Christchurch—the largest city on New Zealand’s South Island—is an ideal destination for families travelling with kids. The city features stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and endless family-friendly activities.
It has something for everyone, whether you want to explore the great outdoors, discover local history and culture, or simply have fun with the kids.
This article highlights fantastic things to do in Christchurch with kids, from visiting the city’s top attractions and parks to experiencing thrilling adventures and trying delicious local cuisine. Get ready to make unforgettable memories with your family!
Unique Activities to do While You’re Visiting Christchurch with Children
1. Tour The International Antarctic Centre
This world-renowned attraction offers visitors a different and immersive experience of the Antarctica content. It’s located next to Christchurch International Airport, making it accessible to destination travellers.
You’ll experience various interactive activities and exhibits, like the Antarctica storm that stimulates the wind, cold, and snow typical of the area. The centre also features exhibits and displays highlighting the continent’s scientific research, history, and wildlife.
Besides, the International Antarctic Center is also an important hub for scientific research in the area as it houses the New Zealand Antarctic Programme, which researches glaciology, biodiversity, and climate change.
2. Feed Wildlife at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
This popular Wildlife Reserve protects and conserves native New Zealand wildlife. It offers visitors a chance to see and learn about New Zealand’s iconic and endangered species.
Some of the wildlife that can be seen in the reserve include kiwis, insects, reptiles, native bird species, kaka parrots, and tuataras. The reserve has various walking trails winding through various ecosystems and habitats.
The main attraction is the kiwi house, where visitors can view nocturnal birds up close and learn about the efforts being implemented to protect them. The reserve is also home to Ko Tane, a Maori cultural experience that involves a traditional welcome ceremony, a cultural performance, and a hangi meal cooked on earth.
Besides the educational and conservational activities, the wildlife reserve also offers various accommodation options, from camping tents to lodges; visitors can stay overnight to experience the native wildlife sights and sounds at night.
3. Experience the African Safari at Orana Wildlife Park
This popular wildlife sanctuary is home to over 400 animals; most are endangered and native to New Zealand. Orana’s primary attraction is its open-range concept, where visitors can observe animals in large enclosures that mimic their natural habitats.
Visitors can view animals like rhinos, giraffes, cheetahs, and tigers. The park also participates in various conservation programs, including the breeding and reintroducing endangered species like the South Island kākāriki and the kea parrot.
The park provides various experiences for visitors, such as guided tours, a Safari tour to the open range exhibits, and behind-the-scenes encounters. There’s also a kid’s zoo where children can interact with farm animals.
4. Get Your Adrenalin Rush Going at Adrenalin Forest
If you’ve got an adventurous whānau, visiting Adrenalin Forest will be top of your list regarding things to do in Christchurch with kids.
This is a high ropes course with an edge. With courses starting at just 1 m high but pushing up to 20 m above the ground, it is the perfect opportunity for the challenge by choice.
Adrenalin Forest is a thrilling outdoor adventure park that offers an unforgettable experience for those seeking an adrenaline rush. The park features a range of exciting activities, such as high ropes courses, zip lines, and swings, all set in a beautiful forest environment.
Children can zip, soar, and swing across various challenges or obstacles fashioned to test their agility, strength and balance. Children must be over 1.4 m in height to participate in these activities.
To make the most of your experience, wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting dirty or sweaty. Closed-toe shoes with good grip are also essential for this type of activity.
5. Treat your Children to the Most Amazing Gelato
If your children love gelato or ice cream, Rollicki Gelato is a must-visit while you’re in Christchurch.
They make their gelato using traditional Italian techniques, slowly churning the mixture to incorporate air and create a creamy texture. The gelato is made in small batches using high-quality ingredients such as fresh milk, cream, and locally sourced fruits and nuts.
Rollicking Gelato is known for its creative and unique flavours, which depend on seasonal ingredients and customer demand. Some popular flavours include Black Forest, Lavender and Honey, Chocolate and Peanut Butter, and Lemon Cheesecake.
6. Stroll Through Godley Head Walk
The Godley Head Walk is a scenic trail that keeps your children entertained. The 8 km loop begins and ends at Taylor’s Mistake Vehicle Park. It takes around three hours to complete the walk, and It’s considered moderately challenging, with some steep sections and uneven terrain. Nevertheless, the trail is well-maintained and suitable for most ages and fitness levels.
Godley Head Walk offers one of the most spectacular sceneries in Christchurch. Its trail follows the rugged coastline, passing by historic World War II gun emplacements while offering panoramic ocean views and the surrounding landscape.
Visitors may be lucky enough to spot some wildlife, including fur seals, penguins, and various seabirds. Several facilities are available at the Godley Head Reserve, including car parking, toilets, and picnic areas; you should bring water and snacks for the walk, as there is no food or drink vendors along the trail.
7. Visit the New Brighton Beachside Playground
This playground—a magnet for younger children and families—is on the beachfront and offers stunning Pacific Ocean views. The playground has various play equipment suitable for children of all ages, including swings, slides, climbing structures, and a giant sandpit.
There’s also a flying fox, a water play area, and different interactive elements to stimulate children’s creativity. The New Brighton Beachside Playground is fully accessible and features wheelchair-friendly play equipment and pathways.
There’s a Liberty Swing, designed for kids with disabilities and allows them to experience the joy of swinging. You don’t have to worry about your children’s safety in this park as it’s well-maintained and regularly inspected to ensure safety.
The Playground has public toilets, changing rooms, and a café. Car parking is also available in the surrounding area, and public transport is easily accessible.
8. Relax at the New Brighton Hot Pool Complex
The Hot Pool Complex is located on Marine Parade, and it’s the perfect place to warm up and relax when it’s cold. The complex has various indoor and outdoor swimming pools, including a large main pool, a children’s pool, and two hydro slides, making it a hit for children and parents.
Besides swimming, there are different activities and classes for visitors, including aqua aerobics, aqua jogging, and swim lessons for children and adults. The complex also has a café, sun loungers, and shaded seating areas.
9. Let Your Children Try Out Bouldering
Bouldering entails free climbing overhangs and walls, and it’s become increasingly popular because it’s seen as an accessible form of rock climbing. Bouldering courses aren’t as high as rock climbing, and the floors are usually cushioned to soften any falls.
A gym in Christchurch offers a range of climbing routes for all skill levels. The gym has walls of varying heights and angles and a training area with campus boards, hang boards and other training equipment.
Safety is a top priority; the gym has implemented safety measures to protect climbers. Before climbing, all climbers must watch safety; they’re given crash pads and spotters to help minimise injury risks.
10. Try Rock Climbing
If the weather is unfavourable, you can take your kids indoors rock climbing at Clip ‘n Climb. Clip ‘n Climb is a popular indoor climbing gym that provides a fun and safe environment for climbers of all ages and skill levels.
The gym has several climbing challenges, such as walls with different holds and features and auto-belays that let climbers climb without a partner or belayer. The gym also has a soft play area for younger climbers.
Clip ‘n Climb offers classes and coaching sessions for all climbers, from beginners to advanced climbers; they help them improve their technique, strength, and endurance.
The climbing sessions include one hour of climbing time and access to the Leap of faith and Vertical Drop that’ll excite even the bravest kids.
11. Check Out Bike/ Scooter Park
Christchurch houses several exciting bike and scooter parks, perfect for anyone looking to add a little adventure to their day.
From learn-to-ride street tracks to pump tracks, these parks are a great way to entertain children without spending a dime if you’ve brought scooters and bikes from home. The best courses include City Promenade (suitable for younger kids), Detour Pump Track, Ilam school, and Knights Stream Park.
12. Have Fun at Margaret Mahy Playground
This playground is a popular destination, offering fun activities for kids and adults. The Margaret Mahy Playground has play equipment suitable for kids of all ages, like swings, slides, climbing structures and other equipment that encourage imaginative play and physical activity.
The most popular feature is the water play area, which has sprinklers and interactive fountains perfect for cooling off on a hot day. Your kids can splash around and enjoy the water while you relax in the seating areas.
There is also sensory play equipment like music and textured surfaces to encourage exploration and stimulate the senses. There’s also a skate park perfect for adults and older children. You can also relax and enjoy a meal with your family in any picnic area.
13. Go Mountain Biking with your Older Kids
If your children love mountain biking, Christchurch has various trails and parks that cater to riders of different skill levels. The Christchurch Adventure Park is a must-visit destination for mountain bikers; it has different courses, from easy and scenic trails to challenging downhill runs.
A chairlift can take riders to the top of the mountain, allowing them to enjoy the views before tackling the downhill runs. McLeans Island is another popular mountain biking destination in Christchurch that has beginner-friendly trails to more technical and challenging routes.
Bottle Lake Forest is a popular destination for mountain bikers looking for variety. The park trails that wind through a dense forest, with a mix of technical and accessible routes.
Lastly, Victoria Park offers various mountain biking, a mix of challenging and easy winding through beautiful native forests.
14. Tour the Christchurch Adventure Park
The Christchurch Adventure Park is a popular destination for families due to its range of activities. If your child loves mountain biking, the park has several courses suitable for riders of all levels. There are challenging trails for older kids and easy trails winding through the forest.
You can also get your adrenaline on New Zealand’s highest and longest zip line that passes through the forest and offers fantastic views of the surrounding mountains. There’s also a Chairlift that takes visitors to the top of the mountain and offers stunning views of the park and the surrounding regions.
Kids will enjoy this ride and the opportunity to see the city differently. Additionally, the park features a disc golf course that winds through the forest where children can play.
The park’s playground is ideal for younger kids and has various equipment like swings, slides, and climbing structures.
15. Explore Quake City with Your Family
Quake City is a Christchurch museum highlighting the story of the earthquakes that shook the city in 2010 and 2011. The museum features exhibits that showcase the earthquake’s impact on the city.
The exhibits include artifacts from the destroyed city, photos and videos documenting the catastrophe and interactive displays that let visitors experience the tremors. The museum also shares stories of people affected by the earthquakes, and visitors can listen to the stories of first responders and survivors or read them.
16. Delight your Senses at the Canterbury Museum
Canterbury Museum is a must-visit destination for people interested in the history, culture, and natural wonders of Canterbury and New Zealand.
The Canterbury Museum features exhibits and artifacts collection covering different topics, including natural history, Maori and Pacific Island cultures, European settlement, and Antarctic exploration.
Interactive exhibits, displays, and multimedia presentations provide visitors with an immersive and engaging experience.
The museum’s collection includes over two million objects, ranging from fossils and minerals to cultural artifacts and artwork, the most notable items being a giant moa skeleton, a Maori waka (canoe), and Sir Edmund Hillary’s climbing gear.
Canterbury Museum hosts regular special exhibitions that explore a particular theme in detail. Past exhibitions have included displays on fashion, photography, and contemporary art.
17. Go for a Ride on the Historic Tram
The Historic Tram is a popular tourist attraction that offers visitors a unique way to explore the city. The trams are an iconic part of Christchurch’s heritage, and they follow a 2.5km loop through the central city, passing by many of Christchurch’s top attractions and landmarks.
Passengers can hop on and off at any of the 17 designated stops to explore the city at leisure. The highlight of the experience is the onboard commentary, which provides exciting and informative insights into Christchurch’s history and culture.
The commentary is available in several languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Chinese, and Japanese. Some of the top attractions and landmarks that the Historic Tram passes by include the Canterbury Museum, the Botanic Gardens, the Arts Centre, and the New Regent Street shopping district.
18. Go Canoeing or Kayaking on the Avon River
This popular activity among travellers allows them to enjoy the city’s beauty from a unique perspective. The Avon River flows through the heart of Christchurch, offering a scenic and tranquil route for canoeing and kayaking.
The river is relatively calm, with only a few minor rapids, making it suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers.
The river is flat with minimal current, so it’s ideal for youngsters to learn to paddle safely. Several companies offer canoe and kayak rentals, typically including all necessary equipment, paddles, and life jackets.
You can also opt for the guided tours that provide a unique insight into Christchurch’s history and culture and the river’s natural beauty and surroundings. The river is also home to various fish species, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts.
19. Travel Down Memory Lane at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand
This is a must-visit destination for aviation enthusiasts and anyone interested in New Zealand’s military history. The Air Force Museum of New Zealand houses an impressive aircraft collection, engines, and other aviation-related artifacts.
The exhibits showcase New Zealand’s aviation history, from the earliest days to the modern air travel era. The museum also has interactive displays and simulations like the gunnery trainer and a cockpit section that allow visitors to experience the thrill of flying for themselves.
To make the museum engaging, they also create various age-appropriate museum hunts that cost $6 and are entertaining to explore new museum parts. Ensure you check out the popular Mosquito mission flight simulator before leaving.
20. Go Swimming at Corsair Bay
Corsair is a beautiful sheltered bay that’s the perfect swimming spot during the summer. Plenty of parking and facilities include cafes, convenience stores, toilets, and outdoor showers for rinsing off.
Besides swimming, there are other activities you can try, such as kayaking, fishing, and paddleboarding. Lifeguards patrol the area, and to be safe, you should follow all their instructions and swim between the flags.
21. Go for a Ride on a Jet Boat
Since jet boats originated in New Zealand, there’s no better place to ride. This activity is perfect for people who like adrenaline, as it involves sharp turns, spins, and high speed. Several operators offer these rides, including Discovery, Canterbury, and Alpine Jet.
22. Try AirBoating in Canterbury
Airboating involves using a flat-bottomed boat propelled by a fan and powered by an aircraft engine to glide through shallow waters. The boat can be exhilarating as the boats usually run at high speeds.
The ride takes you through some of Christchurch’s most beautiful areas, including riverbanks and wetlands, and people can see wildlife and birds up close. Rides usually cost $100 and last for thirty minutes; nevertheless, the cost varies depending on the operator and the package you select.
23. Entertain the kids in Traditional Escape Rooms
Escape rooms are filled with challenges and puzzles your kids must solve to escape. Generally, they usually last an hour, and some individuals can assist your children in finding their way in case they get stuck.
Christchurch has conventional and modern VR escape rooms and real-world challenges that will see you exploring the city. Whatever you opt for, you’ll only be participating with your family; therefore, you can take time encouraging and supporting younger family members.
24. Try Something Distinct to New Zealand
Blokarting is a fun and exciting activity unique to New Zealand, and it blends the go-karting’s speed and maneuverability with the excitement of sailing. Blokarting typically lasts one to two hours and costs between $50 and $100 per head, depending on your selected package.
Blokarting entails racing through a specially designed track in a three-wheeled wind-powered cart. You’ll use a sail to catch the breeze to propel yourself forward. You don’t have to worry about safety while blokarting as the operators provide all the necessary safety equipment and adhere to strict safety guidelines.
25. Get A Bird’s Eye View of Canterbury
Christchurch Gondola is the perfect ride for individuals who want to experience the city’s panoramic views. The ride lasts between ten and twelve minutes, and the cost varies depending on the package one selects.
The gondola takes you to Mt Cavendish, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of Christchurch and the Canterbury region. At the top, there’s a viewing deck where you can take in the views, as well as a gift shop and cafe.
Besides the stunning views and the gondola ride, there are other activities you can engage in while you’re in Christchurch, such as mountain biking, hiking, and a time tunnel that takes you through Canterbury’s history.
26. Immerse yourself in Nature at the Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens is New Zealand’s largest and most diverse botanical garden featuring various gardens and plants, including a Native New Zealand garden, a rose, herb, and conservatory gardens.
The garden hosts various activities throughout the year, such as guided tours, concerts, and gardening workshops. Admission to the Botanic Gardens is usually free, making it an ideal place for those on a budget.
27. Visit the Tūranga Library
Parents planning an outing with their children should not miss the Turanga library. Not only is there a wide array of activities to keep kids busy, but librarians also conduct story time sessions and provide access to a play area complete with toys and puzzles.
The library also has various digital resources suitable for adults and kids, such as educational games, ebooks, and audiobooks. The library hosts events and workshops for kids throughout the year, like book clubs, coding classes, and art and craft workshops.
An interactive display showcases Christchurch’s culture and history through videos, audio, and photos.
28. Explore the Imagination Station
The imagination station is a fun and engaging place for children to play, learn, and develop their creativity in a safe environment. It offers various classes and workshops, like coding classes for kids of all ages.
Not only that, but there are also many activities for the little ones to enjoy—from play areas, train tables and puppet theatres to dress-up tables. The fun continues with sculptures, paintings, drawings and other arts & crafts projects! To top it off, they even boast an exclusive space dedicated to birthday parties.
29. Try Punting at the Avon River
Punting on the Avon River is a unique and relaxing way to see the city differently. Punt rides from the Antigua Boat Sheds on the Avon River are available daily and usually take approximately 30 minutes.
The punting route takes you through the city’s heart, passing by scenic spots like the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, the historic Canterbury Provincial Council Buildings, and the peaceful Riccarton neighbourhood.
Private tours are available for those who want a more personalised experience. Group tours are also available and can be a fun and unique way to celebrate special occasions such as birthdays.
30. Immerse Yourself In Art
The Te Puna Waiwetu is a world-class gallery with a broad collection of international and Newzealand art pieces. It has a unique curved facade made of copper and glass and features various exhibition spaces.
There are no charges, and the gallery hosts various exhibitions annually. This gallery should be on every art lover’s bucket list as it offers a unique chance to experience Newzealand’s culture and history from a charming setting.
Bottom Line
Christchurch offers a broad array of exciting and fun activities for families, from outdoor activities like mountain biking to relaxing activities like visiting museums. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, there’s always something new and exciting to try.
If you want to have a fun-filled adventure with your kids, grab your bags and head to Christchurch; with the many unique activities mentioned in this article, you won’t be disappointed!