To support our region in these unprecedented times, ChristchurchNZ has launched the Explore your Place campaign. Read about it here and #exploreyourplace
Christchurch has heaps of fun family activities to encourage you to get out there and enjoy some time together. Here are our top picks.
Learn to Surf
Hit the waves and learn how to hang 10! New Brighton and Sumner are great spots to learn to surf, with lessons and gear hire available for all ages and stages. Have fun in a relaxed atmosphere, and be prepared for lots of laughs.
Pet the Animals
Arion Farm Education Park is a great spot to get up close and personal to a variety of animals. For a small fee, you can purchase a bag of animal food to feed the animals as you are walking around the park. You can even become an adoptive parent of animals with all funds going towards food, vet care and maintenance of animal homes.
Discover Antarctica
Visit the International Antarctic Centre to get a taste of the "coolest" continent. Get a little chilly and experience an Antarctic storm. Watch Little Blue penguins being fed, take an ice voyage with 4D effects and at selected times get up close and personal with Huskies at the Husky Zone. There's so much to see and do so make a day of it!
Get up Close to Amazing Animals
Orana Wildlife Park is New Zealand's only open-range zoo. The park is huge, definitely an all day affair! View lions, rhino and tigers…the list goes on. An all-time favourite has to be hand feeding the giraffe. The giraffe encounter is one of the most popular attractions in the park, so be sure to check feeding times and get there early.
Paddle Boat or Kayak on the Avon
A classic Christchurch family outing is heading down to the Antigua Boatsheds and hiring a paddle-boat or kayak to explore the Avon river. Take in the beautiful scenery of the Botanic Gardens, watch the ducklings or challenge the family to a race.
Try to Get a Hole in 1.
Fancy a spot of mini golf? Our top picks are Volcano Park Mini Putt featuring a waterfall and an old shed entombed in a volcanic mountain or the Scottish themed McDuffs 18-hole course. Be sure to watch out for the Loch Ness Monster! If you're looking for some fun on a drizzly day, head to CaddyShack City where you even get a lollipop on the last hole!
Ride the Tram
Take a step back in time and ride the iconic Christchurch Tram. The restored historic trams are a fun way to explore the city, with great commentary. Hop on and off as much as you like!
Go like the Wind
If your family is aged somewhere between 8 and 80 years old then this is an awesome activity to have them excited all week. Velocity Karts are easy to learn and full tuition is provided before you get behind the wheel. Go on and embrace that nor-wester!
Ride the Train
For something a little different head to the Halswell Domain and ride the Miniature Train. Open each Sunday (weather permitting), this ride is a must do for all those Thomas the Tank Engine fans out there.
See Native Wildlife
Kids love getting up close with animals, and Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is a great way for them to learn about native birds as well as seeing and feeding farmyard animals. You can even feed slippery eels, just watch they don't bite you!
Laser Up
Get competitive with the family at Laser Strike. This unique, interactive and fun experience takes place in a darkened room complete with fast-paced music and moody lighting. Who will be the family champion and get the most tags? Only one way to find out ...
