Christchurch Things to Do: Itineraries, Free Activities

Christchurch has a way of surprising first-time visitors. A city that rebuilt itself after the 2011 earthquake now pulses with street art, riverside cafes, and botanical gardens that draw nearly every traveller into their 30 hectares of curated calm.

Population: 404,500 (June 2024 estimate) ·
Known for: Garden city, Avon River punting, post-earthquake rebuild ·
Top attraction (TripAdvisor): Christchurch Botanic Gardens ·
Avg. days recommended: 2-3 days for key sights ·
Free activities: Over 12 major parks and public gardens ·
Key visitor appeal: Mix of urban culture and natural beauty

One pattern emerges across the city’s 404,500 residents: Christchurch packs a surprising number of free and low-cost highlights into a compact walkable centre. Here’s how the key facts stack up.

Is Christchurch worth visiting?

Reasons to visit Christchurch

• Unique post-earthquake rebuild architecture and street art (ChristchurchNZ (city tourism board))
• The city is a base for Canterbury region exploration including Banks Peninsula (100% Pure New Zealand (tourism authority))
• Abundant free or budget-friendly outdoor activities (ChristchurchNZ (city tourism board))

Potential drawbacks to consider

• The central city is still recovering from the 2011 earthquake – some areas remain under development (100% Pure New Zealand (tourism authority))
• Visitor satisfaction ratings vary by source – official data is not standardised
• Public transport is limited compared to larger cities, making a car useful for some attractions

“Christchurch’s ongoing rebuild means visitors get to see a city in the making — cranes and construction sites are part of the experience. For travellers willing to explore on foot, the payoff is a compact core full of pop-up eateries and ever-changing street murals.”

— Local tour operator, Punting on the Avon

The implication: if you’re after a polished metropolis, Christchurch may feel unfinished. But if you’re drawn to authentic urban regeneration and access to wild coastlines, the city rewards patience.

What is a must do in Christchurch?

Punting on the Avon River

Gliding along the Avon in a flat-bottomed punt is the quintessential Christchurch experience. According to 100% Pure New Zealand (official tourism guide), punting is suitable for all ages and offers a relaxed perspective of the city’s willow-lined banks. Trips run year-round from the Worcester Street bridge.

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

The Botanic Gardens, ranked top attraction on TripAdvisor (user rankings), span 30 hectares and include the Rose Garden, Cunningham House tropical house, and the New Zealand Garden. Entry is free.

Christchurch Tram

The Christchurch Attractions (official operator) describes the heritage tram as one of the city’s best-loved attractions. It loops through the city centre, stopping near Cathedral Square, the Botanic Gardens, and the Riverside Market.

The pattern: Christchurch’s must-do list leans heavily on slow, low-cost, outdoor experiences, making it an ideal destination for travellers who prefer wandering over ticking off paid attractions.

How to spend a day in Christchurch?

Morning: Botanic Gardens and Museum

1. Start at the Botanic Gardens (free entry, opens at 7 am)
2. Visit the adjacent Canterbury Museum (free entry, check Christchurch City Libraries (public library system) for opening times)
3. Grab coffee at the Gardens cafe

Afternoon: City centre and punting

1. Ride the Christchurch Tram around the loop (Christchurch Attractions (official operator))
2. Punt on the Avon River (100% Pure New Zealand (tourism authority))
3. Explore the street art laneways

Evening: Riverside Market and dining

1. The Riverside Market offers local produce, craft beer, and dinner options (ChristchurchNZ (city tourism board))
2. Try New Zealand lamb or a local pinot noir

What this means: a single day in Christchurch can include gardens, a tram ride, river punting, and a market dinner — all within walking distance and without spending more than about $60 per person excluding accommodation.

What to do in 2 days in Christchurch?

Day 1: City highlights

Follow the one-day itinerary above — Botanic Gardens, tram, punting, Riverside Market. This covers the central core thoroughly.

Day 2: Nature and wildlife

1. Morning: International Antarctic Centre – TripAdvisor (user rankings) lists it among the top attractions. Penguin encounters and the Hägglund ride are highlights.
2. Afternoon: Drive 40 minutes to Akaroa on Banks Peninsula (100% Pure New Zealand (tourism authority)) for harbour cruises and French-colonial history.
3. Evening: Dinner at one of the peninsula’s wineries or back in central Christchurch.

The trade-off: two days allow you to escape the city proper and see the Canterbury coastline. For families, swapping the Antarctic Centre for the 100% Pure New Zealand (family-friendly activity guide) – recommended Christchurch Adventure Park or Margaret Mahy Playground – works well.

What are the best things to do in Christchurch with kids and families?

Family attractions in Christchurch

• Margaret Mahy Family Playground – a large, free playground near the city centre (Where’s Sharon (family travel blog))
• International Antarctic Centre – interactive science and penguin encounters (TripAdvisor (user rankings))
• Christchurch Botanic Gardens – includes a children’s playground and miniature train rides (100% Pure New Zealand (tourism authority))
• Air Force Museum and Arion Farm Park – listed on Christchurch City Libraries (public library system) holiday programme guide

Free activities for children

• Botanic Gardens (free, daily)
• Canterbury Museum (free donation entry)
• Beaches at Sumner and New Brighton with playgrounds
• Street art scavenger hunt (self-guided)

“Families can fill two full days without paying admission fees to a single attraction beyond optional extras like the tram or Antarctic Centre. The city’s public playgrounds, gardens, and library holiday programmes make it one of New Zealand’s most budget-friendly family destinations.”

— Where’s Sharon (family travel blog)