Christchurch, Family Activities

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  • Ages 5+

    Horse Riding - Rubicon Valley Horse Treks

    Rubicon Valley Horse Treks offers horse lovers and fun seekers a delightful choice of horse trekking options on Rubicon Farm – this amazing 2000 acre sheep farm is perfect for riding. The trails meander over rolling hills and flat river beds, skirting the sparkling Waimakariri River, creating a perfect mix of riding options for beginners and advanced riders alike.

    River Trail (2 hours riding)
    This is a slow paced ride and is suitable for all ages and levels of fitness and ability; however, there is plenty of opportunity for some faster paced riding.

    Farm Show Trek (3 hours - 1.5 hours riding)
    Enjoy a horse trek and a farm show in one fun-filled 3 hour trek!   This ride is suitable for all ages and levels of fitness and ability.

    River & Valley Trail (3 hours riding)
    This ride is suitable for all ages and levels of fitness and ability; however, there is plenty of opportunity for some faster paced riding.

    Mountain Trail Ride (6 hours - 4.5 hours riding)
    This ride is perfect for riders who love spending plenty of time in the saddle. It is not recommended for children under 12 or people with a low level of fitness.

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  • Hurunui River Jet Boat

    Cruise the Hurunui River on a heart racing 45 minute jet boat ride showcasing the region’s wild coastline and beautiful farmlands. As the only jet boat tour operator on Hurunui River, you’ll be riding with the experts as they blast past shallow river braids, beautiful canyons and large boulder fields. Passing under three bridges and with numerous 360 degree spins, this energising jet boat ride isn’t just about the thrills.

    There will be plenty of stops along the way to enjoy the serenity and history of the area or snap a photo or two before a thrilling race to the end of the tour. Jet boat rides are kept small for an intimate and personalised experience. Book your Hurunui River jet boat ride online here for an unforgettable adventure near Hanmer Springs.

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  • Jet Boat through the Rakaia Gorge

    Hold on tight as your skillful driver weaves the jet through an intricate braided river channel system, skimming along the rocky banks and gushing waters, home to Salmon and Trout fish. Travelling at high speeds you will journey through the Rakaia Gorge, wind flowing through your hair and cool water splashing you with every twist and turn your driver makes as you take in the stunning scenery.

    The scrub covered hills change to towering coal and limestone cliffs in shades of greys and browns, carved in the land over millions of years. Marvel at the snow capped Southern Alps between exhilarating 360 degree spins! With highly experienced drivers they will show you the treasures of the gorge, accessing spots others can only dream of!
    Children under 5 years go FREE.

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  • Kiwi Guardian Outdoor Adventures

    Get the kids outside to have some FREE family fun connecting with nature at Toyota Kiwi Guardians sites nationwide.

    Toyota Kiwi Guardians highlights family-friendly, treasure hunt style activities at specific Department of Conservation sites that encourage kids to engage with the outdoors and, ultimately, earn themselves a medal for their efforts.

    The goal of the conservation programme is to turn Kiwi kids into guardians of the land and sea.

    A total of 50 sites are operational nationwide. Families can get started on their adventure by downloading the appropriate “treasure hunt” map from: www.kiwiguardians.co.nz

    Click on the area of New Zealand nearest to where you are to find the choices available closest to home.

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  • Lyttelton Port of Christchurch Cruise

    Did you know that 99% of Canterbury's trade is by sea? Learn this and more on a free Lyttelton Port of Christchurch harbour cruise, offered once a month. Relax onboard and take in the sights of the port from the water. In one hour cruise you will learn about the port's various operational areas which are at the heart of international trade for Canterbury. The cruise takes visitors alongside Cashin Quay and the container terminal where they can see the cranes and straddles at work. Other points of interest include the historic dry dock and the coal stockpile. An informative commentary is provided throughout the tour. Although the cruise is free we do ask that you consider making a gold coin donation, which goes to support local charities.

    To book a free public port tour, contact Lyttelton Port of Christchurch reception on 328-8198.

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  • The Court Theatre

    The Court Theatre is a professional theatre company based in Christchurch that houses an air-conditioned 390 seat auditorium. Offering a range of entertaining theatre performances year round for young and old including regular shows for the family. Check out their website for ‘What’s on’ including their ‘upcoming shows’ and look out for those performances that will run during the school holidays. Got a budding performer? Check out their education and training school holiday programme for kids aged 9-15 years.

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    • Phone: 03 963 0870
    • Location: Bernard Street, Addington, Christchurch
  • Cookie Time

    Who doesn't love cookies!  The Cookie Time factory shop is a cookie lover’s paradise and with the entire building painted in cookies its hard not to miss!  With recent additions in-store of the Kids Fun Zone, complete with a cut in half Mini Car, the Factory Shop has great tasting products and cool merchandise making it one of Christchurch's 'must see' attractions!

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    • Phone: 03 349 3523
    • Location: 789 Main South Road, Templeton, Christchurch
  • Ages 8+

    Christchurch Paddleboarding

    Christchurch Paddleboarding is the first paddleboarding school to be accredited in New Zealand and provides fun and exciting lessons for the kids, adults or all of you as a family group. Get onto the water in a safe and controlled environment, hop onto our sturdy, stable inflatable paddleboards and experience the joy and freedom of the SUP! Our lessons take you from beginner to confident and competent with professional instruction and a tried and tested format. Once you realise how much fun this is, you'll be hooked! We also hire and sell Red Air (the world's leading and best-selling inflatable).

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  • Margaret Mahy Family Playground

    This spectacular all-ages, all-abilities playground is named after one of Canterbury's much-loved authors, Margaret Mahy. Plenty of thought and planning has gone into making the playground an amazing place for all. Here's what you'll find:
    - Playground equipment, like the 4 metre wide-slide and double flying fox.
    - Sand play, swings, rockers and a crawl tunnel for toddlers.
    - Water cannons, sprinklers and a splash pad with controllable jets.
    - Separate activity zones for different age groups.
    - Food and beverage retailers - Rollickin' Gelato, Berry Healthy Real Fruit Ice Cream, Mo Coffee and Bueno Cantina.
    - Lawn picnic areas and seating.
    - Public toilet, change facilities and shade canopy.
    - And plenty more to discover!

    The Playground is free to visit and open all day everyday. There is a free car park at 177 Armagh Street.

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    • Location: 177 Armagh St, Christchurch
  • Ages 10+

    Crate Escape

    Crate Escape is an exciting real life escape game in the middle of Christchurch. You and a group of friends are confined to a room, full of hidden clues, locks and puzzles for 60 minutes.  Your goal is to solve all the puzzles and escape with time to spare!  Crate Escape is great for friends and family or as a team-building activity, birthday party idea for schools, clubs or other groups. Everyone must WORK TOGETHER to escape from the room.

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    • Phone: 021 0291 0169
    • Location: 196 Armagh Street Central City, Christchurch
  • Ferrymead Heritage Park

    Step back in time at one of NZ's premier Heritage Attractions! Lots of interactive fun and activities for the family. Ferrymead Heritage Park is a great place to take the kids and have fun as you 'step back in time'.

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    • Phone: 03 384 1970
    • Location: Ferrymead Park Drive, Ferrymead, Christchurch, New Zealand
  • Ages 4+

    Proactive Martial Arts

    Proactive Martial Arts provide children from as young as 4 years old and up to build life-skills in taking turns, managing anger, following directions, teamwork, self-esteem, attention span and a positive attitude.  Offering courses for 4-7 years (Tigers), 8-11 years (Pathers) and 12-15 years (Xtreme Martial Arts) and Freestyle Martial Arts for those aged 16+ years. Offered in four locations around Christchurch, call us today for chat about what our program can offer your family.

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    • Phone: 03 3666 000
    • Location: Riccarton / Cashmere / Templeton / Papanui
  • TranzAlpine :: Christchurch to Greymouth

    The TranzAlpine scenic train journeys between Christchurch and Greymouth, crossing from one coast of NZ to the other.  You'll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River.  Featuring huge panoramic windows and an on board licensed café, make it a day trip or stay and explore some more.

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    • Phone: 04 495 0775
    • Location: Troup Drive, Addington, Christchurch
Map of New Zealand
  • Central Otago
  • Auckland
  • Bay of Plenty
  • Christchurch
  • Dunedin
  • Coromandel
  • Gisborne
  • Fiordland
  • Marlborough Sounds
  • Manawatu
  • Northland
  • North Canterbury
  • Queenstown
  • South Canterbury
  • Taranaki
  • Southland
  • Taupo
  • Wanaka
  • Waikato
  • Wellington
  • West Coast
  • Whangarei
  • Bay of Islands
  • Tauranga
  • Gisborne
  • Hamilton
  • Napier
  • Kapiti
  • Palmerston North
  • Whanganui
  • New Plymouth
  • Arrowtown
  • Te Anau
  • Akaroa
  • Ashburton
  • Hanmer
  • Kaikoura
  • Methven
  • Mt Cook
  • Oamaru
  • Tekapo
  • Timaru
  • Abel Tasman
  • Motueka
  • Nelson Lakes
  • Blenheim
  • Picton
  • Catlins
  • Gore
  • Stewart Island
  • Central Plateau
  • Invercargill
  • Cromwell
  • Greymouth
  • Hokitika
  • Westport
  • Glenorchy

Our favourite destinations…

Auckland

New Zealand’s economic heart and biggest city is also an exciting family visitor destination, situated on a sunny harbour with city beaches just minutes away from the CBD. Orientate yourself by heading down to Viaduct Harbour, wandering the waterfront, checking out the super yachts or enjoying the waterfront restaurants. Nearby is the must-visit Sky Tower along with excellent and kid-friendly museums and tons of exciting activities!

Wellington

Wellington is New Zealand’s capital. Here you will find New Zealand's parliament buildings, including the 'Executive Wing', more well-known as 'The Beehive' due to its distinctive shape. Another icon to look out for is the Wellington Tram, which was the main means of public transport between 1878 and 1964.

Christchurch

With a population of around 400,000 Christchurch, in Canterbury, is the South Island ’s largest city, yet much of it has the feel of a small town. Perhaps that’s why it’s known as the Garden City but with the expansive Hagley Park, Botanic Gardens, Port Hills, River Avon and numerous beaches the city certainly has an open, relaxed feel that’s hard to beat.

Queenstown

With its well-deserved reputation as New Zealand’s activity adventure capital you’ll never run out of activities and things to do in Queenstown, but you may run out of time! With breathtaking scenery, activities and festivals, cafes and restaurants, skiing and snowboarding, shopping and wineries, this lakeside alpine resort rates as one of the world’s top vacation destinations for all ages and seasons.

Rotorua

Rotorua sits on the shore of Lake Rotorua, one of sixteen lakes in the area formed by hundreds of thousands of years of eruptions from the Taupo Volcanic Zone. The area is renowned for its geothermal activity and top of any activity list is to see the bubbling mud pools that are around the region for yourself. The Waimangu Volcanic Valley offers a first hand insight into the devastation caused by the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera and is a great place to discover steaming volcanic craters and bubbling, spitting  pools of mud!

Nelson and Golden Bay

The Nelson and Golden Bay regions, at the top of the South Island, boast enviable sunshine hours, glorious sandy beaches, safe swimming spots, lots of wildlife to look out for, and Abel Tasman National Park - an absolute must to explore, on foot, by kayak, your own craft or watertaxi.  Nelson is home to a vibrant arts and crafts community with a fabulous Saturday market, and is close to award-winning wineries and family-friendly bike tracks to take you around the coast.

Hawkes Bay

Napier was rebuilt after the 1931 earthquake and is now known as NZ's Art Deco City.  The Art Deco influence has created a unique city – nowhere else can you see such a varied concentration of art deco style. With over 2,200 sunshine hours a year, Napier is a year-round holiday destination with countless activities to entertain the kids – there's days of entertainment on Marine Parade alone, plus numerous other family-friendly trips and activities.  Add to that the beaches, walks and flat cycle paths, outdoor cafes and entertainment, and you have a perfect holiday destination!

Northland

Beautiful, unspoiled beaches, fishing, historic gum fields, kauri forests – the Far North has it all. With subtropical temperatures, it's often known as ‘the Winterless north', with warm, humid summers and mild winters.
Gateway to the Bay of Islands, Paihia is a pretty, lively beachside town and a perfect base for your family holiday. It’s your start point for Bay of Island adventures including day cruises, sailing, kayaking, swimming with dolphins and reef or wreck diving.