Fun Things to Do in Christchurch
03 August 2025 
Christchurch is known for its gardens and heritage buildings, but don’t let that fool you! There are lots of fun things to do in Christchurch and its surrounding regions. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie, a nature lover, or just someone who enjoys doing something a little different, Christchurch has an experience for everyone. From flying high in a helicopter to kayaking around hidden islands, and even floating peacefully in a hot air balloon, this is not your average sightseeing list!
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Here are some of the most fun things to do in and around Christchurch.
Christchurch City Scenic Helicopter Flight
Christchurch City Scenic Helicopter Flight
Christchurch, Canterbury
A 20-minute flight over Christchurch City, the picturesque harbour of Lyttelton, and stunning bays is the ultimate scenic tour in Christchurch, giving you the best perspective of this beautiful part of New Zealand.
Did I hear you want some fun while in Christchurch? Well, a helicopter flight over Christchurch city is both fun and thrilling. You can explore the entire city from above the clouds. You don’t need to worry about safety as your experienced pilot will take you on a flight while informing you about the city. You get to see the greenery of the Garden from Hagley Park. You also get to experience the green, lush native forest from Botanic Gardens to Deans Bush, that are almost 600 years old. You get to see the contrast that Christchurch city offers from the helicopter. You get to witness the new urban architecture while also marvelling over old buildings and natural beauty.
And this is not all, the flight will take you over the Port Hills to see the extinct volcanoes. You can marvel over the beauty of Akaroa and Diamond Harbour from above. You will also be taken to New Brighton and Sumner beaches with the Southern Alps in the background. This 20-minute, fun-filled flight will be a memory to cherish for the rest of your life.
Sea Kayaking, Lyttelton Harbour & Quail Island- Start/finish in Christchurch
Sea Kayaking tour of Lyttelton Harbour- Explore secret bays, sunken ships, and sea caves around Lyttelton Harbour and Quail Island on this small-group sea kayaking tour.Sea Kayaking, Lyttelton Harbour & Quail Island- Start/finish in Christchurch
Christchurch, Canterbury
If paddling through sea caves, gliding past shipwrecks, and exploring a mysterious island sounds like your idea of fun, this sea kayaking adventure is the perfect day out. Just a short drive from Christchurch, this experience gives you the chance to get active, see nature up close, and uncover some fascinating local history, all while having an absolute blast on the water. The day kicks off with a scenic drive up the Port Hills, where you'll stop at Dyers Pass for panoramic views over Christchurch and Lyttelton Harbour. It’s the kind of photo stop that gets the excitement flowing early. Once you reach the beach, the kayaks come out, the gear is put on, and your guide gives you a fun and easy introduction to paddling.
From there, it’s into the harbour, steering past sea cliffs, hidden bays, and maybe even some local wildlife if you’re lucky. One of the coolest parts? Kayaking right past a historic ship’s graveyard and, if the tides play nice, into sea caves on the far side of Quail Island. The island itself has a wild past! It was once a leper colony and a training ground for Antarctic explorers. Today, it’s a beautiful reserve that’s slowly being restored with native trees. You’ll stop at one of Quail Island’s beaches for a picnic lunch, and the rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy. You can wander the island trails, relax on the beach, or keep paddling and exploring with your guide. Either way, it’s a mix of chill and challenge that feels rewarding without being exhausting. It’s the kind of experience that makes you feel like you’ve discovered a hidden part of Christchurch.
Mid Canterbury Spin and Soak Tour
Mid Canterbury Spin and Soak Tour
Christchurch, Canterbury
A brand new tour unlike any others. The Mid Canterbury Spin and Soak Tour is a special day tour from Christchurch with a little bit of everything. The tour departs from Christchurch City heading to the Rakaia Gorge f ...
Now here’s a combo you don’t get every day: adrenaline in the morning and deep relaxation in the afternoon. The Mid Canterbury Spin and Soak Tour is exactly what it sounds like! It is a full day of fun that starts with high-speed spins and ends with a blissful soak. If you want to pack some serious variety into one awesome day trip from Christchurch, this one’s got your name on it. The day starts in Christchurch with a ride toward the stunning Rakaia Gorge. Once you arrive, it’s straight into the action with a 45-minute jet boat ride down a braided glacial-fed river. You will see towering limestone cliffs on either side and crystal-clear water beneath you. You’ll be grinning from ear to ear as your driver shows off what these boats can really do.
After all that excitement, it’s time to dry off and slow things down with a relaxing lunch at the iconic Blue Pub in Methven. The vibe here is classic Kiwi, and the food hits the spot perfectly after a high-energy morning. Then comes the soak you have been waiting for. Just across the road, you’ll find the beautiful Opuke Hot Pools and Spa, where geothermal water and mountain views come together in the best possible way. You’ll get two hours to unwind, float, and let the jets work their magic while you take in the scenery. Whether you’re in the mood for peaceful quiet time or social soaking, there’s a spot for you.
Cave Stream- Let's go caving
Cave Stream- Lets go caving
Christchurch, Canterbury
Discover two of Canterbury’s natural wonders- Go caving and explore Castle Hill /Kura Tawhiti. Your local guide will ensure your experience is safe and enjoyable — a must-do trip for anyone visiting Christchurch.
If your idea of fun involves adventure, discovery, and just a little bit of getting wet, then Cave Stream is going to be one of the coolest activities you can do around Christchurch. This full-day tour combines jaw-dropping scenery with hands-on exploring. It is perfect for anyone who loves trying something new and isn’t afraid of a little underground excitement. You will start with a scenic drive through the Canterbury high country to Castle Hill / Kura Tāwhiti. This spot looks like something out of a fantasy film. Giant limestone boulders are scattered across the landscape, surrounded by epic mountain ranges. It’s a dream for climbers, photographers, and anyone who enjoys nature with a touch of mystery.
After stretching your legs at Castle Hill, it’s on to the main event, which is the Cave Stream. This 600-metre limestone cave winds through a scenic reserve and invites you to wade, climb, and splash your way through its naturally carved passages. You’ll have a guide with you to help you navigate safely, and all the necessary gear is provided. The cave is dark, dramatic, and definitely not something you do every day. You’ll scramble over rocks, walk through flowing water, and even tackle a small waterfall inside the cave. It’s challenging in the best way and seriously fun. After all that excitement, you’ll warm up, dry off, and enjoy a laid-back lunch with your group.
Marlborough Molesworth Epic Cycle Tour
Explore the top of New Zealand's South Island by bike. The Marlborough Molesworth Epic is quite possibly the perfect cycle tour, combining some of the best and contrasting riding locations in the top of the South Island. ...Marlborough Molesworth Epic Cycle Tour
Christchurch, Canterbury
If you're up for a multi-day adventure packed with wild scenery, smooth rides, great food, and that unbeatable feeling of going off the grid, this epic cycle tour is calling your name. Starting and finishing in Christchurch, this fully supported trip takes the word “fun” and stretches it over some of New Zealand’s most jaw-dropping landscapes. You’ll start the pedalling journey through peaceful native forest, with birdsong as your background track, before cruising back roads toward Nelson Lakes National Park. Then comes the Great Taste Trail, where cycling is easy and the rewards are sweet, as you enjoy real fruit ice cream and perhaps a winery stop if the timing’s right. But the real magic happens when bikes meet boats in the Marlborough Sounds. And just when you think it can’t get any more scenic, you see the Molesworth Station, which is a high-country route tucked between mountain ranges that makes for one of the most epic rides you’ll ever do.
With a mix of boat cruises, forest tracks, winding roads, and home-cooked meals at remote lodges, this trip is like a highlight reel of the Canterbury, Nelson, and Marlborough regions all rolled into one. And don’t stress about logistics as this loop tour is fully supported, so you can just focus on riding, eating, and enjoying the journey. If fun for you means fresh air, big views, and plenty of pedalling adventure, this ride has it all.
Methven- Mt Hutt Scenic Hot Air Balloon Flights
Adventure Balloons NZ is a renowned hot air ballooning company offering exhilarating and picturesque balloon flights over the stunning landscapes of New Zealand. With a focus on delivering unforgettable experiences, they ...Methven- Mt Hutt Scenic Hot Air Balloon Flights
Christchurch, Canterbury
Looking for something truly magical to tick off your fun-in-Christchurch list? How about floating thousands of feet above the ground in a hot air balloon while watching the sun rise over the Southern Alps? You start bright and early from Methven’s main street. The balloon crew will warmly welcome you and hop into a comfy 4x4 for a short ride to the launch site at the base of Mt Hutt. The fun starts before you even leave the ground, as you can help inflate the balloon! Once you're up in the air, it’s nothing short of breathtaking. Below you, the Canterbury Plains stretch endlessly in one direction, while the majestic Southern Alps rise on the other. If the skies are clear, you might even spot the Pacific Ocean in the distance. The best part? It's incredibly peaceful up there. No noise, no engines!
The flight lasts about an hour, during which your experienced pilot shares stories and points out landmarks as you fly. Then, when it’s time to descend, the chase crew will be waiting at your landing spot to pack things up. Here’s the best part: you will celebrate with a post-flight sparkling wine toast. Photos of your flight are included for you to cherish for the rest of your life.
Final Thoughts
Christchurch isn’t just about cathedrals and gardens; it’s a playground for thrill-seekers, nature lovers, and curious explorers. Whether you're soaring above the Southern Alps in a hot air balloon, jet boating through river gorges, or kayaking past shipwrecks and sea caves, the region is packed with unforgettable adventures. So if you’re ready to experience Christchurch in a way that’s exciting, different, and full of surprises, start booking your next adventure from the See and Do website.