Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island and New Zealand’s second largest. 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 three times with little ones at different ages - 4 and 2, 1.5, and a tiny 3 months - to see family and explore more of Christchurch with kids.
On a previous trip we drove from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo (you can read that guide here). This time we had four nights - three full days - to find 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 our top five picks for awesome things to do.
1. Orana Wildlife Park
Why we love it: The animals of course, space to roam, and an almost safari feel. Our kids were obsessed with the farm zone (pigs, sheep, chickens, alpacas), seeing the lions, the giraffes, the gorillas, and the meerkats. We didn’t spot the cheetah or tiger on our visit, but that’s the luck of the day.
Notes: Parts of the park feel a bit dated and it could use a refresh, but it’s still absolutely worth doing with kids. We grabbed coffees from the cafe and had morning tea watching the roaming giraffes - such a highlight. It’s a big loop, so bring a solid stroller or hire one there for $10. There’s a ride that loops the park, but we couldn’t take the stroller on, so we walked.
Tip: Pack your own snacks and lunches for an easy picnic.
2. International Antarctic Centre
Why we love it: So many hands-on experiences in one place - a genuine Antarctic adventure for all ages. You really feel the spirit of the Arctic! The rescued little blue penguins were the kids favourite. They tolerated jackets and a very quick visit to the storm room to “play” in the snow - they lasted about a minute, which was hilarious. Well - I loved it!
- See the rescued penguins at different viewpoints
- Storm room for an Antarctic-style blast
- Scott Base experience to see what life is like on the ice and what it’s like flying there
- Husky talk to learn about their lives and jobs in Antarctica
- 4D theatre if show times suit and your kids are keen
- Hägglunds ride looks amazing - height requirement is 1.2 m, so we skipped it this time, but it’s included in tickets
3. Margaret Mahy Playground + Ice Cream
Why we love it: Genuinely one of the coolest playgrounds we’ve ever been to. It’s modern, huge, and right in the city. There’s big climbing, a giant slide, trampolines, a water play area, and even a beach-style sand zone. 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. Great flavours, fun vibe, and the street looks gorgeous after the rebuild. Grab a photo with the gorilla outside!
4. New Brighton Beach
Why we love it: Beautiful soft white sand, a long pier, and a playground and splash pad right by the beach. There are great cafes nearby, and it’s an easy family morning or afternoon out when the weather plays ball.
Tip: Saturdays Beach Cafe is highly recommended - they even do cute Minions fluffies for the kids. Right on the beach you’ll also find the new hot pools, He Puna Taimoana, with family-friendly pools - kids under 3 are free.
Parent notes: We didn’t make it on our most recent trip thanks to the weather, but earlier visits with our eldest were lovely. Simple, sandy, happy memories.
5. Stroll Around Town
Why we love it: There's plenty to do around town - make a day of it! Hop on the heritage tram if you fancy it. Kids under 5 ride free, but adult tickets are $40 each, so weigh it up for your family. We’d love a single trip / short-ride option to experience it - we didn’t need full-day passes, so we skipped it.
Wander to Cathedral Square to see the Chalice (currently being restored) and the cathedral works.
Pop into Telling Tales, a children’s bookstore that’s such a sweet stop for little readers - so many wonderful children's books and gifts.
Pop into Telling Tales, a children’s bookstore that’s such a sweet stop for little readers - so many wonderful children's books and gifts.
Head to Riverside Market for some great easy and delicious food options. You can grab to go or head upstairs for seating. Bathrooms and baby changing are available onsite.
If you haven't yet been - head to the Margaret Mahy Playground and then Regent Street for that ice cream! Or you can stroll along the Avon River and head to the Botanic Gardens / Hagley Park if you fancy.
Final thoughts
We find Christchurch to be an incredibly family-friendly city and so easy to get around. I’m sure we’ll keep adding to this list as the kids get older. Next time we’re keen to ride the gondola and check out Willowbank Wildlife Reserve too.
Feel free to follow along with my latest adventures over on Instagram.
P.S. Our next trip (and first overseas adventure for 2025!) is less than two months away - we can’t wait!
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