You may be surprised with what your little one can do and enjoy – all for FREE! If you’re looking to fill your next sunny day out, be sure to experience some of these cool activities before your under-fives head off to school. For all you lucky Christchurch locals or goers, here are eight free awesome activities for under-fives!
1. Black Cat Cruises
Do you have a tiny explorer itching for a sea adventure? Take advantage of our sunny skies, crisp waters and beyond with the award-winning Black Cat catamaran cruises around the Akaroa harbour. With a paying adult, all on-board kiddos under-five get to experience sights of the world’s rarest and smallest dolphins, penguins and seals for FREE.
2. Christchurch Gondola
Reach new heights this summer with the Christchurch Gondola. This one’s for all the adrenaline junkies, big or small; you’re guaranteed experiences of Christchurch from a new level. The thrilling Christchurch Gondola offers spectacular views of the city, the Canterbury plains, the Southern Alps and the Banks Peninsula.
3. Orana Wildlife Park
As New Zealand’s only open-range zoo, Orana Wildlife Reserve is home to the country’s only gorillas, as well as a host of other animals to get up close with. Real close. Imagine hand-feeding a majestic giraffe; seeing New Zealand’s only gorillas; eyeballing the magnificent white rhino; meeting New Zealand’s national icon, the kiwi, or travelling through the Lion Reserve! Visitors can enjoy the antics of Tasmanian devils, cheetah, tigers, monkeys, meerkats, native birds and reptiles, friendly farmyard animals and much more. With a paying adult, all children under-five are FREE – so be sure to grab this awesome little-big-experience!
4. International Arctic Centre
If you and your little one are down to get a bit chilly, head to the International Antarctic Centre for some cool fun. Visit ‘Antarctica’ and see if you have what it takes to survive an Antarctic snow story, learn about life on the remote continent and Scott Base, and hang out with some little blue penguins.
5. Punting on the Avon
Glide along the Avon River, as a skilled punter in traditional Edwardian attire propels you slowly along the water. A fun and different family activity in which to enjoy Christchurch from a new perspective. Be sure to bring the whole family, as even the littlest under-five gets to ride for free!
6. Canterbury Museum
There is plenty to learn at Canterbury Museum these school holidays. A hands-on exhibition on sunlight is sure to excite or, if you have an evening free, head to the museum after dark to explore the galaxy.
7. Airforce Museum
Do you have any aspiring little pilots? Lovers of planes and all things that fly? Be sure to explore New Zealand’s airforce history at the Airforce Museum. There are loads of exhibitions, galleries and displays to enjoy, as well as hands-on experiences like a museum hunt, or taking the pilot seat in the flight simulator – good fun!
8. Botanic Gardens
If you’ve planned an adventure-filled holiday with our list, be sure to also wind down at the Botanic Gardens. It’s the perfect place for a wander through a beautiful collection of plants, and you could even pack a picnic to have while you’re there. The fun doesn’t end there — take part in a family treasure hunt through the gardens, become a dino detective, and make a wish on the wishing tree.
more activities in Christchurch from tots to teens:
Where To Play Mini Golf In Christchurch
