It is situated on a 12-hectare (30-acre) site between the suburbs of Riccarton and Fendalton, 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) to the west of central Christchurch.

The school also provides boarding facilities for 130 boys in a residence called Adams House located about 500 metres (1,600 ft) to the east.

[5] Christchurch Boys' High School has a rich sporting and academic history and boasts many traditions.

There is a unique ANZAC Day service each year that is compulsory for new students of the school to attend to commemorate the hundreds of Old Boys' that fought and died in the two World Wars.

[10] Christchurch Boys' High has one of the richest sporting alumni of any school in New Zealand, having produced the Hadlee brothers (cricket) and numerous All Black rugby footballers (46 in total)[16][better source needed] who have gone on to represent New Zealand with great distinction.