Christchurch is one of those cities in New Zealand that attract a lot of tourists every year. No matter what you look for, you always want to have some more fun and this city brings out surprises every time you wished for more. There are a lot of things to do in Christchurch. You have placed for every mood, every age and every time!
So, let us check out what kind of things to do in Christchurch for free, things to do in Christchurch at night and some simply amazing things to do here. Apart from this, you need to know that Christchurch is a place for adventure and thrill-seekers too. You will find yourself amidst some great Christchurch activities which will make this place a favorite.
10 Things To Do In Christchurch
Before we start with the list, some of the top things to do in Christchurch are given here. So, you may find walks, visits, doing some adventure activities and just dining here. So, get ready for the best things to do in Christchurch.
1. International Antarctic Centre
One of the topmost things to do in Christchurch with kids is to go and visit the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch. It makes sure that all the people know and enjoy the different wonders of Antarctica from New Zealand itself. It is a great place to bring the kids so that they can make this an educational and fun trip! It is great for adults too and there are a lot of things to do when you are here. You can go to this indoor Antarctic Storm. You also have an indoor polar room chilled at -5 degrees. There is a Hagglund Ride which can stimulate the conditions of riding a real Hagglund. While at this center, hang out with the little blue penguins too.
Ideal for: kids or family
Activity cost/ticket fee: Adult (16 yrs+) NZD$59.00. Child (5-15 yrs) NZD$29.00. Family (2ad + up to 3ch) NZD$149.00. Senior/Student (With Valid ID) NZD$45.00
Entry timing and closing timings: 9 AM – 5.30 PM
Location: 38 Orchard Road, Harewood, Christchurch 8052, New Zealand
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2. Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial: Make A Visit
One of the things to do in Christchurch for free, visiting the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial will surely humble you. More than 185 people lost their lives during the tragic earthquake in 2011. It injured a lot of them for life and then left some homeless. This memorial was built for all who lost their lives in the natural calamity. You can see that this memorial contains the wall full of names with people who lost their lives in the tragic incident. You can see that there are 185 empty chairs and this is one of the most somber chairs to pay respects to them. You will surely feel humbled at the end of the visit.
Ideal for: family or friends
Activity cost/ticket fee: Free
Entry timing and closing timings: Open 24 hours.
Location: Montreal Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
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3. Godley Head: Go Hiking
One of the free things to do in Christchurch, take a hike to Godley Head and you will not be disappointed. This hiking trail does the ultimate, shows New Zealand never before avatar, shows the natural beauty and also holds some history too. It was a coastal defense during WW2 and this may only a few over there who are interested in history. So this is hiking trail starts at the Taylors Mistake Beach and then you will see some wildlife like the water animals while you are hiking. You will simply not be disappointed because it is that kind of trail that makes you happy from within.
Ideal for: Adventure with your family or friends
Activity cost/ticket fee: Free
Entry timing and closing timings: You can start in the morning
Location: Godley Head
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4. Jet Boating
So if you are in New Zealand, you are in the island country! This means you can try to do some adventure things here in Christchurch. Did you know? The jet boat was invented in New Zealand! Thus, you need to experience jet boating in the country where it all started! So you have to do the jet boating but Waimakariri River. You will ride down the river at a fast speed while having all the hairpin turns and some 360 degree spins! You have two options: either choose a 30-minute ride or the 1-hour ride. If you take the 60-minute ride, you get to go to the Waimakariri Gorge which can show you some views of the Southern Alps.
Ideal for: Adventure with your family or friends
Activity cost/ticket fee: family pass is usually $ 300.
Entry timing and closing timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Location: Waimakariri River
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5. Botanical Gardens: Go Visit
What is fun without visiting the botanical gardens in Garden City? Thus, one of the top things to do in Christchurch is to visit the botanical gardens. It is spread over 21 hectares and has a 150-year history. You have a rose garden which has more than 250 varieties of roses. You also have so many varieties of plants that you will simply fall in love with the place. This is a real paradise for all nature lovers. Also, one of the best things to do in Christchurch with kids.
Ideal for: family or friends
Activity cost/ticket fee: free
Entry timing and closing timings: 7 AM – 9 PM
Location: City Centre Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
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6. Skydiving
As we told you, one of the most amazing things to do in Christchurch is sky diving. This is the most adrenaline rush activity ever! So, if you choose to do skydiving in Christchurch, you will be leaping out of a plane at the height of 12,000 feet. You will be able to tick off that first wish you had in your bucket list! New Zealand is certainly one of the best places to do sky diving and you will not regret it all. Do not worry if you are a beginner because you can do it. You will be tandem diving with an experienced instructor. Just enjoy the activity while it lasts! It will still some unreal for you.
Ideal for: anyone who has sky diving in their bucket list.
Activity cost/ticket fee: From 13000 ft, you have to pay NZD 380.
Location: 12 New Regent Street, Christchurch City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
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7. Bungee Jumping
When in doubt, just go to Christchurch! One of the most adventure and adrenaline rush things to do in Christchurch, try bungee jumping here. They practically started bungee jumping here before it went on to become famous in the world. Then why should you not try in the city of origin? You can go bungee jumping near Hanmer Springs. You will be allowed to take a 35 m leap from the most famous Ferry bridge. You can get a few photos to get clicked but you need to pay a little extra. But, to get your adrenaline pumping, this is the best activity you can do in Christchurch.
Ideal for: anyone who has bungee jumping in their bucket list.
Activity cost/ticket fee: NZD $169.
Location: Hanmer Springs
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8. Brockworth Street Art Gallery: Explore The Heritage
Christchurch is not all about museums and adventure activities. You also have an artistic side to it. So, all the art lovers rejoice, you are visiting a city which is well known for its street art. Wherever you go, you will find so many old buildings with some amazing murals on their sides. This was made for the citizens to lift their morales after the earthquake. There is one Brockworth Street where you will find a gallery of some of the best art. It is in the Christchurch suburb called as Riccarton. You will find the art to be humorous, surreal and then it is one of those free things to do in Christchurch.
Ideal for: art enthusiasts.
Activity cost/ticket fee: free
Entry Timings: Anytime. Open all day.
Location: 33 Riccarton Road, Riccarton, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
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9. The Tram: Dine In
When you are taking the tram all over the city to travel, then you can for sure you can dine in the tram. This unique restaurant that allows you to dine in the tram is one of the amazing things to do in Christchurch. You can have great colonial food in the perfectly air-conditioned tram. You can also enjoy some fine wine while traveling in the city and having great scenes of the city’s streets. Since this is an unusual thing to do, it is better to book in advance as this is one thing which every tourist wants to try.
Ideal for: persons who have a thing for doing unusual activities in a tourist spot.
Activity cost/ticket fee: NZD $109
Entry Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Location: 109 Worcester Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
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10. Cardboard Cathedral: Visit
Well, when the 2011 earthquake played wreck, then Christchurch’s Anglican Church had a temporary replacement which was built from the cardboard tubes. You will find that this is one of the top things to see in Christchurch city. It rises to nearly 80 feet and is truly a great thing to accomplish. It is a symbol of culture in this city too.
Ideal for: All the tourists.
Activity cost/ticket fee: NA
Location: 234 Hereford Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
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You could do a lot more here and whenever you are short of doing some amazing things here, this city just springs a new one. This is one city that never ceases to amaze anyone and you will want to come back for your next vacation in New Zealand again.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Christchurch
What is there to do in Christchurch?
You can do awesome things in Christchurch. You can go jet boating, go see the botanic gardens. You can also go skydiving, bungee jumping or visit the Canterbury earthquake national memorial.
What can you do in Christchurch for free?
You can check out the numerous markets like Christchurch Farmer’s Market, Opawa’s market, Friday Street Food Market, etc. You could even visit a museum and the entry is not charged generally. You can also walk on the New Brighton Pier. Plus there are a lot of free gigs happening every night so visit one of them to have some light fun.
How do I spend a day in Christchurch?
Take the tram tour, see the cardboard cathedral, enjoy some shopping at Ballantynes, have a unique tram dinner or go to visit the Canterbury Museum at last.
Is it safe to walk around Christchurch at night?
No matter how safe an area is in the daylight, you need to always take precautions as to not wander at night. Avoid the parks and any badly lit areas. Christchurch is a pretty safe city throughout.
What is there to do in Christchurch at Night?
You have the cinemas, theatre for all the moods, night tour for Christchurch Art Gallery, a mystery dinner at Ferrymead Heritage Park, Dinner in the Tram Restaurant and many other small things are there to do in Christchurch at night.
What is there to do in Downtown Christchurch?
Visit the markets, take a stroll through the botanical gardens, Hagley Park, go visit the Quake City, Go to Quail Island.
What is Christchurch famous for?
Christchurch city is known as the Garden City because of the number of parks and gardens it houses. The streets are tree-lined and this city was named after the college Christ Church, which was at the University of Oxford. The name was used commonly by the 1880s.
What can you do on a rainy day in Christchurch?
On a rainy day in Christchurch, you can build some good memories by going to the Imagination Station. You can also go to the Airforce Museum Wigram, Canterbury Museum, Yaldhurst Motor Museum, Antarctic Centre, Quake City, etc.
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