5 Fun Things To Do in Christchurch with Kids

Christchurch is the largest city in New Zealand’s South Island, and we love any excuse to visit! It’s an easy, family-friendly base for South Island road trips and a great city break in its own right, especially with kids.

We’re not locals, but over the last few years we’ve visited several times with little ones at very different ages - from a tiny 3-month-old to toddlers and preschoolers - to see family and explore more of Christchurch with kids.

 On a previous trip, we drove from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo, which you can read about here. This time, we had four nights - three full days - to find some of the best family-friendly things to do in Christchurch with a 4-year-old and a nearly 2-year-old.

Planning a Christchurch trip with kids? Here are five of our favourite things to do.

1. Orana Wildlife Park

Why we love it: It’s New Zealand’s only open-range zoo, with plenty of space, a great variety of animals and an almost safari-like feel. Our kids loved the farmyard area with pigs, sheep, chickens and alpacas, as well as the lions, giraffes, white rhinos, gorillas and meerkats. We didn’t spot the cheetah or tiger on our visit, but that’s part of the fun. Kids under 5 are free.

 

Notes: Parts of the park feel a little dated and could use a refresh, but it’s still absolutely worth visiting with kids. We grabbed coffees from the cafe and had morning tea while watching the giraffes wander nearby, which was such a highlight.

It’s a big loop, so bring a sturdy stroller or hire one there. There is also a shuttle that loops the park, but we couldn’t take our stroller on it, so we chose to walk.

Tip: Pack your own snacks and lunches for an easy picnic.

 

2. International Antarctic Centre

Why we love it: There are so many hands-on experiences in one place, and it really does feel like a mini Antarctic adventure. Kids 5 and under are free. Our kids especially loved the rescued little blue penguins.

They also braved the Antarctic storm room in the provided jackets, although they lasted about a minute before deciding they’d had enough - which I found hilarious. 

 

What to do:

• See the rescued penguins from several viewing areas
• Experience the Antarctic storm room
• Explore the Scott Base experience and learn what life on the ice is like
• Join a husky talk
• Try the 4D theatre if the show times suit and your kids are keen
• Take the Hägglunds ride if your children meet the height requirement

Notes: Grab a coffee from the cafe and wander. Lots of interactive learning that works for different ages.

 

3. Margaret Mahy Playground + Ice Cream

Why we love it: Genuinely one of the coolest playgrounds we’ve ever been to. It’s huge, modern and right in the city, with climbing structures, giant slides, trampolines, water play and even a beach-style sand area. Our kids could have stayed for hours.

Tip: Bring a towel or spare clothes for water play in the warmer months.

Ice cream detour: A few minutes walk away is Rollickin Gelato on New Regent Street, a Christchurch favourite and a must-do treat. There are loads of fun flavours, a great vibe and plenty of colourful photo spots nearby.

 

4. New Brighton Beach

Why we love it: New Brighton is an easy family outing, with a wide sandy beach, long pier, playground and splash pad all in one area. There are also plenty of cafes nearby, so it works well for a relaxed morning or afternoon when the weather is good.

Tip: Saturdays Beach Cafe is a great stop, and they even do cute Minions fluffies for kids. You’ll also find He Puna Taimoana hot pools right by the beach, with family-friendly pools and ocean views.

 

Notes: We didn’t make it there on our most recent trip because of the weather, but previous visits with our eldest were lovely. Sometimes the simplest family outings are the ones you remember most.

 

5. Stroll Around Town

Why we love it: Christchurch is really easy to explore on foot, and there are plenty of family-friendly stops around the central city.

If you fancy it, hop on the heritage tram. Kids under 5 ride free, but adult tickets are on the pricier side, so it’s worth deciding whether a full-day pass makes sense for your family. We would have loved a single-ride option, but as we didn’t need all-day access, we skipped it this time.

Wander through Cathedral Square to see the Chalice and the ongoing cathedral restoration work.

Pop into Telling Tales, a gorgeous children’s bookstore with a lovely selection of books and gifts.

Then head to Riverside Market for an easy lunch or snack. There are loads of food options, with upstairs seating, bathrooms and baby-changing facilities.

If you still have energy, stroll along the Avon River or continue on to the Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park.

Final thoughts

We find Christchurch incredibly family-friendly and easy to get around, and I’m sure we’ll keep adding to this list as the kids get older.

Next time, we’d love to ride the Christchurch Gondola and visit Willowbank Wildlife Reserve.

If you’re planning a family trip to Christchurch, I hope this gives you a few ideas to add to your itinerary.

Fell free to follow along with my latest adventures over on Instagram.