Apart from being a gateway to all the awesome things that New Zealand’s South Island offers, Christchurch also packs heaps of fun within its borders. Despite being previously hit by two earthquakes, the city has bounced back stronger than ever with its long list of must-visits and must-dos.
From sightseeing tours and cultural immersions to nature cruises and scenic flights - the list of things to do in Christchurch seems to be limitless. Don’t be daunted, though, because we’ve rounded up 15 of the most fun things to do in the city, all below $300, plus things to do in Christchurch for free!
- Christchurch Botanic Gardens - FREE
- Canterbury Museum - FREE
- Brockworth Street Art Gallery - FREE
- Sumner Beach - FREE
- Ride the Christchurch Tram - $23
- Christchurch Gondola - $26
- International Antarctic Centre - $47
- Christchurch Pass - $77
- Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise - $80
- Pohatu Penguin Watch - $81
- Akaroa Swimming with Dolphins - $159
- Scenic Helicopter Flight in Christchurch - $197
- Christchurch Helicopter Trial Flight - $256
- TranzAlpine between Christchurch and Arthur’s Pass - $151
- TranzAlpine between Christchurch and Greymouth - $197
1. Christchurch Botanic Gardens - FREE
Wander through Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Image credits: @jezreelgiah
Christchurch has been dubbed as The Garden City, and you’ll find out why when you visit the Botanic Gardens. A leisurely stroll around this picturesque garden is one of the many things to do in Christchurch for free. In minutes, you’ll find yourself immersed in the number of exotic and native flora it holds!
Fall in love with the restored Peacock Fountain that dates back to the early 1900s, or explore the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial to commemorate the 2011 Christchurch earthquake.
2. Canterbury Museum - FREE
Treat your kids to a fun day out at Canterbury Museum. Image credits: @canterburymuseum
After your stroll, head to the Canterbury Museum just nearby the Botanic Gardens. Here, you’ll discover New Zealand’s cultural heritage with its natural and human history exhibits like the Bird Hall that shows extinct, rare, and native bird species. You can also visit Christchurch Street that transports you to how the city looked during the late 1880s.
3. Brockworth Street Art Gallery - FREE
Marvel at amazing street art along Brockworth. Image credits: @__chrissi_
Get to know more about Christchurch’s street art scene with a visit to Brockworth Street Art Gallery. Spend an afternoon here and find yourself buried in a series of colourful murals along the Brockworth walkway - definitely one of the best things to do in Christchurch for free.
Street art can also be found all over the city. To make it more fun, you can do a treasure hunt and locate works by the same local artist!
4. Sumner Beach - FREE
Experience sunset at Sumner Beach! Image credits: @amandarobb_photographer
For amazing coastal views and nostalgic beach walks, Sumner Beach is the go-to destination. This beach is favoured by families and is mostly used for recreation. You can also enjoy a quick dip since the waters are patrolled by surf lifesavers!
Feeling peckish? Sumner Beach has an array of excellent restaurants like Burger Stop for a quintessential plate of fish and chips.
5. Ride the Christchurch Tram - $23
Explore the city aboard the tram! Image credits: @her_journeys
See all of Christchurch’s city highlights on just one tram ride: aboard the historic Christchurch Tram. It is the most convenient and iconic way to tour the city and definitely one of the most fun things to do in Christchurch. You’ll discover the city sights like Cathedral Square, Canterbury Museum, and Botanic Gardens at ease.
You never have to struggle about parking with this day pass, plus you can tour the city at your own pace. Simply hop off whenever you want to explore by foot, then hop on the scenic ride if you want to rest your feet. The tram begins at Cathedral Junction and has 17 stops along the route.
6. Christchurch Gondola - $26
Take in the fantastic scenery of Christchurch from above! Image credits: @sammydaviesxx
Looking for scenic things to do in Christchurch? Hop aboard the Christchurch Gondola and witness the stunning cityscape and its surroundings from up above!
From the peak of Port Hills, the best vantage point in the city, soak in a 360-degree view of the Christchurch skyline, Canterbury Plains, and the stunning Lake Ellesmere. Did you know that you can see the Pacific Ocean from up here? Once you’ve had your fill of the fantastic sights, you can come in for a quick snack and drink at the Red Rock Cafe or hop aboard the Time Tunnel Ride that takes you back 12 million years ago!
7. International Antarctic Centre - $47
Zip up your jackets and see what it feels like to live in Antarctica! Image credits: @internationalantarcticcentre
Travel to Antarctica while in the city when you visit the International Antarctic Centre. The centre is a must-visit for guests of all ages, plus it’s located near the airport so you can quickly hop in before or after your flight.
You can book a one-day general admission ticket and experience what it feels like to live in the frozen lands with its fun and interactive exhibits. Don’t miss the Antarctic Storm simulation to see if you could survive everyday life in Antarctica. Level up this educational must-do in Christchurch with a Backstage Penguin Pass, where you can interact with adorable Little Blue Penguins!
8. Christchurch Pass - $77
Hop aboard a punt ride on the Avon River. Image credits: @hitravelnz
Enjoy unlimited rides on the tram, a round-trip Gondola ride, PLUS a 30-minute scenic punt ride along Avon River with this discounted Christchurch Pass. With the discount pass, you get to save $8 compared to buying individual tickets, plus the voucher is valid for 12 month(s) from the date of booking.
If you only have one day to tour the city, we recommend getting this pass so you can experience most of the fun things to do in Christchurch with no hassle. Start your tour with a romantic punt ride along the river, then spend the rest of the day hopping on and off the tram. By sunset, head to Port Hills and watch the city transform below you. With this discount pass, you’ll conveniently see all of the picturesque views of Christchurch!
9. Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise - $80
You might even see a humpback whale on this cruise! Image credits: @cetacean_skipper
If you’re keen on wildlife experiences, this nature cruise along Akaroa Harbour is one of the fun things to do near Christchurch! Akaroa Harbour used to be an active volcano years ago but is now the destination for the number one wildlife experience in New Zealand. To get here, it takes a 1.5-hour drive south of Christchurch.
Embark on a 2-hour scenic cruise aboard a stylish catamaran and soak in the stunning views of volcanic cliffs and sea caves along your route. Keep your eyes peeled for the spectacular purple-pink Scenery Nook, a natural volcanic amphitheatre! You’ll also see the rich marine life that lives in the Harbour, such as Hector's dolphins, penguins, and fur seals.
10. Pohatu Penguin Watch - $81
Don’t miss out on the chance to see Little Penguins!
Another amazing animal encounter takes a spot on our list of fun things to do near Christchurch. Also near Akaroa Harbour, Pohatu is home to the largest Australasian Little Penguin colony in mainland New Zealand. It only takes a 1.5 hour drive from Christchurch to reach this penguin Mecca.
On this penguin watching tour, you’ll watch these adorable creatures from a distance while wearing a camo jacket to minimise disturbance. Observe these penguins with your handy binoculars as they live through their day before heading back to their nests.
11. Akaroa Swimming with Dolphins - $159
Get up close with Hector’s dolphins! Image credits: @blackcatcruises
Meet and greet with the world’s smallest dolphins in this Akaroa swimming with dolphin experience, rated as one of the top ten greatest marine mammal encounters in the world by Lonely Planet. Akaroa Harbour is actually a bit further out from Christchurch, and to get here, you’ll have to spend an hour and a half on a ride south of the city.
On this tour, you’ll get 2 hours of fun swim time with the dolphins. Wetsuits and all necessary equipment are provided, so no need to fret about safety. If you prefer to stay dry, you can still watch these dolphins from the boat’s viewing platform. Hector’s dolphins can only be found in New Zealand, so don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
12. Scenic Helicopter Flight in Christchurch - $197
You get front row seats to this view with this heli flight!
If you’re still seeking unique things to do in Christchurch, this scenic helicopter flight will literally take you to new heights! Witness the rustic charm of the Canterbury region and its stunning surroundings in a 20-minute flight with an experienced pilot. From snow-capped mountains and winding rivers to rural farmlands, this flight will leave you in awe.
Upgrade your experience by booking the Canterbury Winery Lunch that takes you to your chosen winery. You can also book the Romantic Escape Package that comes with overnight accommodation for two at Lakefront Suite, a 3-course dinner, and a full buffet breakfast.
13. Christchurch Helicopter Trial Flight - $256
Learn the basics of heli flying with an expert instructor.
Always dreamt of flying a chopper? Tick that off your bucket list when you book this helicopter trial flight, one of the best things to do in Christchurch!
Navigate through the clouds as you learn the basics of heli-flying with a certified instructor. Once you’re acquainted with the controls, it’s time for take-off! Cruise through the New Zealand sky for 30 minutes and find yourself climbing and descending at different speeds as you hover and find the perfect balance. No need to fret because your instructor will be by your side at all times.
14. TranzAlpine between Christchurch and Arthur’s Pass - $151
Take a ride aboard this spacious train to Arthur’s Pass! Image credits: @jimouano
If you’ve breezed through all the awesome things to do in Christchurch, why not venture into a South Island journey aboard a train? Instead of opting for a self-drive, travel in comfort and style aboard a spacious air-conditioned cabin that will take you from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass.
A relaxing nature escape amidst breathtaking alpine scenery awaits you with this TranzAlpine ticket. Witness the majestic NZ alps pass by during your 5-hour train ride before arriving at Arthur’s Pass. Here you’ll see popular destinations such as Avalanche Peak, majestic waterfalls, and more!
15. TranzAlpine between Christchurch and Greymouth - $197
Don’t miss out on the incredible views of South Island! Image credits: @rosy_andreas
Another breathtaking TranzAlpine train ride option takes you to the majestic Greymouth from Christchurch. Journey through the vast Canterbury Plains, the magnificent South Island mountain ranges, and the Waimakariri River.
In just 5 hours, you’ll arrive at Greymouth, where you can try gold panning at Shantytown Heritage Park, visit the Punakaiki Blow Holes, or taste test great beers at Monteith’s Brewing Company.
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