Family adventures in Christchurch

Christchurch has everything you need for a fun family day out! At any time of the year, you'll be busy having fun, playing, hiking, beach-strolling and more.

Whether it's jumping around the playground, riding the tram or exploring the stunning seascapes and wildlife, Christchurch caters to all ages.

A playground for the whole family

The Margaret Mahy Playground will have you awe-struck - a child's dream! Complete with slides, spider webs, a flying fox, water play and large open spaces for running around - the kids will be entertained for hours. But this place caters to all the young-hearted, not just the kids - it'll be hard to resist not joining in with the great offerings this playground has all year round!

Ride the tram

Always popular with the kids the Christchurch Tram is a perfect way to see the city. These beautifully restored heritage trams are one of the city's most iconic and best-loved attractions. With an all-day hop-on, hop-off ticket, friendly and knowledgeable drivers will provide engaging live commentary throughout your journey, ensuring the whole family is entertained.

Water fun at the Margaret Mahy Playground in Christchurch

The City Tram in New Regent Street, Christchurch

The Margaret Mahy Playground has something for kids of all sizes | The Christchurch Tram makes getting around easy and fun

Seaside village exploring

Taylors Mistake is the beginning of the beautiful Godley Head Walkway, which gently meanders above the cliffs to secluded Boulder Bay and the WW2 gun emplacements at Godley Head. The views from the edge of the mainland to the open sea are astonishing and provide the perfect backdrop for a picnic. Over the hill, swimming at Sumner Beach is great fun for primary aged kids, especially if there's boogie boards involved.

After burning all that energy in the waves, top off your day at Utopia Ice for delicious handmade ice cream or famous fish and chips from Red Snapper.

A family having fun in the shore at Sumner, Christchurch

Family Fun in Sumner Beach, Christchurch

There’s plenty to explore at and around Summer Beach

Little blue penguin, Christchurch, New Zealand.

Quail Island is a haven for Little Blue Penguins while you can see rare species like Tuatara at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

Into the wild at Willowbank

Not far from the central city, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is a great place for a hands-on experience with some of New Zealand's most elusive native species, including kiwi. For the most interactive experience, purchase some of the reserve's animal food and feed the wildlife as you make your way around the loop.

Three sections make up the Willowbank experience. Start with Natural New Zealand section, where you're able to meet kiwi, tuatara and other endangered native species. The Heritage and Wild New Zealand sections offer interactive experiences with traditional farm animals, including greedy Kune Kune pigs and a pond of tame eels.

Playground image courtesy of Margaret Mahy playground; Margaret Mahy Playground image courtesy of ChristchurchNZ; Tram image courtesy of ChristchurchNZ