Vacation packages
Stays
Cars
Flights
Support
AARP Member Savings
My Trips
AARP.org
Join
Renew

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

5.0 star property
Luxury hotel with a 24-hour fitness center and a 24-hour front desk

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

Reception
Royal Skylight Room | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe
Observatory Legacy room- Lower ground floor | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe
Royal Skylight Room | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe
Meeting facility
The Observatory Hotel Christchurch blends art, culture, and comfort near Hagley Park. This eco-certified property has an on-site grocery store and hosts concerts. Guests enjoy in-room WiFi, convenient dry cleaning, and a genuinely welcoming staff.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Gym
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
  • 24/7 front desk

Room options

View all photos for Observatory Legacy room- Lower ground floor

Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

Observatory Legacy room- Lower ground floor

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(17 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Renovated in 2022
Down duvet
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Observatory Deluxe Room

Observatory Deluxe Room | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

Observatory Deluxe Room

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(40 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Renovated in 2022
Down duvet
  • 25 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Prestige Skylight Room

Prestige Skylight Room | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

Prestige Skylight Room

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Renovated in 2022
  • 32 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Royal Skylight Room

Royal Skylight Room | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

Royal Skylight Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Renovated in 2022
  • 52 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Prestige Room

Prestige Room | Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

Prestige Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(8 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Renovated in 2022
  • 30 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Map
9 Hereford Street Christchurch, Christchurch, Canterbury, 8013

What's nearby

  • Hagley Park - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Christchurch Public Hospital - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Riverside Market - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Christchurch Casino - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Riccarton Road - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile

Getting around

  • Christchurch Railway Station - 11 min drive
  • Christchurch International Airport (CHC) - 18 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Fat Eddie's - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Quad Eatery - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Fiddlesticks Restaurant and Bar - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪The Great Escape - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Chiwahwah - ‬6 min walk

About this property

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

Luxury hotel remodeled in 2022 and located near Hagley Park
Located close to The Arts Centre and Christchurch Art Gallery, The Observatory Hotel Christchurch provides a grocery/convenience store, concerts and live shows, and an art gallery on site. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with a library and dry cleaning/laundry services.
You'll also find perks like:
  • Continental breakfast (surcharge), bike rentals, and self parking (surcharge)
  • A water dispenser, an elevator, and a banquet hall
  • Tour/ticket assistance, a 24-hour front desk, and books
  • Guest reviews say great things the helpful staff, first-rate property condition, and location
Room features
All guestrooms are individually furnished, and feature comforts such as premium bedding and pillow menus, in addition to perks like air conditioning and bathrobes.
More amenities include:
  • Bathrooms with rainfall showers and free toiletries
  • 49-inch Smart TVs with Netflix, streaming services, and digital channels
  • Wardrobes/closets, electric kettles, and heating

Awards and affiliations

Eco-Certified Property
This property participates in Qualmark Sustainable Tourism Business Award, a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.

Similar properties

Breakfast, lunch and dinner served

Sudima Christchurch City

  • Spa
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, 484 reviews
Sudima Christchurch City

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Height restrictions apply for onsite parking
  • Onsite parking available only on request
  • Uncovered self parking on site (NZD 30 per day)
  • Limited onsite parking (max 1 space per unit)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily continental breakfast available 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee: NZD 30 for adults and NZD 30 for children
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Things to do

  • 24-hour gym
  • Art gallery
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Books
  • Concerts/live shows
  • Library

Family friendly

  • Grocery/convenience store

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Grocery/convenience store
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • 269 square feet of conference space
  • Meeting room

Spa

  • Couples treatment rooms

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Height-adjustable showerhead
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible gym
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking

More

  • 3 buildings
  • 3 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 1896
  • Communal living room
  • Renovated entire property - May 2022
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Victorian architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Down comforter
  • Pillow menu
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Slippers
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 49-inch smart TV with digital channels
  • Netflix
  • Streaming services

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Espresso maker
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Free local calls
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
A late check-out fee will be charged

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 2 percent for credit card payments
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Fee for continental breakfast: approximately NZD 30 for adults and NZD 30 for children
  • Uncovered self parking fee: NZD 30 per day
  • A late check-out fee will be charged
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 2 percent

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve onsite parking
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit

We should mention

Parking height restrictions apply
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly)

National rating

Rating provided by Qualmark®, source of official star ratings for accommodation in New Zealand.

Property is also known as

The Observatory Christchurch
Observatory Hotel Christchurch
Observatorty Hotel Christchurch
The Observatory Hotel Christchurch Hotel
The Observatory Hotel Christchurch Christchurch
The Observatory Hotel Christchurch Hotel Christchurch

Frequently asked questions

Is The Observatory Hotel Christchurch pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch?

Self parking is available for NZD 30 per day. Limited spots are available.

What time is check-in at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.

What time is check-out at The Observatory Hotel Christchurch?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM. Late check-out is available for a fee.

Where is The Observatory Hotel Christchurch located?

Located in Christchurch City Centre, this luxury hotel is steps from Hagley Park and The Arts Centre. Christchurch Art Gallery and Riverside Market are also within 10 minutes.

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Reviews

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

10

Cleanliness

9.6

Amenities

9.8

Staff & service

9.6

Eco-friendliness

9.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 248 out of 276 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 20 out of 276 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 276 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 276 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 5 out of 276 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

JH

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful designed and well kept hotel right downtown
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful hotel!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic staff,location and design
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great building to have as a hotel in a really good location.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marc

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is an excellent hotel with luxurious amenities within easy walking distance to dining, culture, and all that Christchurch has to offer. The staff is first rate, good communicators and thoughtful.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nathan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Interesting hotel. Super walkable to evwrything. Great staff too.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

jeffrey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location and wonderful rooms.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Luke

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great hotel - mix of character buildings and modern rooms.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Teck Kee

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very nice hotel but it’s hard to get a warmer and comfortable temperature in the room, especially the bathroom.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mona

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful hotel in former university buildings that reminded us of Hogwarts!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely hotel. Nice and quiet. Great location and staff. Will definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ange

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Love this place, very unique and only a short walk to town.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Maxine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excellent atmosphere and warm and caring staff.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Warm hospitality in a beautiful boutique hotel

Had a lovely stay at The Observatory Hotel. From the moment I checked in, the staff were incredibly friendly and accommodating—especially the gentleman who handled both check-in and check-out with such professionalism and kindness. I had requested for the king bed to be split into two singles, and the team sorted it out without any fuss. The hotel itself is stylish and peaceful, with a unique charm that sets it apart from the usual chain experience. Would happily stay again.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Luke

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Such a lovely hotel. Characterful but modern, well appointed and well located.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Eileen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

First Class Boutique Hotel

Amazing and unique boutique hotel with comfortable and stylish room. The staff here really shined.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Exceeded expectations. Great location. Arts center a great asset. Highly recommended.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Rhys was great at check-in. The proprerty itself is beautiful and the location was great.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Myles

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely spectacular in every regard, and perfectly located. Truly a special spot.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Catherine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Do,I nick and the staff were amazing. The social hour was a very nice touch.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Barbara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely new boutique hotel in historic Arts Centre. Beautifully decorated and very comfortable beds. Walkable to Cellar Door restaurant for great food and service

8/10 Good

Cheryl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Good hotel

Beautiful building close to the centre of Christchurch. Everything in walking distance. Nicely appointed room, only downside for us was the room and bathroom were set up for people with disabilities so everything was low level.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

JAMES

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Beautiful and unique hotel in a great location

The Observatory Hotel is a beautiful and unique hotel in a great location. It is within walking distance of shopping, nice restaurants, and the botanical garden. The service was excellent and the room was clean and comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Melanie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property, lovely clean and bright room. Great welcome staff member, overall a great stay, Thanks!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gillian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hospitality was top notch! The hotel itself was just beautiful and in such a gorgeous, historic, and charming building. But the staff really made the whole experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

  • † More information about the $50 gift card with flight package benefit may be found at: https://www.expedia-aarp.com/lp/b/vacationpackages50prepaid

  • English Copyright 1995 – 2025. All rights reserved. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the Expedia User Agreement and Privacy Policy. Expedia pays a royalty fee to AARP for the use of AARP’s intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purpose of AARP. All goods or services and discounts offered via the AARP® Travel Center powered by Expedia ®, are provided by third-party suppliers. AARP and its affiliates do not endorse and are not responsible for the goods or services and discounts made available on this site. Offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the AARP® Travel Center powered by Expedia® directly for full details. AARP and its affiliates are not insurers.