Top 10 Catteries in Christchurch: Best Cat Boarding 2025
Christchurch's post-earthquake rebuild brought something unexpected: a new generation of purpose-built, modern catteries designed from the ground up with feline welfare in mind.
The result? Canterbury now has some of New Zealand's best cat boarding facilities, often at prices lower than Auckland or Wellington. With roughly 40% of Kiwi households owning cats (that's about 1.26 million nationwide), Christchurch's share means thousands of cat owners need reliable boarding every year.
We've reviewed every cattery across greater Christchurch and North Canterbury to find the facilities genuinely worth your trust – and your money.
Quick Answer
Best overall: Riverside Cattery (Kainga) – 5.0 stars from 141 reviews, $20-$35/night depending on suite, daily social media updates included.
Best value: Donquest Kennels & Cattery (Harewood) – 5.0 stars, 62 reviews, just $15/night with 24/7 onsite owners.
Best for special needs: Cat Habitat (Mairehau) – 5.0 stars, 53 reviews, specialists in geriatric, diabetic, and medically complex cats.
Budget average: Most quality Christchurch catteries charge $18-$24/night – significantly cheaper than Auckland ($25) or Wellington ($27).
Let's break down what makes each facility special.
How We Ranked Christchurch Catteries
These rankings aren't based solely on Google reviews. Here's what we evaluated:
- Verified quality: Minimum 4.6 stars with 30+ reviews (5.0-star facilities with fewer reviews also considered)
- Price transparency: No hidden fees or surprise charges
- Safety standards: Individual units, proper ventilation, emergency protocols
- Specialist services: Medication administration, special dietary needs, geriatric care
- Geographic coverage: Central Christchurch to North Canterbury
We've visited facilities, reviewed hundreds of customer testimonials, and interviewed regular users. Data current as of February 2025.
The Top 10 Christchurch Catteries
1. Riverside Cattery
Location: Kainga Rating: ⭐ 5.0 (141 reviews) Price: $20-$35/night (suite dependent)
With 141 five-star reviews, Riverside Cattery is Christchurch's most-reviewed perfect-rated facility. Carrie and Andrew run what's essentially a boutique hotel for cats, with 55 units ranging from 2.88m² standard suites to the jaw-dropping 15m² "Jungle Room" platinum suite.
Here's what's different: every unit has individual heating and cooling. Not shared climate control – individual temperature adjustment for each cat. Staff live on-site for genuine 24/7 care, and daily social media updates let you see your cat throughout their stay.
What makes it special:
- 55 units from standard to 15m² platinum suite
- Individual heating/cooling in each unit
- Staff live on-site (24/7 care)
- Daily social media photo updates
- AsureQuality certified
- TV in select premium suites
- Airport pickup/delivery available
- Royal Canin premium food
- 30+ day discount (10% off)
- 15 minutes from Christchurch Airport
The Jungle Room: At 15m² indoor plus 5m² outdoor, this is New Zealand's largest single-cat cattery suite. It includes TV, premium bedding, and views. Worth the splurge for extended stays.
Best for: Anyone wanting proven excellence with the most reviews in Christchurch, or cats staying long-term who'd benefit from larger suites.
2. Donquest Kennels & Cattery
Location: Harewood (near airport) Rating: ⭐ 5.0 (62 reviews) Price: $15/night
At $15/night, Donquest is New Zealand's cheapest 5.0-star cattery. That's not a typo. Matt and Yo have run this facility since 1997, and they've cracked the code on delivering quality care at budget pricing.
Located right next to Christchurch Airport (15 minutes from city), it's solar-powered with 56 panels, features 24/7 security cameras, and the owners live on-site. They're also NZ's #1 pet transporters, so if you need coordination with travel, they've got that covered.
What makes it special:
- Cheapest quality cattery in NZ ($15/night)
- Run by Matt and Yo since 1997 (27 years)
- 24/7 onsite owners + security cameras
- Solar powered (56 panels)
- Climate controlled
- Next to Christchurch Airport
- NZ's #1 pet transporters
- Enrichment activities
- Perfect 5-star rating across 62 reviews
Best for: Budget-conscious cat owners who refuse to compromise on quality, and travelers using Christchurch Airport.
Modern Christchurch catteries feature spacious, climate-controlled units
3. Cat Habitat Boarding Cattery
Location: Mairehau Rating: ⭐ 5.0 (53 reviews) Price: $24-$40/night (depends on care level)
If your cat has special needs – geriatric, diabetic, medication-dependent, or just finicky – Cat Habitat is where you want them. Darren and Lesley have built their reputation as specialists in cats that need extra attention.
Set on 14 acres just 5km from Cathedral Square, they've got 55 custom-designed units with 3 different levels in each for cats to sleep and play. The pricing reflects the specialized care: standard is $24/night, but complex medical needs can run $40/night.
What makes it special:
- Specialists in geriatric, diabetic, and special needs cats
- 14-acre rural property
- 55 custom-designed units (3 levels each)
- Darren and Lesley live on-site
- AsureQuality approved
- Heated units
- Indoor/outdoor courtyards
- Insulin administration
- Airport transfer available
- 5km from Cathedral Square
Best for: Cats with medical conditions, senior cats, or any cat requiring specialized attention beyond standard boarding.
4. Takurua Vets Boarding Cattery
Location: Upper Riccarton Rating: ⭐ 4.8 (104 reviews) Price: $28/night
Vet-supervised boarding means peace of mind if your cat's health is a concern. Takurua Vets runs a professional cattery attached to their clinic, so veterinarians are literally on-site during business hours.
With 104 reviews at 4.8 stars, they've proven they can maintain quality at scale. At $28/night, you're paying a premium over budget options but getting veterinary supervision included.
What makes it special:
- Veterinarians on-site daily
- Upper Riccarton location (convenient central Christchurch)
- 104 reviews (high volume, consistent quality)
- Medical supervision included in price
- Ideal for cats with ongoing health concerns
Best for: Older cats, cats with medical conditions, or anyone wanting the security of on-site veterinary care.
5. 4 Paws Cat Motel
Location: Yaldhurst (West Christchurch) Rating: ⭐ 4.8 (52 reviews) Price: $20/night
Solid, reliable, consistent – that's 4 Paws in three words. Located in Yaldhurst on the western edge of Christchurch, they've been quietly delivering quality care at fair prices for years.
Climate-controlled individual units, attentive staff, and cats that come home content. Nothing flashy, just quality fundamentals executed well.
What makes it special:
- West Christchurch location
- Climate controlled
- Individual units
- Consistent 4.8-star quality
- Fair $20/night pricing
Best for: West Christchurch residents wanting reliable, no-frills quality care.
6. Avon Cattery & Bunny Boarding
Location: Avondale Rating: ⭐ 4.8 (78 reviews) Price: $18/night
At $18/night, Avon Cattery delivers excellent value in central Christchurch. With 78 reviews maintaining 4.8 stars, they're proven and reliable.
The fact that they also board rabbits tells you they understand small animal care beyond just cats – attention to detail and cleanliness standards are high.
What makes it special:
- Central Avondale location
- Budget-friendly $18/night
- 78 reviews (high volume)
- Individual units
- Also boards rabbits (demonstrates small animal expertise)
Best for: Budget-conscious central Christchurch residents.
7. Cherry Grove Cattery
Location: Templeton Rating: ⭐ 4.8 (48 reviews) Price: $18/night
Another excellent budget option, Cherry Grove offers rural Templeton setting at inner-city prices. At $18/night with 4.8 stars across 48 reviews, they're delivering consistent quality.
What makes it special:
- Rural Templeton setting
- Budget-friendly $18/night
- Proven 4.8-star quality
- Individual units
Best for: Southwest Christchurch residents wanting rural setting at budget prices.
8. Ashley Boarding Cattery
Location: Rangiora (North Canterbury) Rating: ⭐ 4.9 (36 reviews) Price: $17/night
North Canterbury's top-rated cattery, Ashley offers rural setting in Rangiora at exceptional value. At $17/night, it's one of the cheapest quality options in the greater Christchurch area.
What makes it special:
- North Canterbury location
- Rural Rangiora setting
- Exceptional $17/night value
- Individual units
- 4.9-star rating
Best for: North Canterbury and Rangiora residents, or anyone wanting rural boarding at rock-bottom prices.
9. BARK Kennels & Cattery
Location: Rolleston Rating: ⭐ 4.7 (143 reviews) Price: $20/night
With 143 reviews, BARK has more customer feedback than any other Christchurch facility except Riverside and Alameda. They're a mixed facility (kennels and cattery), which some cat owners prefer to avoid, but with this many reviews maintaining 4.7 stars, they clearly manage cat/dog separation well.
Rolleston location is convenient for southwest Christchurch and Selwyn district.
What makes it special:
- Highest review count in Rolleston
- 143 reviews at 4.7 stars
- Fair $20/night pricing
- Convenient southwest location
Best for: Rolleston and Selwyn district residents.
10. Ali Cats Cattery
Location: Templeton Rating: ⭐ 4.6 (44 reviews) Price: $20/night
Rounding out the top 10 is Ali Cats, a Templeton facility offering solid care at $20/night. With 44 reviews at 4.6 stars, they're reliable without being exceptional – which is exactly what many cat owners want.
What makes it special:
- Templeton location
- Fair $20/night pricing
- Individual units
- Proven reliability
Best for: Templeton area residents wanting straightforward, dependable care.
Price Comparison: Christchurch Region
Here's what you'll actually pay:
- Budget tier ($15-$18/night): Donquest, Ashley, Avon, Cherry Grove
- Mid-range ($20-$24/night): Riverside (standard), 4 Paws, BARK, Ali Cats, Cat Habitat (standard)
- Premium ($28-$40/night): Takurua Vets, Riverside (platinum), Cat Habitat (specialty care)
Average for top-tier Christchurch catteries: $22/night
That's notably cheaper than Auckland ($25/night) and Wellington ($27/night), while often delivering equivalent or better quality.
Christchurch vs Other Regions
How does Christchurch stack up?
Pros:
- Cheapest quality boarding in NZ (average $22/night)
- Modern, purpose-built facilities (post-earthquake rebuild)
- Excellent specialist care options (Cat Habitat)
- Good geographic coverage
- Less competition for bookings than Auckland/Wellington
Cons:
- Fewer total facilities than Auckland
- More rural locations mean longer drives from city
- Some older facilities didn't survive the earthquakes
- Premium options more limited than larger cities
Verdict: Christchurch offers exceptional value – often cheaper than other regions while delivering equivalent or better quality. The rebuild brought modern facilities designed with current animal welfare standards.
What Makes Christchurch Catteries Different
1. Post-Earthquake Modern Design
Many Christchurch catteries were rebuilt post-2011, meaning they incorporate current best practices:
- Proper ventilation systems
- Individual climate control
- Earthquake-safe construction
- Modern sneeze barriers and disease prevention
2. Rural Access
Christchurch's sprawl means many quality catteries are on lifestyle blocks with genuine rural settings. Cats get quieter environments, more space, and often better outdoor access than city facilities.
3. Price Competition
With Auckland and Wellington commanding premium prices, Christchurch catteries compete aggressively on value. You'll frequently find 5.0-star facilities charging $15-20/night – prices that would get you 3-star quality in Auckland.
Booking Tips for Christchurch
When to book:
- December-January: 6-8 weeks ahead (less pressure than Auckland/Wellington)
- Easter: 4-6 weeks ahead
- Long weekends: 3 weeks ahead
- Regular weekends: 1-2 weeks usually sufficient
Christchurch-specific considerations:
- Many facilities are rural – factor in drive time
- Ask about pickup flexibility (some have narrow windows)
- Confirm climate control (Canterbury temperature swings)
- Check if they can coordinate with airport (many Christchurch catteries offer this)
Red flags:
- Can't explain what happens if cat stops eating
- Vague about daily routine or staffing
- Won't show you actual units
- No clear emergency vet protocol
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best cattery in Christchurch?
Riverside Cattery leads with 5.0 stars from 141 reviews, the most verified feedback of any Christchurch facility. For budget-conscious owners, Donquest delivers 5.0-star quality at just $15/night.
Which Christchurch cattery is cheapest?
Donquest at $15/night is the cheapest quality option in New Zealand, let alone Christchurch. Ashley Cattery (Rangiora) charges $17/night, and Avon/Cherry Grove both charge $18/night.
Do Christchurch catteries require vaccinations?
Yes, all reputable facilities require F3 vaccination (feline herpes, calicivirus, parvovirus) current within 12 months and administered at least 2 weeks before boarding.
Read more about vaccination requirements for cattery boarding.
Which cattery is best for diabetic cats?
Cat Habitat (Mairehau) specializes in diabetic cats and can administer insulin. They're experts in geriatric and medically complex cats. Takurua Vets (vet-supervised) is also excellent for medical needs.
Are there catteries near Christchurch Airport?
Donquest Kennels & Cattery is literally next to Christchurch Airport. Riverside Cattery is 15 minutes from the airport and offers pickup/delivery.
Can I get photo updates?
Yes, many Christchurch catteries offer updates:
- Daily social media updates: Riverside Cattery
- On request: Most facilities will send photos if you ask
What if my cat needs medication?
All top 10 Christchurch catteries can administer medication. Most include it in the base price; some charge $2-3/day. Cat Habitat and Takurua Vets specialize in complex medication regimens.
Which cattery has the largest suites?
Riverside Cattery's platinum "Jungle Room" at 15m² indoor + 5m² outdoor is the largest single-cat suite in New Zealand. Cat Habitat's units feature 3 different levels for exploration.
The Bottom Line
Christchurch punches well above its weight for cattery quality, often at prices 15-20% cheaper than Auckland or Wellington. The post-earthquake rebuild brought modern facilities designed from scratch with animal welfare in mind.
Can't decide? Here's our shortlist:
- Best overall: Riverside Cattery (5.0 stars, 141 reviews, $20-$35/night)
- Best value: Donquest (5.0 stars, $15/night, 24/7 onsite owners)
- Best for special needs: Cat Habitat (5.0 stars, geriatric/diabetic specialists)
- Best budget options: Donquest ($15), Ashley ($17), Avon/Cherry Grove ($18)
- Best near airport: Donquest (next to airport) or Riverside (15 min + pickup service)
- Best vet-supervised: Takurua Vets (4.8 stars, $28/night)
The key with Christchurch? You're getting exceptional value. Where Wellington charges $27/night average and Auckland $25/night, Christchurch delivers equivalent quality at $22/night – and often better.
Ready to book? Browse all Christchurch catteries or search catteries nationwide.
Related Reading
- How to Choose a Cattery in New Zealand: The Complete Guide
- What to Look for in a Cattery: Your Essential Inspection Checklist
- Preparing Your Cat for a Cattery Stay
- Top 10 Catteries in Auckland
- Top 10 Catteries in Wellington
- Cat Boarding Costs in New Zealand
Sources
- PawSpot cattery database (Christchurch and Canterbury region facilities reviewed)
- Companion Animals NZ - 2024 Pet Data Report
- Customer reviews from Google, Facebook, and direct owner feedback
