Activities
16 January 2026
Budget friendly activities in Christchurch
Getting out and about doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Here's our guide to some of the best budget-friendly activities around Christchurch.
Things To Do
What are the best things to do in Ōtautahi Christchurch for under $25?
Wondering what you can do in Ōtautahi Christchurch for under $25 per person? We've put together a list of activities for $25 or less.
Parakiore Aquatic Centre: hydroslides, pools and family fun
Looking for the perfect family day out that won't break the bank? Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre has just the thing!
Home to New Zealand’s only trap door hydro slide - not for the faint-hearted, dropping you into a twisting, high-speed chute of pure chaos.
The real magic is in the endless variety of slide options, including a tube slide you can go down with a buddy. Endless hydro-fun awaits!
Cost:
- Adults slide pass (includes pool entry) $18, childs slide pass (includes pool entry) $13
- Preschooler (with parent or caregiver) free
Also check out the other Christchurch City Council pools and recreation centres around Christchurch.
Explore The Groynes lake by boat
Ahoy there! Take in the views of The Groynes while cruising the waters of Lake Roto Kohatu in northern Christchurch.
Pedal boats, aqua trikes and canoes are available for hire at the Groynes Boat Hire from 10.30am to 4pm on the weekends.
Fun for the whole family, there are also picnic areas, free barbeques, walk trails and playgrounds dotted throughout the park.
Cost:
- Pedal boats, aqua trikes, double canoes $15 for 30 mins
- Single canoes $7.50 for 30 mins
While you’re here:
- Lakeside walk,
- Large off-leash dog-friendly area.
Soak in the New Brighton Hot Pools
Relax and unwind at He Puna Taimoana, the idyllic hot pools by the sea in New Brighton.
Soak it up in the five different temperature hot pools and send the kids to the plunge pool for some peace and quiet.
Make sure to book ahead online. Christchurch residents receive discounted rates. Open 10am to 8pm seven days a week.
Cost:
- Adult $23 (off peak), Child $19 (off peak)
- Under-3 free
- Christchurch residents can further reduce the entry fee by applying for a 'Christchurch resident discount'. Apply here.
While you’re here:
- New Brighton Pier
- New Brighton Library
Visit the Okains Bay Museum
At the heart of historic Okains Bay, 90 minutes from Christchurch, a unique experience of Aotearoa and Banks Peninsula’s history awaits you. The Okains Bay Māori and Colonial Museum holds extensive collections of significant taonga Māori items, early Pākehā items and other exciting treasures in the museum’s heritage buildings on-site.
Found between the hills and the sea, a visit to Okains Bay and this wonderful rural museum provides a very special day out.
Cost:
- Adult admission $15, children free. Concession: $10 (Student, Community Service or Hāpai Access Card Holder & Essential Companion.)
While you’re here:
- Visit the swimming beach, caves and lagoon,
- On-site accommodation in retro style.
Take the ferry to Diamond Harbour
Diamond Harbour is a thing of beauty. Escape the city with a day trip to this sunny and unspoiled settlement in Banks Peninsula. Departing from Lyttelton at least every hour throughout the day, the Black Cat Cruises ferry enables a getaway to a paradise with quiet swimming beaches, charming storefronts and walks around cliff tops overlooking the sea.
Cost:
- Lyttelton to Diamond Harbour $6 adult one way, child (5-17) $4 (discounts for Metrocard and Gold Card holders $4 & $2).
While you’re here:
- Wildlife cruises
- Cliff track walk to Church Bay
Kayak the Avon river through Christchurch
Soak up the sun and enjoy the view cruising Christchurch’s beautiful Avon River by kayak.
Hop in a single kayak or share a double with a mate from the Antigua Boatsheds taking a journey through our gorgeous Garden City.
Cost:
- Single Kayak Hire - $23.00 per hour
- Double Kayak Hire - $46.00 per hour (two people)
- Paddle Boat Hire - $35.00 per half-hour (two people)
While you’re here:
- Visit Canterbury Museum
- Stroll through the Botanic Gardens
Human Foosball at Velocity Karts for your squad
Get a kick out of Human Foosball - just like the table version, except you kick the ball!
Play a 30-minute game with a group of six with this football-with-a-twist game at Velocity Karts based in the Bexley Reserve.
Cost:
- $60 for a group of 6 for 30min.
Free things to do in Christchurch
There's a wealth of activities in Christchurch, that don't cost anything.
Take a stroll through the Botanic Gardens, with multiple conservatories, a children's playground, splash pool and plenty of trees to climb. It's one of the city's most loved outdoor attractions and a perfect place to relax, play and discover nature.
For family-friendly fun, head to the Margaret Mahy Family Playground. With giant slides, climbing structures, water play areas and bookable BBQ facilities, it's an ideal destination for visitors of all ages.
Tūranga is more than just a library! Explore the LEGO-based Imagination Station, experiment with 3D printers and sewing machines, discover recording studios, and browse multiple floors of books and interactive learning spaces.
The Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū and Canterbury Museum Pop-Up are fabulous for arty and educational fun and perfect for when the weather isn't playing ball.
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