What to do in Christchurch

… and near by.

THERE ARE SOME IDEAS ON WHAT YOU CAN EXPERIENCE IN AND AROUND CHRISTCHURCH

Here in Christchurch there are lots of fantastic things to see and do! And, just about every week we discover new things. On this page you can download our helpful PDF information pages about each activity. Once you get here our receptionist happily direct you to the free activities and assist you in booking the others at the best rates possible!

Have an Adventure

High Rope Course
Realise your potential and get your blood pumping for the afternoon in a multi aerial obstacle course!
Hiking the Banks Peninsula

Visit the remote outer bays of the Banks Peninsula and cover 35 km of spectacular volcanic coastline, native bush, waterfalls and sandy beaches.

Canyoning

Enjoy hours of downhill action adventure –an unparalleled mix of fun, challenge and excitement including jumps, slides, abseils/rappels, zips and flips down the canyons!

Horse Treks Christchurch
Enjoy an intimate horse trek package set amongst the local forest, lagoon and beach!
have an adventure
Hiking the Kaikoura Coast
Cross open farmland, through conservation areas and sheep farms, through forestry slopes all to enjoy immense views of the mountains and the sea!
Kite boarding
Test yourself with some exciting Kite boarding – there are activities to suit all including on land, water and snow!
Learn to surf
Lessons are available to suit to all abilities of surfer and body-boarder from Beginner to Elite riders!
Quail Island Adventure
Visit the two sheltered beaches and enjoy activities such as swimming and boating – a fantastic place for a picnic!
Rafting
Beautifully located in the wild landscape of the Southern Alps, few other rivers offer you amazing scenery with the thrill and excitement of some of the most exciting NZ white water rafting action.

Wildlife

Watch the Albatrosses fly

Get up close and personal to the largest wingspan in the world – the wandering Albatross – majestic pelagic birds of the Kaikoura coastline.

Learn about Antarctica and Scott Base

Visit the Antarctic centre and embark on a journey through Antarctica without leaving Christchurch!

Watch the Dolphins play

Either watch the wildlife from the comfort of the boat or get up close and personal as you swim with the Dolphins!

wildlife
Swimming with Dolphins

Come and enjoy swimming with some of the world’s smallest, friendliest and rarest dolphins – Hector’s dolphins!

Nature Harbour Cruise

Here you can cruise around an extinct volcano crater and experience the majestic scenery and stunning wildlife on daily harbour cruises.

Spend your day at the Zoo and visit the Kiwi bird

You have two wildlife parks to choose from in Christchurch.  Orana Wildlife Park is New Zealand’s only open range zoo and specializes in providing unique animal encounters in an open range setting – to get you up close and personal with the wonderful animals!

Whale Watching

Whale Watch is New Zealand’s only vessel based whale watching company offering an exciting up-close encounter with the world’s largest toothed predator the Giant Sperm Whale in their natural environment.

Arts and Culture

Bone Carving

This carving studio is a hands on experience where you can make your own unique bone carving – with a little help!

Lord of the Rings Tour

Take a short guided walk to stand on the summit of Edoras and enjoy as Eowyn did, the breathtaking 360º views; See for yourself why the actors and crew fell in love with this stunning location!

Earthquake Museum

At Quake city, you can view iconic objects that fell during the earthquakes, hear personal earthquake stories, experience the Ruaumoko Maori legend, marvel at the work achieved by the Emergency Services, see the events through large-scale sensitive imagery and learn about the science of Canterbury’s earthquakes.Enjoy all of this plus much more.

art and culture
Airforce Museum

Diverse and captivating examples of New Zealand’s military history.

Canterbury Museum

Immerse yourself in Kiwi Culture.

Sightseeing

Take a bicycle tour to explore the city

Explore the best of Christchurch, including the Arts Centre, Botanic Gardens, Hagley Park, Riccarton House & Bush, Deans Cottage, Cathedral Square and the Re:START Project.

Punting on the River Avon

Summer or winter, glide along the peaceful Avon River in Christchurch, wrapped in luxury, as a skilled boatsperson propels you through a romantic wonderland.

Gondola Sightseeing

Enjoy stunning 360° Views as far as the eye can see! Soar suspended above the suburbs as the birds fly beneath your cabin. The CHC Gondola whisks you nearly a kilometer to the Crater Rim.

Sightseeing
Diamond Harbour Ferry

Diamond Harbour remains one of the sunniest and unspoilt destinations on Banks Peninsula and is great for a day trip!

Christchurch Discovery Tour in a Double Decker

Hop aboard a classic 1960’s London Double Decker buses for a fun and informative tour of Christchurch.

Bottle Lake Forrest Park

For those who like the outdoors- this park has something for everyone!

Botanic Gardens

One of the finest collections of exotic and native plants in New Zealand. A breath of fresh air!

Cardboard Cathedral

The world’s only Cathedral made mostly of cardboard! Proof of Christchurch’s skill and inventiveness.

Heritage Park

Ferrymead Heritage Park Features an early 1900’s (Edwardian) township and once a months, they have their old steam train running – a great way to spend a day!

Quarry Park

Halswell Quarry is a unique 60.4-hectare park, with an unusual combination of recreational walks, historic sites and botanical collections.

Christchurch's Beaches

All the Christchurch beaches are easily reached by public transport with buses that leave from outside The Old Countryhouse.

Taylor’s Mistake Beach has one of the most beautiful and dramatic coastlines in the Canterbury area.
Sumner beach is one of the best places to visit in Christchurch. A very good place to relax and watch the surfers play, or learn to surf.

At New Brighton Beach you can walk and walk and walk, its about 9 kms long and if you need a rest, just find a cosy sand dune.

Christchurch’s Parks

Victoria Park is one of a kind in Christchurch that’s for sure. The views make you feel on top of the world!

Barnett Park in Redcliffs is a farmland walk and takes you up to the Caves. If you are lucky, you can see the Para gliders sail down into the park.

River Avon

River Avon

Watch the sky and the stars

Take the famous Night-time Observatory Tours at one of two dedicated locations in the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve and marvel at the incredible starry skies!

Kick back and relax

Hanmer Springs

The natural thermal pools are so relaxing – sit and soak in the minerals as you gaze up at giant redwood trees and mountains towering above.

Tekapo Springs

Whether it’s a relaxing soak in the pools, an indulgent treatment at the day spa, a dash around the skating rink or an adrenaline filled ride down the tubing park, Tekapo Springs is quintessential for a fun, entertainment & relaxation destination – all year round.

relax with max

Other Activities

Indoor Mini Golf

Each of the 18 holes incorporates a different theme and offers different skill challenges and fun. Come and enjoy the ultimate mini golf experience!

Casino

Lots of machine and table games, food and drink, bars, music and of course, a great party atmosphere!

Re-START Mall

A fantastic mall made entirely out of shipping containers that continues to sprout new and quirky businesses to keep things interesting!

Saturday and Sunday is Market Day in Christchurch

On Saturdays, visit Lyttelton Farmers Market, Opawa Farmers Market, Mt Pleasant Farmers Market or Riccarton House Famers Market, where stallholders with fresh fruit and vegetables, free range eggs, bread, meat, fish, cheese, juices, herbs and plants sell at the market every week.

On Sundays each week Riccarton Market is worth a visit with its over 300 vendors that are selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to second hand goods, furniture, clothing, art, plants and trees as well as food and beverages! You name it – the market has it! This is a treasure grove to find your last minute presents.

 

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