main room where you can sit and relax. while breakfast has a limited selection, it is of high quality.
Rooms
10/10
Rooms are well thought out, very clean and comfy! the rooms boast effective air conditioning. the bathroom included a wonderful shower and excellent water pressure. It really sets the bar high!
0 Helpful
|
Mia from Italy
Couple
Prestige Skylight Room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed: December 21, 2025
6/10
Decent Stay in Historic Building
historic buildinggreat staffuncomfortable bedhard couch
The building is a landmark with a lot of history. Its location is central but super quiet (very important for good rest) and close to the botanic gardens. The staff was excellent, offering great service.
The bed was not comfortable as two singles were pushed together. The couch was not designed for relaxation, being very upright and hard. I also observed the carpet needed a proper clean.
0 Helpful
Grace from Australia
Couple
Observatory Deluxe Room
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 06, 2025
9/10
Amazing Architecture and Central Location
ceiling heightsclassy bathroomssmall breakfast room
The building stands as a amazing historical landmark. The hotel has cathedral-level ceiling heights in the rooms and classy bathrooms. I found easy parking and friendly staff, further enhancing my stay.
The breakfast room was very small. It was also easily filled to capacity, leaving little space between guests.
Location
9/10
The hotel benefits from its proximity to key attractions. It is centrally located. The gorgeous Botanic Gardens are right across the road, nice for easy access to serene and quiet surroundings. Some excellent restaurants are just steps away.
0 Helpful
|
Liam from United Kingdom
Single
Prestige Skylight Room
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: November 26, 2025
6/10
historical significanceinsufficient blindslimited hanging space
The building itself is definitely excellent. Its historical significance is clear.
The room I booked, a Prestige Skylight Room, had issues with the skylight blinds. They did not fully block out the morning light. This meant the room became bright very early in the morning, around 5 am. Limited hanging space and a lack of drawers meant I had to live out of my suitcase . The breakfast was also quite disappointing. The room felt small and cramped.
0 Helpful
Questions of the users
About The Observatory Hotel Christchurch
Is a buffet breakfast available for guests at the hotel?
15 January 2025
The hotel offers a Continental Breakfast served between 7am and 10am. Due to the absence of a restaurant or kitchen, a buffet style is not offered, but several cafés are nearby.
Are there recommended locations within the Arts Centre for wedding photographs?
20 January 2025
The Arts Centre is a beautiful backdrop for photos. Personal photography is allowed, but for wedding shoots, it's best to check the guidelines on their website to ensure compliance.
Is there any shuttle service available from the airport to the hotel?
25 January 2025
While the hotel does not offer a shuttle service, nearby providers like First Direct and local taxis such as Gold Band Taxis and Uber are available.
Can late checkout be arranged if needed?
30 January 2025
Late checkout may be possible, but it depends on availability. Guests should inform the staff upon arrival of their request for assistance.
Are cots available for infants during our stay?
5 February 2025
Yes, cots are available for guests with infants, ensuring a comfortable stay for families.
What time should we expect breakfast service if we have an early departure?
15 February 2025
Breakfast is served from 7am to 10am. Guests with early commitments can notify the reception to arrange a specific breakfast time.
Is there a fitness facility available in the hotel?
20 February 2025
Yes, the hotel features a gym facility equipped to accommodate various fitness routines.
What is the charge for car parking during our stay?
5 March 2025
Parking is available for a fee of $30 per night at the hotel.
Does the hotel offer interconnecting rooms for larger families or groups?
15 March 2025
Unfortunately, interconnecting rooms are not available; however, alternative lodging options can be discussed with the hotel staff.Next best alternative
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