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What to Do with Children in Christchurch

Christchurch offers family activities across wildlife, science, transport and outdoor recreation. The International Antarctic Centre has immersive Antarctic experiences, penguins and Hägglund rides, while the Christchurch Gondola travels by cable car to the Port Hills summit rather than along the Avon River.

City guide

Overview & visitor information

Christchurch offers family activities across wildlife, science, transport and outdoor recreation. The International Antarctic Centre has immersive Antarctic experiences, penguins and Hägglund rides, while the Christchurch Gondola travels by cable car to the Port Hills summit rather than along the Avon River.

Orana Wildlife Park provides open-range wildlife exhibits and animal presentations. The city’s current family guide also lists Parakiore’s pools and hydroslides.

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Riccarton Bush

Castles

Get a feeling of the native New Zealand forestry in the Riccarton Bush, probably the last of the remains of the Canterbury forests. Take a walk along the lush green shrubs and tall trees and enjoy the quite serene beauty of the place one fine day along the circular track that will take you around the mini forest. Located adjacent to the forest is the Dean’s Cottage that is the oldest built house in Christchurch (1843) and is for historic purposes only.

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Yaldhurst Museum

Museum

Alfred Thornhill Cooper and Marion Cooper are to be credited for this amazing collection of vintage cars in the Yaldhurst Museum. Opened on 26th December 1968, the museum has a collection 400 cars ranging from passenger to school buses to the rare models that had not more than 5 units manufactured! If you are an automobile fanatic, the Yaldhurst Museum will be your favorite attraction in all of Christchurch. Currently it is run by Grant Cooper, great grandson of the founder and is established in an 1876 colonial homestead.

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Arts gallery

Gallery

Opened in 2003, the Arts Gallery is a dominant NZ$ 47 building that has set standards for all others in the South Island. Eluding an aesthetic charm, the exterior complements the various high quality art displays inside that range from early European work to the contemporary video work done by New Zealanders. The gallery holds some of the best and larger than life paintings of New Zealand’s renowned artists and has a lot to hold the viewers attention with colors, textures and bold strokes.

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Arts Center

Building

A gothic stone building, Arts gallery is a show ground for a number of subjects operational in Christchurch such as the crafts market, the produce market and daily exhibitions from over 40 artists in various outlets. The center is famous for quality handicrafts, leather and wood goods and a visit to Ernest Rutherford's den is rated high on the interesting things to do in the Arts Center. Admission is free for all.

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Botanic Gardens

Garden

With the planting of an English oak tree in 1863, this Botanic Garden was given shape in New Zealand. Today it holds one of the most exotic and rare collection of plant species from within the country as well as abroad. Just the thought of 30 hectare of greenery circled by the Avon River is pleasing and one wants spend a good amount of time exploring this place full of the country’s botanic history. The highlights of the garden are the 120 years old trees that represent one of the sacred horticultural sites of the world. Together with the Hagley Park, New Zealand holds the key to the world second largest inner city park that is one of the most visited as well.

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Canterbury Museum

Museum

A thorough exploration of the Canterbury Museum is a must. With elaborate sections dedicated to the displays of Maori, Antarctic, Colonial and Natural history sections, the museum is an attraction to kids as well as adults and offers very interesting material to look at from vintage cars to historic personalities to the entire iced world of the Antarctic. Timing: Winter times: 9am to 5pm & Summer times: 9am to 5 30pm. Location: Rolleston Avenue Phone: 03/366-5000

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Southern Encounter Aquarium & Kiwi House

House

Formerly known as the Aquarium of Discovery, the Southern Encounter Aquarium is a walk through of tanks of aquarium with rare fishes and sea creatures. Documentaries and films are aired for viewers to educate them about sea and bird life. The attraction offers various things to do including watching feeding time at the aquarium, see fly-tying demonstrations, getting your hands wet in touch tank and observation of nocturnal brown kiwis.

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International Antarctic Centre

Town

Experience the Antarctic way of life in Christchurch at the International Antarctic center. Fulfill your dream of getting on a snow mobile and racing across snow land here at the center which is fully acclimatized to the polar weather conditions. Inside you will find penguins, leopard seals, snow caves and a depiction of how life is at the Antarctic. The 4D cinema will take you on a thrilling icy adventure of one of its kind. The Antarctic Hagglund Ride is a new addition which gives a 15minutes tour of the place and is very famous with children.

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Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

Park

The most extensive collection of kiwi birds is found at the Willowbank reserve in Christchurch. On a much smaller scale than the Onara, the Williowbank breeds most of the local animal population of the country especially kiwis. Extended tours for kiwi life and breeding are arranged for tourists who are allowed to play, feed and pet the birds as well. Multiple school programs and skits are also arranged to depict the cultural practices of the Maori tribe.

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Christchurch Cathedral

Churches

This most prominent landmark of Christchurch was completed in 1904 into a dominating grey stone building with a magnificent clock tower. The cathedral holds great historic significance for the city which is visible in its intricate architecture and the creative art work done inside its wall. Tourists find the cathedral a site of major attraction and most of them attend the daily services arranged here. Because of this importance the area around the building is called the Cathedral Square and serves as a starting point for many tours. Location: Cathedral Square Phone: +64 3 366 0046

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Kebab Masters

Cuisine: Turkish Address: 129 Riccarton Road, Riccarton, Christchurch

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Canterbury Tales

Canterbury Tales is known to serve its diners with the best of everything. From pleasant atmospheres to great food and award winning edible pieces of art, the restaurant is a model of perfection from every angle. With a meal for over NZ$ 50, diners get an opportunity to try various blends of spices on the ever changing menu and to taste the best of New Zealand from the best providers.

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Pedro’s

Tastefully decorated on traditional Spanish crockery are New Zealand’s most divine Spanish dishes prepared under the watchful eye of Pedro Carazo. For 30 years, Pedro has maintained his restaurant as a comfortable retreat for diners who enjoy the chatter in the air and the delicious food together with the owner’s hospitality. Sea food is the specialty here topped with lots of seasonings and garlic.

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The Charlotte Jane

A Victorian school turned boutique hotel, Charlotte Jane offers nothing less than perfection. With a total of 14 units, this hotel makes up for its small size through exceptional service, elaborately decorated rooms and expensive extras such as huge attached bathrooms with Jacuzzis, spacious rooms and a scrumptious menu for meal times. The Henderson House is an extension to the Charlotte Jane to provide more room for mobility for guests. All rooms are equipped with amenities like TV, VCR, minibar, kitchen and hairdryer. Additional facilities: restaurant, bar, concierge and nearby golf course. Room rates start from NZ$515.

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Orari Bed & Breakfast

One of the best value hotels in the city, Orari B&B is located across Montreal Street near North Hagley Park. The big old house lives up to the expectations of the impeccable area with clean and spacious rooms, fully equipped with AC, hair dryer and Wi Fi. The original wooden interior of this 1893 villa have been restored and add a very appealing charm for guests. Room rates start from NZ$ 160 and include a scrumptious breakfast. Closing season: June & July. Location: 42 Gloucester Street Phone: 03/365-6569 Fax: 03/365-2525

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The Heritage Christchurch

Budget Hotels

Experience the best of both, the Colonial Era as well as the contemporary living styles at The Heritage. With a Government style building adjacent to a tall tower, Heritage is a high class accommodation in Christchurch with 175 room units, each with special lounges, walk in closets and all basic amenities included. Located in the Inner city, the hotel is close to all major attractions with tons of in house facilities to enjoy. Suite and deluxe rates vary between NZ$ 210 to NZ$ 475.

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Peppers Clearwater Resort

A high class airport facility, Peppers Clearwater is a resort spread across 465 Acers of land lovely rooms overlooking the sea. A combination of suites and apartments are housed in the grand lodging that offers great value for the variety of services offered. Laze in one of the spacious terraces or challenge a friend to a game of golf, Clearwater resort plans to offer many more amenities that are underway. Room rates start from NZ$236. Additional facilities: golf course, spa, restaurant, bike rentals, fishing guide and lessons and tennis court.

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Elm Tree House

Built along the ancient European architecture, The Elm Tree House is arguably the coziest and warmest accommodation in all of Christchurch. The place has a total of 6 suits that are all decorated in warm colors and are very spacious. Equipped with TV, hair dryer and internet, Elm tree has a perfect location to access the near by golf course, tennis court and many cafes and restaurants.

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Crowne Plaza Christchurch

If the grand presence of its architectural beauty and its central location fails to impress you, credit Crowne Plaza with its continuous efforts to ‘Go Green’ with water and electricity conservation in the Garden City. The hotel is a number one luxurious stay in Christchurch with 298 units all well maintained and classy with elaborate furnishings and beautiful city views from the windows. Room rates go up to NZ$500. Additional facilities: restaurants, free bikes, cafes, concierge, gym, golf course and Wi Fi.

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Hadleigh

A lovely two story house located peacefully in the residential area of the city, Hadleigh is the brain child of New Zealand’s Porsche racing champion, Jon Warring. With 4 warmly decorated suites, this lodging is a home away from home that extends gracious hospitality and heart warming service. Room rates go up to NZ$500.

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The Weston House

A pampered stay by all means, Weston House offers its guests a bundle of extras that take guests to cloud 9. From walk in closets and private lounges to heated bathroom floors, the 2 bedroom Georgian style house is has an irresistible splendor. It is situated close to the Hagley Park and is walking distance from nearby attractions. Room rates may go up to NZ$450.

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Coastal Cliffs Bed & Breakfast

Moderate Hotels

A small, cozy and inviting B&B awaits you at Christchurch. Coastal Cliffs has been designed by architect and owner Rick, overlooking the McCormack’s bay and everything about the place oozes naturalness and pure beauty. Each of the rooms is spacious, warmly decorated and includes amenities like DVD, TV, fridge, hair dryer and kitchenette. There are separate entrances to each room rates of which start from NZ$180 including a hearty serving of home made breakfast. Additional facilities: Tennis court and heated pool.

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Milano Motor Lodge

Expensive Hotels

A quite motel located in the city center and a few minutes away from Hagley Park, the Milano Lodge promises an exciting stay with various accommodation options each offering a blend of comfort and style. One of the more affordable options in Christchurch, this motel is suitable for family vacations as well as business travels with conference rooms and Wi Fi access. Room rates start from NZ$125.