Christchurch Adventures: A 5-Day Family Trip on a Budget

Discover family fun in the heart of Christchurch, New Zealand!

19 July 2023

A family-friendly trip to Christchurch, New Zealand offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures. Explore the stunning botanic gardens and get up close with wildlife at the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, where the kids can hand-feed adorable animals. Enjoy a ride on the historic Christchurch Tramway, go punting on the Avon River, and immerse in fascinating exhibits at the Canterbury Museum for an unforgettable family vacation.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Christchurch Adventures

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at C1 Espresso, known for its quirky atmosphere and mind-blowing pancakes.
  • Visit the International Antarctic Centre and experience a real snowstorm (minus the cold) or take a ride on the Hagglund, a massive Antarctic vehicle.
  • Explore the Botanic Gardens and hop on the delightful Caterpillar Botanic Gardens Tour, where the foliage comes alive with fascinating stories.
  • Check out the unique Re:START Mall made from shipping containers, filled with funky shops and street performers.
  • For dinner, head to Pedro's House of Lamb, where succulent slow-cooked lamb shanks will melt in your mouth like a decadent dream.
Day 2

Coastal Chill

  • Indulge in a scrumptious breakfast at The Caffeine Laboratory, a trendy café with eclectic coffee concoctions to awaken your taste buds.
  • Spend the morning at New Brighton Beach, building sandcastles or taking a stroll along the waterfront pier.
  • Take a scenic drive to Brighton Pier, snap Instagram-worthy photos, and indulge in fish and chips by the beach.
  • Visit the quirky Dux Central for lunch, where their sustainable menu will have you drooling.
  • Enjoy a leisurely boat ride along the Avon River, admiring the picturesque landscapes from a unique perspective.
Day 3

Historic Charms

  • Start your day with a cozy breakfast at Rollickin' Gelato, because who says gelato is only for dessert?
  • Immerse yourself in the rich history of Christchurch at the Canterbury Museum, home to fascinating exhibits and the iconic Paua House.
  • Wander through the enchanting Christchurch Arts Centre, a hub of creativity housed in stunning Gothic revival buildings.
  • Explore the enchanting Christchurch Cathedral Square, where street performers add a touch of charm to this historic site.
  • Indulge in an unforgettable dining experience at Pescatore, where innovative cuisine meets world-class service.
Day 4

Adventure Awaits

  • Fuel up with a caffeine fix at Addington Coffee Co-op, a cozy café with ethically-sourced brews.
  • Embark on an exhilarating zip-lining adventure at Adrenalin Forest, where your inner Tarzan can swing through treetops like a fearless adventurer.
  • Journey beyond Christchurch to Akaroa, a charming French-inspired town nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano.
  • Discover Akaroa Harbour's wildlife on a picturesque dolphin cruise, keeping an eye out for adorable Hector's dolphins.
  • Enjoy a leisurely dinner at the iconic Kadett Café & Larder, famous for its delicious seasonal dishes and warm atmosphere.
Day 5

Nature's Best

  • Treat yourself to a brunch at Little Pom's, a hidden gem serving contemporary cuisine with a twist.
  • Head to the stunning Port Hills, where you can hike up to enjoy panoramic views of Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains.
  • Explore the captivating Orana Wildlife Park, where you can hand-feed giraffes and encounter New Zealand's unique native wildlife.
  • Indulge in a laid-back picnic at the beautiful Hagley Park, filled with sprawling greenery and picturesque picnic spots.
  • Finish your day with a scrumptious dinner at King of Snake, a lively Asian fusion restaurant with an exciting menu that will dazzle your taste buds.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Christchurch, New Zealand by plane is to fly into Christchurch International Airport from major international airports such as Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. You can also fly from other regional airports within New Zealand such as Auckland or Wellington.

Car

Driving to Christchurch, New Zealand is a great option if you want to explore the stunning scenery of the South Island. The most popular route is to travel from Auckland to Wellington, and then take the Interislander ferry to Picton. From Picton, you can drive down the east coast to Christchurch.

Train

There is no direct train service to Christchurch, New Zealand. However, you can take the TranzAlpine train from Greymouth on the West Coast of the South Island, which is renowned for its stunning scenery.

Boat

You can take a cruise ship to Christchurch, New Zealand which docks at the Lyttelton Port. Another option is to take the Interislander ferry from Wellington to Picton and then drive down the east coast to Christchurch.

Bus

The best way to get to Christchurch, New Zealand by bus is to take a direct bus service from major cities such as Auckland, Wellington or Queenstown. Alternatively, you can take a hop-on-hop-off bus service to explore the South Island at your own pace.

Destination

Christchurch

Welcome to a charming city where the sheep outnumber the people and the locals have a knack for pronouncing sixth as sexth - we present to you, the land of Christchurch!

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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