Family Travel/Christchurch

Christchurch Kids Travel Guide

Discover the Garden City. Plan a perfect kid-friendly family adventure with local tips and curated day-by-day itineraries.

🗓️

Best Time

December to March

⚠️

Avoid

June to August

✈️

Arrival

Christchurch International Airport (CHC)

🚕

Transport

Rental car with child seats or the kid-friendly Christchurch Tram

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Rating

9.5 / 10

ASK A LOCAL

Travel Insights

Select Date:

Expected Weather (October)

7°C - 17°C

Mild, windy

Expected Crowds (October)

Medium

Expect some company at spots. 👥

Choose Your Duration

Pick how long you plan to stay in Christchurch using the selector below.👇

Aesthetic Summary

Perfect for Families with kids 3-12 wanting a compact, walkable day

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DAY 1

Tram, Punting & Playground Day

🗺️ Today's Route

Christchurch Botanic Gardens & Margaret Mahy Family Playground

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Start at the Botanic Gardens' Kiosk for a flat 2 km loop past the Rose Garden and duck ponds, then cross Armagh St to the free Margaret Mahy Family Playground with a 4 m climbing tower, water play and toddler zone.

Kid-proof

Toddler-safe fenced zone; water play is a hit on warm days, so bring a change of clothes.

Pro Tip

Free entry; toilets and a cafe at the playground; parking on Armagh St fills by 10 AM.

Gardens free; optional Botanic Gardens Cafe coffee $4-$6; playground open 7 AM-9 PM.

🎒 Pack for this:

Sun hatsSunscreen SPF50Water bottlesSpare toddler clothesBuggy

Punting on the Avon at Antigua Boat Sheds

10:45 AM - 12:00 PM

Board a classic Edwardian punt at the Antigua Boat Sheds (2 Cambridge Terrace) for a 30-minute flat-water glide past willow trees and ducklings.

Kid-proof

Life jackets for all sizes; kids can feed ducks from the punt (seed provided).

Pro Tip

Book the 11 AM slot online to avoid queues; under-5s sit on a parent's lap.

Adult NZ$30, child NZ$15, under-5 free; 30 min; book at punting.co.nz.

🎒 Pack for this:

CameraLight jacketDuck seedCash/card

Lunch at Riverside Market

12:15 PM - 1:00 PM

Grab kid-sized pizzas, sushi, or dumplings at Riverside Market (96 Oxford Terrace), a covered food hall with high chairs and a central seating area.

Kid-proof

Many stalls offer small portions; clean toilets and a play corner on level 1.

Pro Tip

Arrive before 12:30 PM to snag a table; split dishes to save money.

Meals NZ$8-$15; open daily 8 AM-6 PM.

🎒 Pack for this:

Wet wipesHand sanitiserReusable cutlery

Christchurch Tram City Loop

1:15 PM - 2:30 PM

Ride the heritage tram from Cathedral Junction (109 Worcester St) on a 50-minute loop past Cathedral Square, the Arts Centre and New Regent Street.

Kid-proof

Kids under 5 ride free; drivers give fun commentary and let kids ring the bell.

Pro Tip

Day pass allows hop-on/hop-off; sit on the left for best views.

Adult NZ$35, child NZ$10, under-5 free; trams every 15 min 9 AM-6 PM.

🎒 Pack for this:

Tram day passSunglassesSnacks

Quake City & Canterbury Museum (family galleries)

2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Visit Quake City (99 Cashel St) for hands-on earthquake exhibits, then the free Canterbury Museum's Discovery Centre with a Victorian street and dress-ups.

Kid-proof

Interactive buttons, a shake table and costumes keep 3-12s engaged; stroller-friendly.

Pro Tip

Quake City is small; 45 min is enough. Canterbury Museum is free but donations welcome.

Quake City adult NZ$20, child NZ$8; Museum free; both open 10 AM-5 PM.

🎒 Pack for this:

Refillable bottleSmall backpackCard for donations

Ice Cream at Rollickin' Gelato

4:15 PM - 5:00 PM

Treat the crew at Rollickin' Gelato (35 New Regent St) with NZ flavours like Hokey Pokey and Feijoa.

Kid-proof

Kid cones NZ$4; outdoor pastel chairs on New Regent Street's tram tracks are a photo op.

Pro Tip

New Regent St is pedestrian-friendly but watch for the tram; toilets nearby.

Scoops NZ$5-$7; open till 9 PM.

🎒 Pack for this:

NapkinsSmall changeCamera

Dinner at Little High Eatery

5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Family-friendly food court (255 St Asaph St) with pizza, tacos and bao; high chairs and a relaxed vibe.

Kid-proof

Kids' menus at most vendors; open seating means no waiting stress.

Pro Tip

Parking on St Asaph St is free after 5 PM; arrive by 6 PM to beat the rush.

Mains NZ$12-$18; open till 9 PM.

🎒 Pack for this:

Wet wipesColouring bookCrayons

Stroll the Avon River Promenade

7:15 PM - 8:00 PM

Walk the lit river path from the Bridge of Remembrance to the Antigua Boat Sheds for a calm end to the day.

Kid-proof

Flat, paved and pram-friendly; ducks and eels visible from the banks.

Pro Tip

Bring a torch in winter; path is well lit but quiet after 8 PM.

Free; 1.5 km one way.

🎒 Pack for this:

TorchJacketComfortable shoes

💡 Daily Pro Tips

•Buy a Tram day pass online for a 10% discount.
•Book punting and Quake City in advance during Dec-Feb.
•Central city parking is free after 5 PM on most streets.

Frequently Asked Questions about Christchurch

What is the best time to visit Christchurch with kids?▼

The best time to visit Christchurch with children is December to March. Avoid travelling during June to August.

How do I get around Christchurch with children?▼

In Christchurch, families typically use Rental car with child seats or the kid-friendly Christchurch Tram. Always confirm child-seat availability in advance.

What airport serves Christchurch?▼

Christchurch International Airport (CHC)

What languages are spoken in Christchurch?▼

The primary languages in Christchurch are English, Māori. English is generally understood in tourist areas.

Is Christchurch safe for family travel?▼

Christchurch is generally safe for families. KidsVentura itineraries are designed with child safety in mind — we recommend kid-friendly attractions, restaurants with high chairs, and comfortable transit routes.

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