Family Activities in Christchurch: A Guide for Your Next Trip
Science museums, heritage trams, and adventure parks — as the largest city in the South Island, Christchurch has something to fill up the weekend planner, no matter what your family is into.
Whether you’re an adventurous local, hosting loved ones here, or visiting for the holidays, buckle up in a reliable rental car and discover what to do in Christchurch with family!
Relaxing Activities in the City Centre
Start off slow with a relaxing outdoor excursion in the city centre. Take a pram-friendly walk through Hagley Park and discover the beautiful Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
After circling the trails, take a 5-minute drive to the Margaret Mahy Playground; it’s the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere! Kids of all ages will love the massive slides, swings, flying foxes, trampolines, and more.
Punt rides are a uniquely Christchurch activity. Join a 30-minute tour to learn about Christchurch’s natural scenery as you gently float down the Avon River.
Another one-of-a-kind attraction is the Christchurch Tram. The historical tramway loops around the central city, making it easy to visit most of the top spots nearby. A full-day hop-on, hop-off pass costs $10 per child and $42 per adult.
Educational Science and Nature Activities
Kids can learn while having fun at Christchurch’s many educational experiences. The free Canterbury Museum Pop-Up is located in the city centre, with its special exhibit Quake City just minutes away on foot.
A bit further south is The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora. On top of being a regular venue for kid-friendly events, it’s home to Rutherford’s Den, a science museum dedicated to Ernest Rutherford. Set in the Clocktower, it features plenty of fun, hands-on experiences for the kids.
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On the west end of the city, you can’t miss the International Antarctic Centre. Meet adorable Little Blue penguins, ride an authentic Hägglund vehicle, or test your endurance in the -8°C storm room. Bring a warm jacket along!
While you’re in the area, why not visit one of Christchurch’s zoos? Join a safari shuttle at NZ’s only open-range zoo, Orana Wildlife Park, or meet New Zealand’s native birds at the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve.
Exciting Things to Do in Christchurch for Families
Want to get the kids pumped up? Head to the Christchurch Adventure Park, home to New Zealand’s longest and highest zipline! It’s also a hotspot for mountain bikers, with tracks suitable for children 10 years and older.
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Adrenalin Forest is another Christchurch adventure park popular with families. Traverse through courses of bridges, swings, and barrels up in the treetops of Spencer Park.
Visit Velocity Karts to race wind-driven Blokarts or electric Driftkarts — like go-karting with a uniquely Kiwi twist! For another thrilling experience unlike anything else, Alpine AirBoats offers authentic American-style AirBoat rides down the Waimakariri River.
If you’re looking for an indoor activity to keep the kids entertained, play a round at Laser Strike or tee off at Holey Money Mini Golf.
Day Trips from Christchurch
If you have some more time on your hands, drive to Akaroa, a charming coastal town just 1.5 hours south-east of Christchurch. Take a scenic walk along the harbour, visit The Giants House sculpture garden, or join a cruise to spot the rare Hector’s dolphins.
Up north, the resort town Hanmer Springs is famed for its hot pools. Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools is the largest geothermal complex in New Zealand, and with its fantastic tube slides, water jets, and lazy river, your kids will stay entertained all day long.
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Planning Your Christchurch Family Trip
Family Events in Christchurch
Christchurch has quite an active calendar of family-friendly activities, especially around the school holidays. Be sure to check out the KidsFest schedule during the winter months (usually posted on the Christchurch City Council website, where you can find plenty more local events).
Getting Around Christchurch
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Many of Christchurch’s main attractions are located within walking distance of each other or easily accessible by public transport.
If you want to go beyond the suburbs, hiring a rental car is the most reliable way to get around Christchurch. That also makes it easy to combine city attractions with day trips to Akaroa or Hanmer Springs.
Weather in Christchurch
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Christchurch can be partly cloudy year-round. Rain can come at any time, so it’s worth adding some indoor activities to your itinerary. Luckily, you’ll find plenty of family-friendly attractions fit for a rainy day, including the Canterbury Museum Pop-Up, the Christchurch Art Gallery, and the International Antarctic Centre.
Find More Family Things To Do In Christchurch And New Zealand
Whatever your kids enjoy, you’ll find family-friendly Christchurch activities to pique their interest. Check out our blog for more New Zealand travel ideas.
Need a rental car to get around? Book with Pegasus! We offer regular rental deals, free airport pick-up and drop-off, and friendly local service. Ask our Christchurch car rental team for more tips on what to do in Christchurch with family!