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
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

Hiking the Kaikoura Coast
Kite boarding
Learn to surf
Quail Island Adventure
Rafting
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!

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.

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.

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.

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.