https://https://au.trip.com/toplist/tripbest/recommend/canterbury/best-family-friendly-attractions/10070017120130
Family-friendly Attractions
Top 20 Family-friendly Attractions in Canterbury [2025]
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Whale Watch Kaikoura
4.7
/5
108 reviews
8.7
From JOD 65.570
Based on 3,045 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +6433196767
Address: Whaleway Station Road, Kaikōura 7340, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–3 hours
Saved by 160 users74% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
We saw two sperm whales, and the sound of their tails was very shocking. Many dolphins chased the boat and played with it. Albatrosses floated leisurely on the sea. Standing on the bow of the boat gave us a feeling of riding the wind and waves. Be sure to buy tickets a few days in advance, as you may not be able to buy tickets at the last minute and will have to wait and see.
The check-in point is conveniently located right next to the train.
The weather was nice and the scenery was beautiful. We successfully saw whales, sea lions and dolphins.
I took medicine in advance and didn't get carsick, so I was satisfied overall.
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International Antarctic Centre
4.5
/5
201 reviews
7.9
From JOD 24.110
Based on 3,077 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +6433570519
Address: Corner Roy Place and, Orchard Road, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch 8052, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–3 hours
Saved by 168 users120 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
I think this place is quite fun. It's right next to the airport parking lot. I stopped by before returning my car to Christchurch Airport and enjoyed free parking. The tickets I bought on Ctrip were very convenient to show directly. The entire tour lasted about two hours. I rode a polar car, experienced an Antarctic storm, watched a 4D movie, and saw penguins and sled dogs.
The International Antarctic Center isn't very large. Its main attractions include the Antarctic Storm Chamber, a penguin enclosure, a 4D movie, and an outdoor polar train. First, we experienced the Antarctic Storm Chamber. Before entering, we put on a coat and non-slip shoe covers. We then entered a world of ice and snow at -8°C. Then, a man-made snowstorm began to whirr, and I shivered with cold, but thankfully, it only lasted a few minutes. In the penguin enclosure, we saw a few little blue penguins. We missed their feeding time, but they were adorable to behold through the darkened observation windows. The 4D movie focused on Antarctic ice and snow, with plenty of penguins and seals. However, having already been to Universal Studios and Disneyland, this 4D experience felt like a simpler experience. The polar train ride was quite interesting. We lined up at the entrance, then rode around the center's perimeter, simulating bumpy terrain, glaciers, and rivers. It was a bit of a weightlessness experience—it was incomparable to a roller coaster. There are many introductions about Antarctica in the museum, but they are all in English, and the children are not interested in reading them carefully one by one; there are also several Antarctic sled dogs, Huskies.
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Christchurch Botanic Gardens
4.6
/5
271 reviews
7.4
Based on 6,844 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +6439417590
Address: Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–3 hours
Featured in 2025 Global 50 - Spring Outings
Saved by 123 users121 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Christchurch Botanical Garden is a fascinating place! Entering the garden, it seems to be in a green fairy tale world. In the rose garden, more than 250 roses bloom, colorful and aromatic. Walking on the trail, you can see the Avon River flowing quietly, and there are light boats rowing across the river from time to time. There are also various theme gardens in the park, such as vanilla garden and Shiqi garden, each with a unique scenery. This is not only a paradise for plants, but also a good place to relax and let people linger.
Wind and beautiful day. I like to take a walk to the botanical garden and breathe the fresh air. Peacock sculpture or other countries give it? The shape is very retro and elegant, and New Zealand is a flower city. Your climate and warm sea breeze make the flowers here colorful.
No.
4
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Shamarra Alpacas
4.5
/5
83 reviews
7.2
From JOD 23.650
Based on 258 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +6433045141
Address: 328 Wainui Main Road, Akaroa 7582, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 hours
69% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
I went there for the second time. The first time was in 2018. There were still a lot of Chinese signs at the entrance, and the uphill road was still so steep. Rising Sun was still alive, although there were not many hairs. Everything was good.
The road is a bit far, but it's worth it! The alpacas are so cute! So friendly!!! The group photo is very nice. There are Chinese staff, who are also very nice and interesting throughout the whole process! The visit time is 1 hour. It is worth recommending! It is also cool to buy souvenirs!
No.
5
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Punting On The Avon (Antigua Boat Sheds)
4.7
/5
26 reviews
7.0
From JOD 14.690
Based on 598 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +6433667830
Address: 2 Cambridge Terrace, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 30 minutes
Verified user reviews
Rafting on the Avon River in New Zealand is an unforgettable experience! The boatman is enthusiastic and professional, explaining the history of the coast in a humorous way, and his eyes are shining with love for this job. Amid the rippling blue waves, accompanied by mandarin ducks and flocks of birds, and the sun shining on the river, it feels like being in a fairy tale world. Five-star recommendation for this warm water trip!
I recently had the pleasure of experiencing punting on the Avon River in Christchurch, and it was an absolutely delightful way to explore the city. The journey itself was serene and picturesque, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.Our guide, dressed in traditional Edwardian attire, expertly navigated the flat-bottomed boat with a long pole, allowing us to relax and take in the tranquil surroundings. We drifted past lush greenery, charming bridges, and historic architecture, all of which created a postcard-perfect backdrop. The gentle pace of the punting made it easy to fully appreciate the beauty of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and the calm waters of the river.The entire experience was wonderfully calming, yet never dull. Our guide shared interesting tidbits about the area’s history and natural features, making the trip both relaxing and educational. It’s the kind of activity that feels timeless—no rush, no stress, just the simple pleasure of gliding through a scenic waterway.Overall, I’d highly recommend punting on the Avon to anyone visiting Christchurch. It’s a unique and charming way to see the city, and it’s perfect for solo travelers, couples, and families alike. I came away feeling refreshed, with a newfound appreciation for Christchurch’s natural beauty and historic charm.
No.
6
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Akaroa Dolphins
4.5
/5
10 reviews
6.0
From JOD 51.660
Based on 3,140 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +6433047866
Address: 65 Beach Road, Akaroa 7520, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–3 hours
Verified user reviews
Highly recommended to visitors who are arriving in Christchurch looking for a unique adventure! Though a 1.5hrs drive away - the journey out at sea is worth your time. Was fortunate enough to spot 4 dolphins and the Captain also brought us near enough to the rocky edges to catch a glimpse of the seals up close! Oh and also special shout out our friendly Dolphin Dog Albie on board for being the sweetest fur baby :)
When you come to Akaroa, you must take a boat to watch dolphins. About 12 tourists take a cruise ship and drive to a wide area of water. Dolphins will appear soon. They will jump around the boat and make pleasant calls. If you feed them some dolphin food, they will even swim to your side and let you touch them. They are really super cute.
No.
7
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Black Cat Cruises
4.4
/5
10 reviews
5.6
From JOD 46.890
Based on 1,653 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +6433047641
Address: Akaroa Main Wharf, Akaroa, Christchurch 7520, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 2 hours
Verified user reviews
We saw dolphins and seals along the way, which was worth it. The wind and waves on the boat were sometimes strong and sometimes weak, and it was very exciting. It took less than two hours to play, which was worth seeing. Ctrip's ticket issuance speed was also very fast, and you can book it one day in advance.
Black Cat Cruises' jet catamarans provide a safe and comfortable cruise experience for you and the dolphins. During the cruise, you will experience the charming scenery of Akaroa, encounter cute wildlife, and see the crater of an extinct volcano during the cruise.
No.
8
Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway
4.8
/5
51 reviews
5.4
Based on 1,190 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +6433195641
Address: Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway, Canterbury Region 7300, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 3–5 hours
26% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The trails are the most successful part of New Zealand's tourism resources. The extensive trails allow visitors to measure and appreciate the beauty of this paradise on earth and its rich flora and fauna.
Kaikoura is a famous tourist destination in Australia. There are many hiking routes here, and the Peninsula Trail is one of the most worthwhile ones. It stretches along the coastline, and you can see magnificent sea views along the way. The air is also very fresh, and it is definitely worth a try.
No.
9
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Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
4.3
/5
68 reviews
5.3
From JOD 13.320
Based on 1,116 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +6433596226
Address: 60 Hussey Road, Northwood, Christchurch 8051, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 hours
Highlights:
Kiwi bird sanctuary & diversity
Home to 500+ wild animals & birds
38% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
There are many kinds of animals and birds, but they are not rare animals. The animals are relatively lively. It is recommended to buy feed for the animals and birds. Because the venue is too dark, you cannot see the KIWI birds at all. Although the venue is not big, it is designed like a maze and has high space utilization. .
I like to get close to the small animals. The small animals here are well protected. There are also public notices introducing the employees who take care of them. They are all veteran employees who have worked for more than ten or twenty years. Recommended, you can feed a variety of animals, and the environment is very good. The villa next to the park looks really good.
No.
10
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Canterbury Museum
4.3
/5
138 reviews
5.3
Based on 2,804 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +6433665000
Address: 66 Gloucester Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–3 hours
Highlights:
2 million exhibits & Maori artifacts
Stroll early Christchurch streets
29% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
When you come to Christchurch for tourism, you should visit the Canterbury Museum. Both its appearance and content are worth seeing.
Appearance. The museum is located in the city center, next to the botanical garden. The gray-based and white-framed building is both elegant and dazzling. In front of the museum is a statue of William Rolleston, an outstanding politician and leader in the Canterbury region, with a lifelike figure.
Content. Compared with our country, the museum is medium-sized. But the rich and diverse exhibits fully demonstrate the unique Maori culture and history of New Zealand, the development of New Zealand's nature and colonial period, and the exploration and cognition of human beings in Antarctica, which can give you a deeper understanding of New Zealand's history and culture.
The Canterbury Museum is the largest museum in Canterbury, which displays the history and natural resources of the city of Canterbury from all aspects. There are many paleontological fossils and the life scenes of the aboriginals, which are worth visiting.
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