Family adventures in Christchurch
Whether it's jumping around the playground, riding the tram or exploring the stunning seascapes and wildlife, Christchurch caters to all ages.
A playground for the whole family
The Margaret Mahy Playground will have you awe-struck - a child's dream! Complete with slides, spider webs, a flying fox, water play and large open spaces for running around - the kids will be entertained for hours. But this place caters to all the young-hearted, not just the kids - it'll be hard to resist not joining in with the great offerings this playground has all year round!
Ride the tram
Always popular with the kids the Christchurch Tram is a perfect way to see the city. These beautifully restored heritage trams are one of the city's most iconic and best-loved attractions. With an all-day hop-on, hop-off ticket, friendly and knowledgeable drivers will provide engaging live commentary throughout your journey, ensuring the whole family is entertained.
Seaside village exploring
Taylors Mistake is the beginning of the beautiful Godley Head Walkway, which gently meanders above the cliffs to secluded Boulder Bay and the WW2 gun emplacements at Godley Head. The views from the edge of the mainland to the open sea are astonishing and provide the perfect backdrop for a picnic. Over the hill, swimming at Sumner Beach is great fun for primary aged kids, especially if there's boogie boards involved.
After burning all that energy in the waves, top off your day at Utopia Ice for delicious handmade ice cream or famous fish and chips from Red Snapper.
An island adventure for little explorers
Kids love to travel through tunnels, so rent a car and take them through the hills (literally) to the port town of Lyttelton. From here you can catch the ferry to Quail Island with Black Cat Cruises, in the middle of the harbour. Make sure you keep an eye out for the endangered Hector's Dolphin - a thoroughly cute cetacean with a rounded dorsal fin.
Once the training location for Scott and Shackleton's ponies and dogs preparing for the Antarctic, Quail Island is steeped in Canterbury history and the perfect place for an adventure. Pack a picnic (there are no food outlets) and take your time exploring the little island. If you're up for a walk, there's a treasure-laden trail that leads to an abandoned shipwreck, historic cemetery, cliff-side vantage points and plenty of secret coves and beaches. The island is a protected recreational reserve and offers a sheltered, sandy bay for swimming in the summer, as well as the chance to spot little blue penguins.
Into the wild at Willowbank
Not far from the central city, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is a great place for a hands-on experience with some of New Zealand's most elusive native species, including kiwi. For the most interactive experience, purchase some of the reserve's animal food and feed the wildlife as you make your way around the loop.
Three sections make up the Willowbank experience. Start with Natural New Zealand section, where you're able to meet kiwi, tuatara and other endangered native species. The Heritage and Wild New Zealand sections offer interactive experiences with traditional farm animals, including greedy Kune Kune pigs and a pond of tame eels.
