5 Fun Things to do with your Family in and around Christchurch

New Zealand is in general a great place to travel to and around with children. Our latest experience was very South Island oriented (much to our dismay as we had a weekend in Wellington booked, but Storm Gabrielle and the earthquake near Wellington and the resulting backlog of cancelled and barely running ferries and overbooked flights nixed that plan), which is why this list of excursion suggestions focuses on Christchurch. 1. Margaret Mahy Family Playground in Central Christchurch I can barely remember what the site was pre-earthquakes (September 2010 and February 2011), but after some 10 years of recovery and rebuilding, one of the best inner-city playgrounds I’ve ever been to (and thanks to my super-active 4-year old, I have been to a few) has been created with fun for all ages. In summer, cool down in the water park and play area, all-year-round, test your skills on balancing blocks and sticks, jump to your heart’s content on the three trampolines, try out your Spiderman moves in the rope park and – if you’re brave, climb up and cross the hanging bridge made out of more ropes (and a net – but it’s so high up, it’s still scary – I can confirm that from first-hand experience). Of course, there are also slides, plenty of space to run around and even barbeque stations as well as toilets and when you’re lucky, an ice cream and coffee van – sweet as! 2. Hagley Park, the Botanic Gardens and Little Hagley Wanna see some cricket? If your family is split like mine in answering this question, Hagley Park is great as on a weekend, it’s likely you can catch a game as well as just enjoy the sprawling park. From the Antigua boat sheds, where you can go punting or hire a pedal boat, follow the River Avon along one side of the park, or cross it and through the Botanic Gardens with native as well as introduced flowers, ferns and trees… and while the main attractions in late spring and summer would be the different blooms, every autumn, winter and spring school holidays, why not try the fun and interactive discovery trail? From super-powered plants to wicked wildlife - there's something for everyone. If you’re there in spring while the bluebells are out, a stop at Little Hagley is a must – the carpets of flowers are absolutely gorgeous! 3. Riccarton House and Bush Riccarton House is a grand Victorian/Edwardian homestead for Canterbury’s pioneering Deans family. The house is fully restored and is decorated and furnished in appropriate period style. It’s worth a visit – guided tours only, but for me, the main attraction here is Riccarton Bush: enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of being in a native forest that has trees that are up to 600 years old – how amazing is that?! There is nearly 900 metres of tracks to enjoy with it all being flat and accessible to most. As you wind your way through this ancient forest be sure to keep an eye and an ear out for the numerous native birds that call this place home, such as: Kereru (Wood Pigeon), Bellbird, Fantail, and Grey Warbler. These birds, as well as native insects and geckos are here largely because Riccarton Bush is surrounded by a predator-proof fence. 4. Ferrymead Heritage Park and Christchurch Gondola to the Port Hills Ferrymead Heritage Park is an enchanting destination that holds immense appeal for families. This historic park beautifully captures the essence of yesteryears, offering a delightful blend of entertainment and education. With its meticulously restored vintage buildings, including a charming tramway, railway, and a bustling Victorian township, families can immerse themselves in a bygone era and experience the joys of stepping back in time. Children and adults alike can enjoy a wide range of interactive activities, such as riding on steam trains, exploring the hands-on exhibits at the museum, and indulging in traditional treats at the old-fashioned tearooms. With its captivating atmosphere, engaging attractions, and opportunities for nostalgic adventures, Ferrymead Heritage Park is a perfect family destination that guarantees an unforgettable and educational experience. Ferrymead is easily combined with a trip on the gondola up to the top of the Port Hills, from where you can enjoy amazing views over Banks Peninsula – well worth the ride. Of course, you can also hike along the steep Bridle Path, the route the early settlers used to transport goods between Lyttelton Harbour and the city – in good weather, I’d recommend a combination of ride and hike. 5. Willowbank Wildlife Reserve If you’re not planning on going to Stewart Island (it’s not on many people’s itinerary, so this is quite likely) or camping out in the wop wops, a sure way to see the elusive Kiwi bird, is to head out to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, where they are one of the main attractions. Willobank is part of Operation Nest Egg, which is a conservation program that aims to save endangered bird species by rescuing their eggs or chicks from the wild and raising them in a controlled environment until they are ready to be released back into their natural habitats. Besides Kiwi, you can see native species such as Kunekune (pigs), Kea (mountain parrots – these fly free and are very curious!), Pukeko (swamp hen), Tuatara (lizard) and many others. One of Pete’s highlights definitely was feeding the Kunekune and eels – special food can be purchased from the admissions desk. For more inspiration on family adventures on the South Island, please check out the corresponding blog post. I've been to both islands on several occasions and lived in Christchurch for a couple of years before moving to the UK, so know way more than I could ever fit in a couple of posts - or five, so if you haven't found what you're looking for, please contact me and let's have a chat! In the meantime, have a great time in Christchurch!