35 Of The Best Things To Do With Kids in Christchurch

I get it. Trying to find a way to keep the kids busy in the year 2025, that doesn't involve a screen or a collective sigh, can feel like an absolute mission. I happen to be a semi-professional uncle to two young nephews over the ditch, so, in very considered doses, I've engaged in my fair share of appeasing wee emperors.

Luckily for all us blessed folk down in the 03, Christchurch and wider Canterbury are basically custom-built for keeping kids (and their exhausted parents) absolutely stoked. It's always been Aotearoa New Zealand's garden city, but lately, it’s become its playground.

Whether you're hauling them up a mountain or tossing them down it, throwing them into the freezing surf, or toasting them in a pool just 100 metres away, looking for a treasure on a pirate's island or just looking for a park big enough to drain their relentless energy, I’ve got you covered.

Here are 35 of the best things to do with kids in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Go Up The Gondola (And Actually Stay Up There A While)

The famous Christchurch Gondola. Kids adore a Gondola, it's scientifically proven.

Sure, you could just tell them about the view. Or you could actually take them 450 metres up to the summit of Mount Cavendish and watch their jaws drop. But as that adage goes—it ain't about the destination, it's about the journey, and if we're being real for a sec, the cable car bit alone is enough to keep the kids glued to the windows.

Semi-pro tip: Go late afternoon to catch the evening rays cast over our gorg city.

Get Them Shreddin' In No Time

Take a few windy roads away from the gondola and over the hills, and you'll end up in quaint wee Sumner. And who needs Hawaii when you can learn to surf at Scarborough Beach? There's something truly special about watching a grommet catch their first wave—even if it's more of a belly-flop than a barrel ride.

Semi-pro tip:  After you've exhausted them in the water, reward their courage with hot chips and ice cream nearby. They'll undoubtedly scoff this while chirping, "Did ya see that wave?". Oh, and be sure they bring or rent a wetsuit—that Canterbury water is freeeeessssh.

Take Them To The Slopes

From one adrenaline hit to the next...

Admittedly, this one's a solid hour and a half from town, but if you're here in winter and have a bit of time up your sleeve (and a bit of cash), then get up Mt Hutt—one of the premier ski fields in the Southern Hemisphere. And look, it doesn't matter if skiing isn't your vibe, there's always the option to catch a chairlift up for a bit of a geeze at what really are some of the best views anywhere in the world. And yes, they can all make a snowman.

Semi-pro tip: Dress warm and wear decent shoes—those southerlies can turn the weather on a dime. Check Mt Hutt's website for regular updates on the forecast. And pack a carrot for the snowman's (or woman's) nose.

Send Them Down The River (The Thrilling Kind)

Alpine Jet Thrills operates out of two locations—Christchurch/Kaiapoi for the Braided Shallows experience, and Springfield for proper canyon safaris up the Waimakariri Gorge. Both involve going very fast on very shallow water, which is exactly as fun as it sounds.

Semi-pro tip: They're Qualmark Gold endorsed, which means they actually know what they're doing safety-wise.

Play Little Geologists For A Day

Seeing as we're in the mood for a road trip, why not take them to see Kura Tāwhiti—or Castle Hill. It's a geological wonderland that'll have the kids wandering amongst massive boulders like they're exploring an ancient giant's garden.

Semi-pro tip: If they're not old enough for Lord of the Rings, then maybe they've been shown Narnia. Both have scenes filmed here, so pointing this out will not only blow your little cinephile's brains, but also give you a degree of oracle-like omniscient power that you can yield over them for the rest of the day.

Take Them To Meet The Locals (The Finned Kind)

If swimming with wild Hector's dolphins doesn't get them excited, honestly, nothing will. Just break out the damn iPad at that point I guess. But if your kids are some of the few remaining in this world that still enjoy a child's wonder, then get them out on a Black Cat Cruise and have them play David Attenborough for the day. BCC runs their incredible wildlife experiences out of Akaroa Harbour, where you might also see penguins and fur seals.

Semi-pro tip: Morning sessions often yield the most sightings, plus calmer conditions (pack some gingernuts if you reckon there's a chance for seasickness).

Then Lead Them Down These Magical Trails

If you're planning on spending some time in Akaroa, and frankly, why wouldn't you? Then post-cruise, take the kids on one or more of these nearby walks. There's the native forest reserve—Garden of Tane, the Children’s Bay Walk (AKA the ‘Rhino Walk’ because of its life-sized sculptures of animals hailing from the pridelands), The Giant's House and the Akaroa Lighthouse. And they're all worth the steps.

Semi-pro tip: Stop in at Kaimoana Akaroa after for the best damn fish n' chips in toon.

Take Them To An Island Of Shipwrecks And Stories

Everyone who wants to keep adventuring, say "I". That's the spirit.

Take the kids through the tunnel to Lyttelton (just don't have them hold their breath, it's wayyyyy too long. Yes, I've tried), then catch the ferry across to Ōtamahua Quail Island. Quaint Quail has a surprisingly dramatic history—it's been a quarantine station, a leper colony, and even a place where sled dogs bound for Antarctica were trained. But these days it's a peaceful conservation reserve where kids can run free along the walking tracks, spot weka in the bush, and explore the beaches looking for crabs and shells.

But far more excitingly, and far more piratey, you also have the option to desert them all on the island. Like the good old swashbuckling days. Okay, that might be a bit extreme, but there is an island treasure hunt currently running on Quail Island, which is back by popular demand for the spring school holidays.

Semi-pro tip: Pack a picnic.

Take A Hike To Even More History

Godley Head, about 30 minutes from the city, is where you get stunning coastal views, old WWII gun emplacements to explore, and walking tracks ranging from 1-hour loops to longer coastal routes. It's history, scenery, and exercise all in one—basically the trifecta for keeping kids engaged.

Semi-pro tip: Parking closes at 8pm. It can get windy, so bring layers even if it's warm in town.

Love a good walk? Here are Christchurch's best.

Discover A Magic Forest With A Hidden Fairy Village

Sprawling pine forests that might very well be enchanted, peaceful trails leading to an actual fairy village and coastal clearings with glimpses of Pegasus Bay and beyond—Waitākiri/Bottle Lake Forest Park is a dose of enchantment just a stone's throw from the city. This working forest doubles as one of Christchurch's most versatile outdoor playgrounds, where pines tower above well-maintained tracks that cater to everyone from weekend strollers to the more arduously inclined. The network of tracks—both the designated Blue and Green routes, plus the working roads—means you can tailor your walk to whatever the little legs (and schedule) are up for.

Semi-pro tip: Make use of the interactive online map.

Get Them On The Tram (Yes, Really)

Okay, so back to Christchurch City. I guess that's what this article is supposed to be covering, after all.

Take a tour of the city on the iconic Christchurch Tram, and before you roll your eyes thinking "that's so touristy," hear me out. Sometimes the touristy things are actually brilliant with kids, and this is one of them. The heritage tram loops through the city centre with 17 stops along the way, and you can hop on and off as many times as you like. The conductors are local legends, and kids love the old-school feel—wooden seats, the ding of the bell, the rumble of the tracks.

Semi-pro tip: It's also genuinely handy if you're trying to cover a lot of ground without walking tiny legs into exhaustion. Combine it with a stop at the Cardboard Cathedral, Riverside Market, or the Arts Centre, and you've got yourself a solid city day out.

Take Them For A Soak (With A View)

Picture this: You're soaking in hot saltwater pools while watching waves roll in over New Brighton Beach. After a long, exhausting, exciting day, the kids are blissfully quiet. And look at how pretty the sky is.

That's He Puna Taimoana New Brighton Hot Pools in a nutshell—they're magic. There are different temperature pools, so even if the little ones aren't keen on the hottest, there's something for everyone. 

Semipro tip: Challenge the kids to a cold plunge to really put them in their place. And be sure to book!

Take Them For A Stroll Down The Big Pier

From the pools, you'll hardly miss the giant New Brighton Pier jutting out into the ocean. That is, unless you got eyes for your birthday and haven't figured out how to use them yet.

Anyway, there's something about a pier that just makes kids happy. It's got that old-world charm to it, like a balloon or a bicycle. Maybe it's the sound of waves underneath, the seagulls cawing overhead, or just the feeling of walking out over the ocean. New Brighton Pier delivers all of that, of course.

Semi-pro tip: Point south toward the Port Hills to show the kids where they climbed up to on the Gondola that morning.

Make Them Read A Book

The New Brighton Library at the base of the pier is genuinely one of the most fantastically located libraries in the world—floor-to-ceiling windows looking straight out to sea. On a rough day, watching the waves crash from inside with a book is pretty magical. New Brighton itself has come back to life in recent years, too, with decent cafes, an adventure playground nearby, and that old-school seaside town vibe.

Semi-pro tip: I heard the on-site cafe makes a wicked hot-choccy!

Let Them Run Wild On New Brighton Beach

Seeing as you're already there, why not have a beach day?

Semi-pro tip: Locals fish off the pier, and are usually happy to chat about what they're catching. Be careful when the swell is up and the sea is rough.

Try Some Putt Putt (And Channel Your Inner Golf Pro)

Christchurch has a surprisingly solid mini golf scene, and honestly, it's one of those activities that works for basically any age. From toddlers who just like whacking balls with sticks to competitive teenagers who suddenly care deeply about getting a hole-in-one, everyone gets into it. Here are a few cool courses, here's another run by some young entrepreneurs, and here's a dinosaur-themed spot that will make the kids go cray.

Semi-pro tip: Alice In Putterland over in New Brighton is indoor mini golf, but make it theatrical. The whole place is themed like Alice in Wonderland, and halfway through, you enter a dark zone where everything glows neon and the kids completely lose their minds in the best possible way.

Have A Bit Too Much Fun With Them At Margaret Mahy Playground

Ask any Christchurch local and they'll tell you that Margaret Mahy Playground is just as much for big kids as it is for little ones. And they're not wrong—I've seen fully grown adults queuing up for the flying fox. This playground is massive. Like, genuinely huge. In fact, it's the largest play project in NZ. Plus, it's right in the central city, so you can combine it with Riverside Market for lunch, the Christchurch Art Gallery, or just a wander through the nearby Avon River precinct.

Semi-pro tip: Bring a change of clothes if it's warm—the water features are irresistible.

Wander Through Wildlife (Without Leaving Canterbury)

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is the slightly more low-key alternative to a bona fide zoo—smaller, more intimate, and with a 100% kiwi viewing guarantee—how good. Beyond our national fella, there are kea, tuatara, and kunekune pigs that'll snuffle your hand looking for food, and a mix of native and exotic species.

Semi-pro tip: Kids can hand-feed a bunch of 'em. If you're after something bigger, Orana Wildlife Park (New Zealand's only open-range zoo) is also in Christchurch and has giraffes, rhinos, and lions.

Take Them To Meet Some Properly Big Animals

Speaking of, Orana Wildlife Park is New Zealand's only open-range zoo, which is a fancy way of saying the animals have acres—actually 80 hectares, to be exact—to roam while you get to pretend you're on safari. We're talking giraffes, rhinos, lions, gorillas—the works. And unlike some zoos where you squint at a distant speck and someone tells you it's a tiger, here you actually see them.

But the absolute highlight? Hand-feeding the giraffes at noon. Every. Single. Day. Watching a giraffe's massive purple tongue wrap around a branch your kid is holding is genuinely one of those "we're definitely not in suburban Auckland anymore" moments.

Semi-pro tip: Do the Safari Shuttle first—it's included in your ticket and gives you the lay of the land.

Send Them Up The Walls

If your kids have been climbing the furniture at home anyway, you might as well let them do it somewhere that's actually designed for it. The Adventure Centre is home to both a proper climbing wall and Clip 'n Climb.

Semi-pro tip: School holidays get busy, so book ahead.

Then Let Them Bounce Off The Walls

Another counterintuitive recommendation, perhaps. Out in Bromley, MoveX is essentially a giant padded warehouse where the laws of "don't jump on the furniture" are gleefully suspended. Trampolines, foam pits, parkour areas—it's like someone took all that chaotic kid energy and said, "Right, let's just lean into this." The best bit? They'll be so thoroughly exhausted afterwards that you might actually get a peaceful car ride home. Maybe even silence. Revolutionary, I know.

Semi-pro tip: Bring socks—grippy ones if you've got them.

Coax Out A Bit Of Courage

Adrenalin Forest isn't just in Christchurch—it's also in Auckland, Wellington, and Bay of Plenty—but wherever you go, the premise is the same: aerial obstacle courses that start easy-ish and end with you dangling 20 metres up, wondering whose idea this was (yours, not mine).

Semi-pro tip: Groups of 20+ need to email ahead.

Take Them Where Chaos Is Encouraged

Archie Brothers over on Colombo Street is what happens when someone puts an arcade, bowling alley, mini golf course, and karaoke bar under one roof. Perfection, really.

Semi-pro tip: Midweek is where the value's at.

Inspire Your Very Own Little Explorer

The International Antarctic Centre is one of those places that sounds like it might be a bit naff, but then you get there and realise it's actually incredible—especially if you're eight. Where else can your kid experience a minus-8-degree Antarctic storm, ride in an actual Hägglund (those all-terrain Antarctic vehicles that look like tanks), and not only meet, but hand-feed, the world's cutest Little Blue Penguins, all before lunch?

Semi-pro tip: Some elements and offerings here might be overwhelming for the truly small.

Inspire A Few Prospective Jet-Pilots

Down the road, kinda, is the Air Force Museum out in Wigram is free for Kiwis, which already makes it a winner in my book. Who said we couldn't fly?

Semi-pro tip: There's also a café for when energy levels drop, which they will, because this place is massive.

Send Them To War

Laser Strike on Moorhouse Ave is fairly self-explanatory—a purpose-built arena where the kids can run around shooting each other without anyone actually getting hurt.

Semi-pro tip: Book ahead, especially during school holidays. Located in Harvey Norman Centre, so parking's easy.

Discover The Next Liam Lawson

Nearby is Supa Karts. Just as fun, if not more. I mean, who doesn't love a good go-kart sesh?

Semi-pro tip: On the same road is Grizzly Baked Goods. Go grab a coffee and a pastry to enjoy while they're tearing it up.

Teach Them About The Big Shakes

Quake City on Durham Street North is one of those experiences that's as interesting as it is educational. It tells the story of the Canterbury earthquakes through displays, interactives, and first-hand accounts from people who lived through them.

Semi-pro tip: Combine it with a visit to Ravenscar House Museum for a 20% discount on both.

Let Them Loose In The Botanic Gardens

The Christchurch Botanic Gardens are one of the best things about the city. It's called the Garden City, after all. 21 hectares of native and exotic plants, the oldest oak tree from 1863, a rose garden that'll make you want to actually start gardening (won't last, but still), and conservatories full of ferns, orchids, and carnivorous plants that'll fascinate kids for ages. And they're completely free.

There's also the Avon River winding through, plenty of spots for picnics, and enough space that even when it's busy, it doesn't feel crowded. Plus, if you time it right, you might catch the Illuminate Light Show at night, which apparently transforms the whole place into something pretty magical.

Semi-pro tip: The hop-on-hop-off tram stops right here, making it easy to combine with other city attractions.

Show Them What It Means To Be Called 'The Garden City'

Mona Vale is like the Botanic Gardens' smaller, more refined cousin. Historic homestead (now a restaurant), rose gardens, lily ponds, fernery, and the Avon River running through it all. It's compact enough to do in an hour, free to enter, and genuinely lovely without being overwhelming. Perfect for a peaceful wander and picnic when you need a break from high-energy activities.

Semi-pro tip: Combine it with the Christchurch Farmers' Market if you're around on the weekend.

Love a good market? Here are Christchurch's best.

Take The Train Through Proper Scenery

The TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth is one of those train journeys that actually lives up to the hype. You're crossing the entire South Island—Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps to the West Coast—with panoramic windows, GPS commentary, and an open-air viewing deck for when you need unobstructed mountain shots.

Semi-pro tip: The Greymouth-to-Christchurch direction gets better afternoon light if you're keen on photos.

Take Another Epic Train Journey (The Coastal One)

The Coastal Pacific runs between Christchurch and Picton—5 hours and 40 minutes of Pacific Ocean views, Kaikoura Ranges, 22 tunnels, 175 bridges, and if you're lucky, seals lounging on rocks like they own the place (which, fair enough, they do).

It's the scenic coastal alternative to the TranzAlpine's mountain drama, and connects with the Interislander ferry at Picton if you're heading to Wellington. Panoramic windows, open-air viewing deck, café on board, and genuinely stunning scenery that even kids who "don't care about views" will grudgingly admit is pretty cool.

Semi-pro tip: Morning departures from Picton to Christchurch apparently get better light for coastal views. Tickets from $265. Book ahead, especially in summer. Some people combine it with a Kaikoura whale watch tour for a proper full-day wildlife experience.

Explore The City's Greatest Treasure

Hagley Park is massive—165 hectares in the heart of Christchurch—and connects directly to those Botanic Gardens I mentioned before. Walking trails, ponds, open fields perfect for wearing out energetic kids, and enough trees to make you forget you're in a city centre.

Semi-pro tip: Combine a visit with the Botanic Gardens, of course.

Take Them To Actual Shops (If You Must)

Westfield Riccarton. An institution. If the weather's terrible, this one's for you.

Semi-pro tip: Be aware of the parking limits.

Show Them Some Art (Yes, Really)

Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū is free, open seven days and has way more going on than you might expect. They run family-friendly events like art safaris, kids' trails, and "Oh Baby, It's Art!" sessions for the really little ones.

Semi-pro tip: Check their events calendar online—they do school holiday programmes and workshops that can be super fun.

Main image credit: Delphine Ducaruge

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