Heritage Christchurch

Right behind the Cathederal, a short stroll to all the CBD attractions. An excellent base for getting out and about. Hotel facilities were to be expected from a 4 star hotel, staff were very accomodating and we were always meet with a greeting and a smile.

Directions: Central CBD

Update March 2011

Since the 6.3 earthquake on 22 Feburary there is no way to reach this beautiful hotel as it is in the cordoned-off Red Zone of the CBD, next to the damaged Anglican Cathedral.



This is a luxury four star hotel in the heart of the city, just some steps from the Cathedral. Although the tram passes in front of the doorstep noise from there should not be too bad as the tram only operates from 9am to 6pm in winter and until 9pm in summer. Also buses travel along the railway line but as there is very little car traffic it is not too loud. I can only imagine some singing revellers on Cathedral Square which BTW is rather deserted during weekday nights.

As the name indicates the hotel could be a heritage building. Indeed, a part of the premises are in the former Government Departmental Building which was built in 1909 in the style of an Italian High Renaissance palazzo. It was vacated in the 1980’s as it was considered being at risk of collapsing. In 1991 a demolition notice was issued but after many protests and efforts it was saved. This resulted in the purchase of the building by the City Council who in 1995 sold it to a developer. After major structural works and strenghtening the building was transformed into an apartment building with all the amenities you can enjoy now as a guest of The Heritage – boutiques, restaurant, swimming pool, gym, spa, and sauna.

The hotel occupies the former Government Departmental Building and a more modern Tower Wing (which gets somehow invisible beside the spectacular historic main building). You have the choice of several kinds of accommodation: normal rooms, apartments (one to three rooms) and suites.

The rack rate for a deluxe room is $ 380. If you book last minute in winter you get such a room for as “little” as $ 160, depending on the day. The rates go up to $ 637 for a family suite (down to 260/280 last minute in winter). All rates as June 2008.

I have not stayed at The Heritage – but my husband’s father had his office there as an architect employed by the Government when the building was still used as Government Departmental Building LOL (In the room behind the left-hand window on the first floor…)

Email: res.heritagechc@heritagehotels.co.nz

When I first started working, the Tower section of this hotel was called Carruca House and it was a Government Department building. I was based up on level 8 which is now fully fitted into some very nice rooms. Next door, in what is the Heritage, was the Dept of Lands and Survey.

The hotel is located right on Cathedral Square so it's well placed for access to everything in town. You can stay in either the hotel with its 1, 2 or 3 bedroon suites or in the Tower with its 135 rooms or penthouse suites.

Unique Quality: The hotel has a fancy restuarant (Maddison's), gym, pool and day spa so you are well serviced for any need if money isn't an object. For full info check out their website which has their rates and current specials.

I stayed in this hotel during my last trip to Christchurch in 2006. I was given a suite in the older building which was really nice.

Unique Quality: The hotel has a gym and a pool that open from 6am. There is a restaurant also.

The hotel has an older building that has been refurbished and a new building where the main reception desk is.

The Heritage Suites In One Of New Zealands Most Carefully Preserved And Restored Historical Buildings, Offers A Choice Of 45 Luxuriously Appointed 1, 2 Or 3 Bedroom Apartment Style Suites. The Adjacent Heritage Tower Wing Has 137 Contemporary Hotel Rooms, Many With Views Across Christchurch To The Canterbury Plains, The Majestic Southern Alps And The Port Hills All Rooms With: * Bath * Shower * Hairdryer * Minibar * Bath Robes * Satellite Tv * Radio * Phone * Inhouse Movie * Balcony * Modem Line * Iron And Ironing Board Extra Suite Features; * Open Plan Dining Room * Fully Equipped Kitchen * Lounge Area * No Smoking, Connecting And Handicapped Rooms Available

Directions: Center

Excellent service - on arrival and departure. Our room had all the basics - decent bathroom, sky TV, minibar, kettle, tea, coffee etc - and it was huge!
A few nice touches - mints came with our weather report for the following day.

Unique Quality: The location of this hotel gives it huge advantage - it's smack bang in the middle of town - with great views of the city.
I think the staff are a huge asset to the hotel. I can't describe the service any better than 'second to none'.

Directions: Follow the tram tracks from the square, behind the Cathedral... look right.