https://https://au.trip.com/toplist/tripbest/recommend/christchurch/best-family-friendly-attractions/10070000695130
Family-friendly Attractions
Top 10 Family-friendly Attractions in Christchurch [2025]
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International Antarctic Centre
4.5
/5
201 reviews
7.9
From SAR 130.22
Based on 3,077 reviews
8.7 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 166 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
1.1 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 121 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.
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Punting On The Avon (Antigua Boat Sheds)
4.7
/5
26 reviews
7.0
From SAR 79.32
Based on 598 reviews
691m 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.
4
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Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
4.3
/5
68 reviews
5.3
From SAR 71.92
Based on 1,116 reviews
8.3 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.
5
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Canterbury Museum
4.3
/5
138 reviews
5.3
Based on 2,804 reviews
409m 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.
No.
6
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Orana Wildlife Park
4.0
/5
41 reviews
5.3
From SAR 79.43
Based on 1,090 reviews
15.7 km from downtown
Phone +6433597109
Address: 793 McLeans Island Road, Harewood, Christchurch 8051, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Fenceless zoo with vast wildlife
Feed giraffes & Sumatran tigers
37% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Christchurch Wildlife Park is very cost-effective... It contains animals from all continents and is suitable for annual passes... Friends of all ages can feel satisfied here.
Orana wildlife park is the largest wildlife park in Christchurch. There are many different kinds of animals here. The annual pass is very cost-effective... You can get close to the animals at different time periods... A good place to go on weekends.
No.
7
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Victoria Square
4.5
/5
49 reviews
4.0
Based on 41 reviews
428m from downtown
Phone +6439418999
Address: 3370753, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Verified user reviews
Victoria Square is one of the landmarks of Christchurch. It is smaller than you might think and you can see it at a glance. There is the Bowker Fountain in the square. It lights up at night and changes colors, which is very beautiful. The fountain was built in 1931 and has a long history. It was funded by the real estate developer Bowker, so the fountain was named after him.
Victoria Square is the largest square in Christchurch. It was severely damaged in the earthquake, but it has almost recovered in recent years. The entire square is surrounded by many rebuilt commercial centers and the business is very developed. If you want to shop, Victoria Square is the best choice.
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