Christchurch for families & wildlife
Christchurch is one of New Zealand's most family-friendly cities. Flat, green and easy-going, it packs in an Antarctic adventure, open-range and native wildlife parks, a gondola and heritage tram, riverside punting, and a giant central playground — plus easy beaches. There's something for every age and any weather. Here's how to fill a family day.
The International Antarctic Centre
Christchurch is a global gateway to Antarctica, and the International Antarctic Centre near the airport brings the continent to life: ride a Hägglund all-terrain vehicle, brave an Antarctic storm room, meet rescued little penguins, and discover how people live and work on the ice. It's engaging, all-weather fun for the whole family, and a fitting nod to the city's polar links. See our things to do guide.
Kiwi, lions & the wildlife parks
Get close to New Zealand's wildlife at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve — kiwi encounters, native species and a Māori cultural show, with after-dark tours — and at Orana Wildlife Park, the country's only open-range zoo, where kiwi share the bill with lions, giraffe, rhino and a native walk-through aviary. Add the Christchurch Gondola and heritage tram and you've a full, varied day. See our South Island tours.
Playgrounds, gardens & beaches
Some of the best family fun is free. The giant Margaret Mahy Family Playground in the central city is a stand-out, the Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park are made for picnics and play, and the free Art Gallery and citywide street art keep everyone entertained. For a beach day, head to seaside Sumner or the pier and hot saltwater pools at New Brighton. See our Garden City guide.
Christchurch for families: your questions
Excellent. It's flat, green and easy to get around, with a superb mix of attractions: the International Antarctic Centre, the open-range Orana Wildlife Park, Willowbank for kiwi encounters, the Christchurch Gondola, the heritage tram, punting on the Avon, and the huge Margaret Mahy Family Playground in the central city. There's plenty for every age and all weather. See our things to do guide.
The International Antarctic Centre, near the airport, is a fun, all-weather attraction reflecting Christchurch's role as a gateway city to Antarctica (several nations' Antarctic programmes are based here). You can ride a Hägglund all-terrain vehicle, feel a Antarctic storm, see rescued little penguins, and learn about life on the ice. It's a hit with kids and adults alike. See our things to do guide.
Two great spots. Willowbank Wildlife Reserve offers close encounters with kiwi and native species (plus a Māori cultural experience), and runs after-dark tours to see the nocturnal birds. Orana Wildlife Park, New Zealand's only open-range zoo, has kiwi alongside lions, giraffe, rhino and a walk-through native aviary. Both are excellent for families. See our South Island tours.
Lots. The Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park are free, as is the enormous Margaret Mahy Family Playground in the central city — one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The Christchurch Art Gallery is free, there's street art to hunt around town, and the beaches at New Brighton and Sumner make for a great free day out. See our Garden City guide.
Yes — the city has easy beach escapes. Sumner is a seaside village with a surf beach, cafés and the landmark Cave Rock, about 20 minutes from the centre; and New Brighton has a long sandy beach, a pier, and the He Puna Taimoana hot saltwater pools. Both are relaxed, family-friendly spots to round out a Christchurch stay. See our best time to visit guide.