Our Kid-Friendly Guide for Your Next Family Day Out in Christchurch

Woman with two children walking through the botanical gardens in Christchurch.
Finding activities and destinations to keep every member of the family content, from the youngest to the oldest (yes, we’re looking at you adults) is no easy feat. Sometimes it can feel easier to stay home, but cabin fever can soon hit, so to help you out in moments like this, we’ve compiled a guide of parent and kid-friendly experiences in Ōtautahi Christchurch sure to delight on all levels.

Ashburton Art Gallery & Heritage Centre

Works of art on a white wall.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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The Ashburton Art Gallery & Heritage Centre is home to both the town's art gallery and museum.

Ngaio Marsh House

A colourful bookshelf by an old bed in the Ngaio Marsh House.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Ngaio Marsh House sits in a beautiful spot on the lower slopes of Christchurch’s Cashmere Hills.

Movementor Pilates

An empty pilates studio.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Movementor is a well-known Pilates studio situated within the Beckenham hub at the corner of Christchurch’s Colombo and Tennyson Streets.

Hinewai Reserve

A view of the ocean from the Banks Peninsula.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Not far from the township of Akaroa (walking distance if you’re really game), lies an idyllic haven of regenerating native bush nestled in the wild south east corner...

Nifty

Colourful couch at Nifty.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Driving along the industrial end of Christchurch's Cashel Street, you don’t expect to come across a pale pink pop of colour that is the Nifty building.

New Brighton Community Gardens

A woman crouching whilst tending to plants at New Brighton Community Gardens.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Around Christchurch Ōtautahi there are so many unique suburbs and within these, there are amazing communities and initiatives that deserve the spotlight.

The Well - Whole Body Studios

Personal trainer and client during a training session at The Well - Whole Body Studios.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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When you say the word gym, you don’t often think of a zen-like space that you would quite happily spend many hours at, multiple times a week.

Movement Art Practice

Woman dancing at Movement Art Practice.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Start the journey into contemporary dance without judgement.

In Good Spirits: A Day in the Life of a Distiller

A distiller tasting and sampling a spirit in the workshop at The Spirits Workshop.
The Spirits Workshop in the heart of Sydenham, on the outskirts of Christchurch’s city centre was founded by four whisky lovers in 2016. They had a vision to develop distinctly New Zealand spirits and to give our reputable wines and craft beer a run for their money on the world stage. It’s fair to say they’re realising this goal and are an Ōtautahi success story.

Tūranga

Harry Potter stairs at Turanga.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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It’s not often that grand designs are plucked from the mind’s eye and brought to life. At Tūranga they are, every day.

Canterbury Museum

Dinosaur skeleton on display at Canterbury Museum in downtown Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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It’s exciting times for Canterbury Museum as a major five-year redevelopment is now underway at its Rolleston Avenue site. In the meantime, a pop-up a few blocks away serves as a temporary museum space.

Christchurch Adventure Park

A person flying down one of the zip lines at Christchurch Adventure Park.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Christchurch’s unique Adventure Park is a tranquil escape for those seeking more than just thrills.