Seasonal

24 November 2025

Ōtautahi Christchurch ultimate summer guide

Experience the best of summer in Ōtautahi Christchurch, with events, activities and things to do in 2025-2026. Here's your ultimate guide to summer fun in Christchurch.

Discover, plan and enjoy the best of Ōtautahi Christchurch this summer

Summer is here and Christchurch is ready for another season of sunny days, warm nights and sweet summer bliss. The city has you covered for events and activities so you can make the most of the season – from sun-soaked beaches and lush parks to buzzing markets and outdoor adventures, Christchurch offers endless ways to enjoy the warmer months.

Explore the best attractions, events and hidden gems that make Christchurch the place for summertime fun.

Why is Christchurch so special in summer?

You can’t beat a Kiwi summer, especially in Christchurch. Because of the stunning natural playgrounds that weave through the city, the many alfresco dining options and the range of outdoor activities on offer, summer days are easily filled in Ōtautahi.

Natural playgrounds

Christchurch is a city immersed in nature. Hagley Park’s green heart, Banks Peninsula’s rugged beauty, and multiple beaches offer endless escapes. In summer, parks bustle with activity, Sumner and New Brighton host water sports and family fun, while the Port Hills provide breathtaking walks with sweeping views across city and coast.

Explore beaches

Alfresco dining

The dining scene in Christchurch is already something special, and thanks to the many alfresco options it is even more enjoyable when the weather is warm. Enjoy lazy long lunches, afternoon cocktails or balmy evening dinners.

Discover favourite local spots

Compact, modern city

Christchurch’s central city comes to life in summer. With a compact, walkable central hub, you can experience the best dining to stunning parks, the Avon River to high end shopping and unique attractions all in one sunny afternoon. Looking for inspiration to fill a full day of summer fun in the city?

Find inspiration here

3 friends walking on the Port Hills, Christchurch.

The best short walks in Christchurch to try this summer

Looking to connect with nature, enjoy the warm weather and get in some exercise? Lucky for you, Christchurch is surrounding by stunning walks of all lengths and difficulty levels. If you’re looking for something short and sweet, check out our guide to short walks around Christchurch.

For more information on longer walks, hill walks, coastal trails and tracks, have a read of the walking and hiking tracks in Christchurch below.

Guide to Christchurch walks

Christchurch summer events and festivals guide 2025-2026

From major sporting fixtures to arts, culture and epic music, Christchurch has a summer events calendar with something for everyone.

2 - 6 December 2025

West Indies v BLACKCAPS

Caribbean flair meets Kiwi fire. The BLACKCAPS face the West Indies in the first Test Match of the series.

31 December 2025

New Years Eve

Ring in the new year at North Hagley Park with family friendly fun. With a ‘kids countdown’ from 4-7pm, followed by a New Years Eve party from 8pm - midnight featuring Kora, with support from local acts Dillastrate, Brad Staley and DJ Sambora.

17 December 2025 - 27 January 2026 (excluding public holidays)

The Art of Banksy

Enjoy over 150 original artworks, prints, and installations by the elusive street artist. This is your final chance to experience Banksy’s most iconic pieces in New Zealand.

23 January - 1 February 2025

World Buskers Festival

Get amongst the fun this summer as the World Buskers Festival returns to Ōtautahi Christchurch for ten days of street performance, ticketed shows, and pop-up surprises across the city.

21 February 2026

Lexus Urban Polo

The Lexus Urban Polo® returns to the beautiful Hagley Park, Christchurch on Saturday, 21 February 2026. Get amongst all the action on and off the field.

Family-friendly activities to check out this summer in Christchurch

Looking for ways to entertain the whānau this summer? Christchurch has you covered, with plenty of family-friendly, outdoor activities to make the most of the sunshine and quality time together.

Red Tram driving down city mall with Bridge of Remembrance in the background.

Christchurch Tram

Take a scenic ride through the city’s historic streets on the charming heritage tram, fun for all ages and a great way to explore central Christchurch. With the option to hop on and off as you please, it is easy to check out different attractions around the city or grab an ice-cream to cool off.

Surf lesson at Sumner Beach

Try something new with a family surf lesson with the team at Learn To Surf in Sumner. The expert instructors will guide you and make sure everyone has fun while learning how to master the waves.

Two children feeding a lama at Willowbank

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

Enjoy the fresh summer air and meet some new wildlife friends including kiwi, tuatara and kea at Willowbank. Wander the reserve at your own pace and enjoy interactive animal encounters in the lush natural setting.

family enjoying the kites in New Brighton

Enjoy a beach day

You can’t beat a beach day with the family. Stroll along the golden sands, build sandcastles or splash in the waves at New Brighton beach. Don’t forget to pack the kite for some epic flying!

Orana Wildlife Park

If you’re looking for a full day adventure, head to Orana Wildlife Park where the family can get up close with exotic animals like lions, rhinos and giraffes. New Zealand’s only open-range zoo is perfect for a summer's day out.

Margaret Mahy Playground

Let the kids run wild at one of the largest playgrounds in the Southern Hemisphere, featuring water play, climbing towers and imaginative spaces. Once all that energy is burned off, why not head to New Regent Street for a Rollickin’ Gelato?

Christchurch Gondola

Take in the breathtaking views of the city, Southern Alps and Lyttelton Harbour with a ride up the Christchurch Gondola. Enjoy a short walk at the top or a refreshment at the cafe, soaking in the beauty and sunshine.

The best ways to get around Christchurch this summer – walking, cycling, buses and more

One of the great things about exploring Christchurch is how quicka and easy it is to get around! With a compact, flat city centre, light traffic and extensive cycle ways, you’ll find moving about the city a breeze.

For flexible and fun sightseeing around the city, why not spend the day hopping on and off the Christchurch Tram? Or bike and scoot your way around Christchurch for some fresh summer air. With nine main cycle routes connecting the suburbs with the central city, getting around on two wheels is easy.

How to move around the city

Where to find the best shopping in Christchurch?

Looking for some retail therapy to freshen up the summer wardrobe? With Christchurch’s modern central heart, a day out and about window shopping or finding new forever pieces is always a good time. Find a full guide to the best shopping in Christchurch.

Shopping guide

Where to eat & drink in Christchurch during summer

Whether its morning coffee, afternoon drinks or sunset dinners, wining and dining outside is one of the true delights of summer. Warm days and balmy evenings spent with friends enjoying great food is hard to beat! Here are some local favourites.

Summer dining guide

Discover street art this summer

Walking around Christchurch city is an activity in itself, thanks to the stunning artworks that decorate the buildings and walls. Known as a hub for impressive street arts, the city is full of colour and creativity, making it a joy to wander the summer days away marvelling at.

Check out some of the incredible works and where to find them.

Celebrating street art in the city

Stay in Ōtautahi Christchurch

Ōtautahi Christchurch is home to spectacular experiences to fill your days as well as comfortable places to spend your nights.

Find your perfect stay with our wide range of accommodation options to ensure you feel right at home.

Explore accommodation guide

Christchurch coastline with Southern Alps in the backgraound.

Hidden gems of Ōtautahi Christchurch

Ōtautahi Christchurch locals love to be in the know, and that means being up on the city’s many hidden gems. The city is a playground for nature lovers, big-time foodies and those searching for a little peace and quiet.

Here are a few favourite local spots, too good to be kept a secret.

Discover hidden gems