Things to Do in Christchurch with Kids
21 July 2025 
If you're planning a family trip to Christchurch during the school holidays and wondering how to keep the kids entertained, you’re in the right place. Besides being a beautiful city, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Christchurch with kids. From hikes and sea kayaking to underground caves and hot air balloon rides, there’s something here for every kind of explorer.
Most of these activities offer a mix of fun, learning, and fresh air, so your kids can run wild while making unforgettable memories. Whether your little ones love nature, history, or just getting outdoors, here are some incredible fun family day experiences to enjoy together in and around Christchurch.
Godley Head walking tour- Start/finish Christchurch
Godley Head walking tour- Start/finish Christchurch
Christchurch, Canterbury
Guided walking tour of Godley Head: Rich in history and scattered with remnants of New Zealand’s WW2 defences, this is a must-do location for anyone visiting Christchurch.
If your kids enjoy the outdoors and a bit of Kiwi history, the Godley Head walking tour is a fantastic way to spend the day together. It blends nature, storytelling, a little bit of exercise, and a lot of fresh sea air. This is perfect for active kids and curious minds. The day starts with a scenic drive from Christchurch, through suburban streets and the impressive Lyttelton Tunnel. You'll then reach Lyttelton Port, which is a little harbour town that’s full of character. It’s a great spot to stretch your legs and take in the views before continuing the journey. There’s also a quick stop for morning tea at a lookout above the seaside suburb of Sumner, where the coastline views begin to show off. From here, it’s a short drive to Taylor's Mistake, a hidden gem of a beach and also the starting point for the walk. On this walk, the kids will get to see dramatic sea cliffs and rugged coastline, with plenty of spots to pause, take photos, or maybe even spot dolphins or the rare White-Flippered Penguin if you’re lucky. Along the way, you’ll pass little beach houses tucked into the rocks at Boulder Bay, which is a fun sight for kids and adults alike.
After a small climb, you’ll reach Godley Head, a historic WWII site scattered with old military bunkers, tunnels, and gun emplacements. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a picnic lunch and let the kids explore safely while soaking up some fascinating stories from New Zealand’s wartime past. There’s some free time after lunch to explore the area and snap a few photos from Observation Battery No. 2 before the track heads back. The return route winds above Lyttelton Harbour with great views of Quail Island, then descends back to Taylors Mistake, where your transport will be waiting. On the drive back into Christchurch, you’ll pass through the charming coastal suburb of Sumner Beach, giving your family one last peek at the ocean views.
Sea Kayaking, Lyttelton Harbour & Quail Island- Start/finish in Christchurch
Sea Kayaking, Lyttelton Harbour & Quail Island- Start/finish in Christchurch
Christchurch, Canterbury
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.
If your kids are water babies and enjoy nature, this is the perfect activity that combines physical activity, sightseeing, and learning, all at the same time. Before the activity even starts, there will be a stop at Port Hills, where you get to take amazing photos with a backd-r-o-p of the beautiful Christchurch and Lyttelton Harbour. And once you reach the Lyttelton Harbour, the kayaking starts once you are all chanced and geared up. If you or your kids are new or not too confident while sea kayaking, do not worry, as the guide will teach you how to move your boat and paddle easily. However, be on the lookout, as you will see plenty of wildlife while heading to the island. This can be a great chance for the kids to learn about the native plants and animals. Quail Island is one of the largest in the area and has a rich history associated with it. It was used for Antarctic expedition training and as a leper colony as well. But the good news is that the island is currently being replanted with native plants and trees to bring its charm back and to make it a recreational reserve. You can also paddle your way to the far side of the island with the sea caves if the tides are gentle.
After all this paddling and balancing your kayak, you will get to rest at one of the small beaches while enjoying a small picnic lunch. There is no hurry after this, as you get to spend your afternoon exploring the island. You can also sit and relax by the beach. I recommend that you start your exploration after some rest with the kids, as the guide will show you the island while also explaining the history, flora, and fauna. At the end of the day, after a quick bite to replenish your body, the journey ends as it is time to grab the kayak and head back towards Christchurch.
Walking Tour - Packhorse Hut from Christchurch
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If your kids are up for a bit of adventure, the Packhorse Hut walk is a great way to get them off screens and into the hills for the day. This tour blends nature, gentle hiking, incredible views, and a little bit of history, all just a short drive from the city. The day begins with a scenic drive up the Port Hills through the leafy suburb of Cashmere. The first stop is the “Sign of the Takahe,” a grand old stone building that looks more like a castle than a rest stop. From there, you’ll head to the “Sign of the Kiwi,” where you’ll catch your first awesome views over Christchurch and glimpse the sparkling waters of Lyttelton Harbour in the distance. There’s a quick tea break at the “Sign of the Bellbird,” which is another historic shelter perched high above the harbour. Then, after a short and beautiful drive along Summit Road, the walking part of the tour begins at Gebbie’s Pass.
The trail to Packhorse Hut is gentle enough for school-aged kids but still offers a sense of adventure and challenge. It starts through open farmland before winding into peaceful pine forests. About 45 minutes in, the track opens up into golden grasslands that provide stunning views of the harbour and Quail Island below. You’ll also spot some interesting volcanic rock formations known as the “Remarkable Dykes” which is a perfect conversation starters if your kids love geology or just cool rocks. At the end of the trail, you’ll reach the historic Packhorse Hut, a stone hut from the early 1900s. It’s the perfect place to rest while you prepare a picnic-style lunch. After eating, there’s time to explore the area, take photos, or just sit back and enjoy the peaceful setting before heading back down the same trail.
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 kids are the adventurous kind who love exploring the outdoors with a dash of mystery, Cave Stream is going to be one of the most exciting activities you can do as a family. This day trip from Christchurch combines a bit of sightseeing with exploration, and it's an unforgettable way to connect with nature. The journey begins with a scenic drive through the Canterbury Plains and into the Craigieburn Basin, where the dramatic landscape of Castle Hill awaits. This area feels like something out of a movie, with giant limestone boulders scattered across the valley, surrounded by towering mountain ranges. Castle Hill has become a hotspot for rock climbers, filmmakers, and explorers. It also holds deep cultural significance, and its Tōpuni status recognises the sacred connection of Ngāi Tahu to this incredible place.
After wandering among the rocks and soaking in the views, it’s time to head to the main highlight of the trip, the Cave Stream. Just a short drive away, this 600-metre-long limestone cave makes its way through a scenic reserve and offers a truly hands-on experience. The cave walk involves wading through ankle-to-knee-deep water, climbing over rocks, and navigating a small waterfall. It’s an exciting adventure that kids preferably age 10 and above will love, especially with the thrill of torches lighting the way in the dark. Your guide will provide all the gear and support you need for safety. You just need to bring a sense of adventure and a change of clothes. This is the kind of activity that encourages teamwork, builds confidence, and leaves kids beaming with pride. After the cave adventure, there’s time to change, warm up, and enjoy a well-earned picnic lunch in the peaceful surroundings before heading back to Christchurch.
Discover Christchurch Tour
Discover Christchurch Tour
Christchurch, Canterbury
This is the perfect way to explore Christchurch City in a day. We collect and d-r-o-p off from your accommodation in Christchurch City or Lyttelton Port for those arriving on cruise ships. Included in the tour is Pun ...
If you’re looking for a relaxed yet memorable way to explore Christchurch with the kids, this full-day tour offers a perfect mix of fun, sightseeing, and local charm. This is ideal for families who want to take in the best of the city without rushing around on their own. With a small group size, the pace of the tour is easygoing, and your guide is always nearby to share stories, answer questions, or help keep the little ones engaged. One of the highlights is the Christchurch Tramway Tour, which is a great way to roll through the heart of the city in a beautifully restored heritage tram. It’s fun for kids and adults alike. It is a moving window into Christchurch’s history, architecture, and key landmarks.
You’ll then head up on the Christchurch Gondola, where stunning views stretch across the Canterbury Plains, over Lyttelton Harbour, and even to the Southern Alps on a clear day. Kids usually love the gondola ride itself just as much as the views! After this, it’s time to slow things down with a classic punt ride on the Avon River. With a skilled punter guiding you along the peaceful waters, this is one of the most relaxing and scenic parts of the day. The kids might even spot ducks or eels as you glide under bridges and past leafy gardens. Somewhere along the way, there’s also time to sit down and enjoy a family-friendly lunch. This gives everyone a chance to refuel and chat about their favourite part of the day so far. The order of activities may change slightly depending on the weather, but rest assured, every part of this tour is designed to give your family a well-rounded and enjoyable Christchurch experience.
Methven- Mt Hutt Scenic Hot Air Balloon Flights
Methven- Mt Hutt Scenic Hot Air Balloon Flights
Christchurch, Canterbury
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 ...
If you're after a once-in-a-lifetime family experience that blends peace, wonder, and scenery, then a hot air balloon flight over the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps is something truly special. It’s the kind of magical adventure that your kids will talk about for years. Your day begins early in Methven, where you'll meet your pilot and the friendly ground crew right on Main Street. From there, you'll hop into a 4x4 for a short, scenic drive to the handpicked launch site at the base of Mt Hutt. Once everything is ready, it’s time to step into the basket and lift off. And as you float gently above the landscape, the views stretch endlessly in every direction you turn. On one side, the Canterbury Plains ripple toward the Pacific Ocean and on the other, the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps stand in all their glory. It’s a breathtaking sight, and a brilliant way for kids to connect with the scale and beauty of Aotearoa.
Your experienced pilot will point out interesting landmarks and share cool facts along the way, all while making sure everyone feels safe and relaxed during the roughly hour-long flight. Expect a mix of low glides and high-altitude drifting, with plenty of chances to snap unforgettable photos. Whether it’s your first time in a balloon or just a new way to see the South Island, this is one of those magical moments that the whole family will treasure.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're floating in the sky in a hot air balloon, paddling to an island, or walking through a cave by torchlight, every activity brings a chance to bond, learn, and laugh together. What makes Christchurch extra special is how easy it is to blend adventure with relaxation, and to do it all at your kids' pace.
So pack some snacks for the little ones and bring your sense of adventure for these kid-friendly activities. Get ready to make some epic family memories right here in the heart of New Zealand.