5 Must Do Spring Activities In Christchurch

The best way to celebrate spring is to get outside and smell the flowers. Literally. Grab your bike and check out the famous cherry blossoms lining Hagley Park, or the stunning carpets of yellow daffodils along Harper Ave and the Ōtākaro Avon River.  

For a unique viewing spot, soak up the spring colours from the water with Christchurch Attractions' Punting on the Avon, or have a mini adventure with a hired kayak from the Antigua Boat Sheds. Another fun option is Waka on Avon, an incredible cultural paddling experience, perfect on a sunny spring day.  

Christchurch is home to an abundance of gardens and parks and spring is the very best time to explore them all. The Christchurch Botanic Gardens is an obvious favourite with the daffodils, rose garden and Cunningham House. Be sure to grab a bite and coffee at Ilex Cafe while you're there! 

There are few places in the world where you can surf and ski in one day, but in Ōtautahi Christchurch, you can tick this one off! A bucket list item for any snow and water sport lovers, if just for the bragging rights. 

Head out in early morning to one of the three fields within two hours of Christchurch Airport. Check out award-winning Mt Hutt in Mid Canterbury, or Porter's Alpine Resort and Mt. Cheeseman Ski Field in Selwyn. Then swap the slopes for the surf at one of Christchurch's epic surf breaks. 

There is nothing like getting out into Christchurch’s ultimate playground and breathing in that fresh spring air. With nature all around and beautiful views to enjoy, you really are spoilt for choice. For the thrill seekers a visit to the Christchurch Adventure Park is a must. Take your mountain bike, have a go on the zip line or explore the many tracks on foot.  

For some of the best views the city has to offer, the Christchurch Gondola is where to go. Fun for the whole family, enjoy the ride up and stay awhile once you get to the top for the ultimate day out.  

There is something pretty special about a soak in the hot pools while watching the waves crash down in front of you. He Puna Taimoana is the place to be for relaxation and a little pampering. Soak away all your stress in the luxurious pools while enjoying the beautiful beach views.

Go alfresco with the weather warming up. There's nothing like basking in the sun over lunch or a few cocktails! Head to The Terrace for an array of bars and restaurants to choose from and the very best balcony views over the Avon River. If views are your thing, then a visit to one of Christchurch’s rooftop bars is a must, enjoy a cocktail in hand as you soak up those sun set scenes! 

New Regent Street is a unique and vibrant spot to explore, with a variety of dining options that will leave you satisfied, or head to OGB for their famous burgers and enjoy live music in their courtyard. Riverside Market is another winner, with a range of local delights to choose from. Head outside to one of the tables or even better, find a spot near the river and bask in the beauty of nature as you dig in.  

Tussock Hill is a fabulous option for something special and the tranquillity of the location will make you feel like you are a world away. Discover their wine offering and locally sourced menu, trust us, you will be back here before you know it.  

Spring is about new life – and not just in the gardens! Stroll along the Ōtākaro Avon River to see the cutest wee ducklings. Or better yet, grab a hire scooter and zip along the Avon Loop, then down past Margaret Mahy Playground.  

Grab the kids (or the big kids) and head to Arion Farm Park or Willowbank to see newborn lambs, pigs, and bunnies hopping around. Be sure to grab a bag of feed at the shop so you can hand feed the animals. Spring is also the season when our national bird, the kiwi, gets active and starts breeding. Willowbank's nocturnal kiwi house is one of the best places to see these birds in real life. 

For an incredible wildlife experience, Orana Wildlife Park is well worth a visit. It is New Zealand’s only open range wildlife park, with over 1,000 animals calling the park home. Meet gorillas, giraffes, rhinos and the fierce lions among so many more exotic species.