Things to do in Christchurch?

[KatieBen]

Hi all,

I will be heading to Christchurch for work for 5 days and am dragging the family with me.

Hubby and 2 boys (aged 2 and 4) will be looking for stuff to do while I am sitting in a conference centre - so far we have not come up with much!

Things they will be doing are the Orana Wildlife Park and the Science Alive centre - but that's not going to fill 5 days. Any suggestions for somewhere else to visit?

They'll have the car so could go further afield for day trips if there's anywhere good.

Thanks for any ideas.

[Duncan74]

We enjoyed the antarctic centre just by the airport, but 2&4 may be a bit young (don't have kids, so never sure about ages).

The Kiwi experience in the centre of ChCh was a major disapointment and comparatively expensive.

[peebles16]

If the weather is good Hagley Park is great for kids and take their togs for the splash pool. If you have a car Sumner Beach is also great with wee rock pools and caves for little ones to explore Nice beaches too a bit north of Christchurch like Woodend and Waikuku and Spencer Park has heaps of stuff for kids too

Hope you have a great time

Karenx

[Jon-and-Lou]

There is loads and loads to do with lil uns ...

Orana Zoo is definately worth a visit - as is Willowbank

Ferrymead is good too - although Sat and Suns are best as some things aren't open / working on week days.

In Christchurch - double up a trip around the Botanic Gardens, with a wander around Canterbury museum. We went a few weeks ago and in the glass houses in the gardens, they were displaying "killer plants" which my two (aged 3 and 6) loved.

Also in Christchurch - visit the Art museum ... it's free, and there are a few interactive bits the kids like. Also can go into the Cathedral for free.

Trip up the Gondola ... you can walk down, although might be a little too far for yours - my 3 year old just managed it recently.

Science museum is good - save for a rainy day.

Beaches - all are great. Sumner is nice as there's a cafe on the beach so you can have coffee whilst supervising sandcastle making. Also like New Brighton as nice family friendly cafe just by the pier.

Will come back if I can think of anything else ... there is loads to do as you can see!

[mylesdw]

I think the Antarctic Centre would be fine. They have a cold room where you dress up in all the gear and a ride in a Haglund off-road vehicle and they have penguins too now, I believe.

There is Clip 'n' Climb indoor climbing. Not sure about 2 YO but 4 YO might enjoy.

Tram ride around the centre could be fun.

Airforce Museum at Wigram (free).

Jelly Park swimming and hydroslides (slides are outdoor)

QE2 swimming and hydroslides (all indoor)