Top 8 must dos
Ōtautahi is known for its spirit of fun and adventure, and summer is the perfect time to get out there and experience all Christchurch has to offer.
Check out our top 8 must-do summer experiences.
Seasonal
30 May 2025
Bucket list experiences
Must do summer experiences in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Taste the flavour of Riverside Market
Named one of the world’s best food markets.
Taste local flavours from around the Canterbury region at Riverside Market, recently named one of the top food markets in the world by The Australian. Enjoy the long summer days as you dine or sip a local brew overlooking the Avon River. A must do for any visitor itinerary.
Punting, the Gondola & the Tram
Tick off the classics
It’s not a visit to Christchurch without ticking off at least one of these must do Christchurch experiences. Christchurch Attractions operates Punting on the Avon, the Christchurch Gondola, and the Christchurch Tram. See the city from a new angle.
Zip around Christchurch Adventure Park
Zipline at Christchurch Adventure Park.
A dash of height and a bucketload of adrenaline await you at Christchurch Adventure Park – home to New Zealand’s longest and highest zipline. Take the chairlift to the top and get back to home base using four epic ziplines. The longest is over 1 kilometre long and ends at the park’s epic café, serving pizza and beers. So… why haven’t you done this yet?
Swim or cruise with dolphins
Head over the hill for a stunning day trip or overnight to Akaroa, and tick swimming with dolphins off your bucket list this summer with Black Cat Cruises! Or, if popping on a wetsuit is not your thing, head out on a cruise to view the Hector’s Dolphin with either Black Cat Cruises or Akaroa Dolphins – whichever way you choose, you won’t want to miss this experience of a lifetime.
Soak in hot pools by the sea
Soak in stunning ocean views, while immersed in five luxurious He Puna Taimoana hot pools in New Brighton. Cool off with a dip in the plunge pool or step into the steam room and experience beachside views from the sauna for total relaxation. For the early-birds — the Sunrise Soak is an experience not to be missed!
Hit the beach
Summer is the best time to get out there and enjoy Ōtautahi's natural playground — and our beaches are a great place to spend a day with the family. Choose from family-friendly Sumner or Scarborough, or head north to Woodend or Waikuku Beach. With beaches up and down the coastline of the city, you’ll find the perfect beach to laze those summer days away!
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