Christchurch has a strong web design and development scene, and as a community that started here, we’ve watched it grow up close. It ranges from dedicated web studios that have been building sites for more than 20 years to brand-led creative agencies, Webflow specialists, and developers who handle custom software and system integrations. For a business planning a new website, the hard part is rarely finding an agency. It’s working out which kind suits the project.
This list brings together ten of Christchurch’s most highly regarded web design and development agencies, based on what their clients say about working with them. For each one, we cover what they build, who they work with, what sets them apart, and the themes that come up again and again in their reviews.
No agency paid to be included. You’ll find more about how we put the list together in the FAQs.
Table of Contents
1. Innovate Digital
Fuelling growth and clarity for ambitious businesses
Location: Burnside, Christchurch | Google rating: 5.0 (39 reviews)
Innovate Digital is a Burnside-based agency that has worked with Christchurch and New Zealand businesses since 2009. They design websites as part of a wider marketing system. They are a Webflow, Shopify, Google, Meta and Mailchimp partner.
Services
- Strategy-first website design and development
- SEO and AIO (AI search optimisation)
- CRM systems and automation
- Google Ads, ChatGPT Ads and Meta Ads
- Social media marketing
- Marketing strategy
Who they work with
Businesses of all sizes, from start-ups to established brands, with dedicated expertise in removals companies and dental practices. Clients include Affordable Moving Solutions, Ethos Plumbing, Carpet Now, JAN-PRO, ACIM and As Is Where Is.
Point of difference
Websites are built to work alongside a client’s ads, SEO and CRM, so each new site is connected to lead generation from launch.
What clients say
- Websites and branding that reflect the business
- Quality leads and enquiries
- Patient, clear explanations
- A long-term, one-stop-shop partnership
Links: Website · Google reviews · Directory profile
2. Activate
Designing intelligent web systems that grow with you
Location: Christchurch Central City | Google rating: 5.0 (42 reviews)
Activate Design is a full-stack web agency that has been based on Durham Street, Christchurch, since 2003. They design, build, host and support websites in-house. They also develop custom software and mobile apps.
Services
- Website design and development
- New Zealand web hosting and technical support
- Custom software and app development
- E-commerce through their ActiveShop platform
- SEO
- Logo design, graphic design and print
- Animated video
- Email and social media marketing
Who they work with
Start-ups and small businesses through to schools and established companies. Clients include Wilcox & King, The Craft Embassy, Skool Loop, Armageddon Expo, Battle Axe Throwing, Adventure Guide NZ, Mountainview High School and Starfish Swim School.
Point of difference
Activate developed the content management system that runs their websites, rather than relying on third-party platforms. They also offer:
- ActiveShop, their own New Zealand e-commerce platform
- a New Business Launch Package combining a logo, website, hosting, email and Google advertising
What clients say
- Website redesigns and rebuilds
- Long-term client relationships, some spanning 15 years
- Responsive, friendly support
- Logo design
Links: Website · Google reviews · Directory profile
3. Meta Digital
Creative digital solutions crafted for your growth
Location: Christchurch Central City | Google rating: 5.0 (40 reviews)
Meta Digital is a full-service web design and development agency based in Kensington House in the Christchurch CBD. They have been building websites since 2002. Their sites are custom-designed and custom-coded, mostly on WordPress, with e-commerce on WooCommerce and Shopify.
Services
- Digital strategy
- Custom web design and UI/UX design
- Web development
- WordPress, WooCommerce and Shopify builds
- Managed WordPress hosting and website care plans
- Accessibility
- Website security audits
- AI web development and AI search optimisation
Who they work with
A broad range of organisations, including retailers, iwi organisations, education providers, non-profits and tourism operators. Clients include the All Blacks Shop, Fuelchief, GirlGuiding New Zealand, Tui Ora, Whai Rawa, the University of Canterbury, Careerforce and Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters.
Point of difference
A long-running WordPress specialism with strong ongoing support. Meta Digital offers hosting, care plans, accessibility work and security audits, and handles wider technical issues such as email deliverability.
What clients say
- Outstanding customer service and communication
- Long-term client relationships
- Transparent pricing and good value
- Websites tailored to each client’s vision
Links: Website · Google reviews · Directory profile
4. What IF Web
Bold digital experiences that defy the ordinary
Location: Christchurch | Google rating: 5.0 (41 reviews)
What IF Web is a Christchurch creative studio on St Asaph Street, led by Isaac and Tom. They design in Figma and build around 90% of their websites in Webflow. A typical project runs eight to ten weeks.
Services
- Marketing websites
- Web applications, such as client portals, booking systems and dashboards
- Branding
- AI search optimisation
- Ongoing Webflow support
Who they work with
High-growth companies in New Zealand and overseas, particularly in SaaS and technology, as well as non-profits and professional services firms. Clients include Carepatron, NextMinute, Aphex, Throughline, MoleMap, Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Invicta Financial and Izon Science.
Point of difference
What IF Web is a verified Webflow Premium Partner and a Web Excellence Awards winner. They are also New Zealand’s first Otterly.AI partner, combining website builds with AI search strategy.
What clients say
- Clear communication and well-managed projects
- Responsiveness and quick turnaround on feedback
- Creative design that goes beyond templates
- Sites that clients can manage themselves
Links: Website · Google reviews · Directory profile
5. New Media Design
Websites that attract, engage and grow
Location: St Martins, Christchurch | Google rating: 5.0 (34 reviews)
New Media Design is a Christchurch web design and branding studio founded in 2001 by creative director Kit Hindin. Kit personally handles around 90% of the work, with a specialist developer supporting complex WordPress and WooCommerce builds. The studio has worked with more than 500 New Zealand businesses, around half of them outside Canterbury.
Services
- WordPress website design and development
- E-commerce
- Logo design and branding
- SEO, with foundations included in every build and ongoing retainers available
- Marketing and digital strategy
- WordPress hosting
- Designer subscription
- Online courses for start-ups
Who they work with
Start-ups, small businesses, trades, hospitality and accommodation providers, charities and social enterprises. Clients include GCH Aviation, PGG Wrightson, Mike Pero Real Estate, Ministry of Awesome, Upright Scaffolding, Oakridge Homes and Startup Aotearoa.
Point of difference
Clients work directly with the principal designer, and pricing is published:
- business websites from $3,500
- e-commerce sites from $6,500
- fixed quotes, with three months of post-launch support included
- most sites delivered in three to six weeks
Every project follows Kit’s SPARK Method™, a framework that combines strategy, psychology and SEO.
What clients say
- Direct, responsive one-on-one service
- Guidance for new businesses from logo to launch
- High-quality work and creative ideas
- Value for money
Links: Website · Google reviews · Directory profile
6. Melia Marketing
Intelligent websites. Results-driven marketing.
Location: Christchurch Central City | Google rating: 4.9 (97 reviews)
Melia Marketing is a Christchurch web design and digital marketing agency led by Gareth. The agency builds websites on Webflow and works through a five-stage process: discovery, planning, implementation, optimisation and results assessment.
Services
- Webflow website design and development
- Website hosting and maintenance
- SEO, including a free SEO audit
- Automation and AI chatbots
- Brand design
- Copywriting
- Videography and photography
- Paid advertising on Google and Facebook
Who they work with
Small and medium businesses, including trades, hospitality, professional services and community organisations, in Christchurch and elsewhere in New Zealand. Clients include Elite Built, Silver Wave, Get Leaf, The Old Vicarage and Queenstown Toastmasters.
Point of difference
Webflow builds come backed by ongoing hosting and maintenance. Brand design, copywriting, video and AI chatbots are all handled in-house.
What clients say
- Website design and development
- Professional, responsive communication
- Work delivered on time and on budget
- Straightforward to deal with
Links: Website · Google reviews · Directory profile
7. Not Another™
Creating the brands creating the future
Location: Sumner, Christchurch | Google rating: 4.9 (38 reviews)
Not Another™ is a full-service creative agency founded in 2019, with studios in Christchurch and Sydney. They are a certified B Corp and a Webflow Enterprise Partner. They also describe themselves as carbon positive.
Services
- Webflow websites, including UI/UX design, site audits, customer journey mapping, development, hosting, API integrations, SEO and analytics
- Brand strategy, naming and identity
- Campaign development and campaign microsites
- Content production, including photography, video, motion graphics and 3D
Who they work with
Purpose-led brands, government agencies and technology companies in New Zealand and Australia. Clients include Polestar, ArchiPro, the Ministry of Social Development, the Human Rights Commission, Netsafe, Meta, the All Blacks Experience, Swanndri, ChristchurchNZ and Evnex.
Point of difference
Not Another™ combines Webflow Enterprise-level website development with brand, campaign and content production under one roof. They suit organisations that want a site built alongside a full brand or campaign.
What clients say
- Taking time to understand each organisation’s purpose
- Brand identity and strategy
- High-quality creative and production
- A collaborative, consultative process
Links: Website · Google reviews · Directory profile
8. Tomorrow®
Designing bold brands & websites that scale
Location: Christchurch Central City | Google rating: 5.0 (15 reviews)
Tomorrow® is a brand and website studio founded by siblings Ben Crawford and Libby Oborn. They began as Libby and Ben before rebranding to Tomorrow. They have studios on High Street in Christchurch and in Takapuna, Auckland, with their creative team based in Christchurch.
Services
- Custom website design and development
- Brand strategy and positioning
- Naming and identity design
- Rebranding and brand refreshes
- Packaging
- Advertising
Who they work with
Start-ups and established businesses looking to rebrand, scale or launch, across New Zealand and beyond. Clients include Southpac, Trippl, Moksha, Clean Meals, St Andrew’s College, Ravensdown, Interflora and Cycle Journeys.
Point of difference
Tomorrow takes on standalone website projects as well as end-to-end brand work, so a client can engage them for a site alone or as part of a full rebrand.
What clients say
Several reviews predate the rebrand.
- Professional, clear communication
- High-quality work delivered on time
- Feeling like part of the client’s team
- Brand and logo development
Links: Website · Google reviews · Directory profile
9. Publica
Change is inevitable. Transformation is remarkable.
Location: Christchurch Central City | Google rating: 5.0 (13 reviews)
Publica is a Cashel Street agency that builds custom software, integrations and applied AI, backed by a decade of brand and creative work. They are a certified HubSpot Partner. They build on WordPress, Craft CMS, Statamic, Shopify and Laravel, and develop native and hybrid iOS and Android apps.
Services
- Websites and apps
- Custom development and system integrations, including MYOB EXO, NetSuite, Unleashed and HubSpot
- Applied AI tools
- UX/UI design
- Brand, strategy, creative and marketing
Who they work with
Organisations across:
- arts and events
- tourism
- health
- community
- property and construction
- agriculture and rural services
- manufacturing
- wholesale distribution and B2B
Clients include the World Buskers Festival, Lake Wānaka Tourism, Coastguard Tautiaki Moana, Adventure Consultants, Trade Aid, Step Ahead Trust, Equus Industries and WORD Christchurch.
Point of difference
Publica takes on bespoke ERP and CRM integration work, connecting a business’s website and systems so data flows between them in real time.
What clients say
- Responsive, friendly account management
- Long-term, collaborative partnerships
- Technical expertise for complex requirements
- Strategic input alongside the build
Links: Website · Google reviews · Directory profile
10. Adquire
Data-driven digital marketing built for explosive growth
Location: Christchurch City Centre | Google rating: 5.0 (12 reviews)
Adquire is a Christchurch agency that pairs website design and development with SEO and digital advertising. Their main office is on St Asaph Street, with a separate creative office in Christchurch and a listed presence in Auckland and Wellington. They are a Google Partner.
Services
- Website design and development, including content writing
- Website maintenance
- Conversion rate optimisation (CRO)
- White-hat SEO and local SEO
- Google Search and Display advertising
- Social media advertising
- Analytics and tracking
Who they work with
Small-to-medium businesses and larger enterprises, with a strong base in construction and trades. Clients include Dredge NZ and the Canterbury Insulated Builders group, for which they built three websites.
Point of difference
An end-to-end approach that covers design, written content and branding. This makes Adquire a practical option for new businesses or busy owners who want a site delivered with minimal input on their part.
What clients say
- Website build quality
- More enquiries and leads after launch
- SEO and Google Ads results
- Easy to work with and uses plain language
Links: Website · Google reviews · Directory profile
Choosing a Web Design Agency in Christchurch
These agencies all have a strong record with their clients. The bigger differences lie in how they work and what they build on:
- Dedicated web studios: Activate, Meta Digital, What IF Web and New Media Design focus primarily on designing, building and supporting websites.
- Brand-led studios: Not Another™ and Tomorrow® suit businesses that want a website built as part of a new or refreshed brand.
- Web and marketing combined: Innovate Digital, Melia Marketing and Adquire pair website builds with the SEO and advertising that drive traffic to them.
- Custom development: Publica specialises in software and system integrations, and Activate and What IF Web also build apps and web applications.
The platform matters too:
- Webflow: What IF Web, Melia Marketing and Not Another™
- WordPress: Meta Digital and New Media Design
- Multiple platforms: Publica
- Own CMS: Activate
Before you commit, consider:
- which platform your site will be built on, and whether you can edit content yourself
- who owns the website and what happens if you move to another provider
- what hosting, maintenance and support cost after launch
- whether SEO foundations are included in the build
- how long the project will take and who will manage it day to day
You can find more Christchurch web designers, developers and freelancers in the Search Marketing Network directory.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did you choose these agencies?
We looked at what clients say. Our ranking combines each agency’s average Google rating with the number of reviews behind it, so consistently strong feedback from many clients counts for more than a perfect score from a handful. We also read through each agency’s reviews to make sure they reflect the work featured in this list. Ratings were checked in October 2026, and no agency paid to be included.
How do I list my business on the Search Marketing Network?
Listings on the Search Marketing Network directory are free and open to agencies, studios, consultants and freelancers across New Zealand. If your business already appears in the directory, you can claim the listing and keep your details up to date. If not, you can create a free listing in a few minutes. A complete, up-to-date listing makes it easier for potential clients, and future employees, to find you.
