Outdoor Activities in Christchurch

Outdoor activities in Christchurch are a mix of adventure sports and some laid-back vibes amidst scenic beauty. Christchurch comes with an ideal terrain and atmosphere to spend active holidays and make plenty of unforgettable memories. So, explore the wilderness of Christchurch and spend some time in the lap of nature with these exciting outdoor activities Christchurch has to offer. From the most adventurous experiences to the most popular ones, the following list combines it all to make sure you do not miss these unique experiences while planning a trip to Christchurch.

From sunrise to sunset, let's discover the best spots for outdoor activities in Christchurch:

  1. International Antarctic Centre

    Outdoors, Entertainment, Games

    One of New Zealand’s award winning attractions, the International Antarctic Centre is a must visit while on your trip to Christchurch. It has been designed in such a way that one can enjoy the fun of Antarctica without actually going there! You’ll get to experience snow and ice, survive an Antarctic Storm, learn about life in modern day Antarctica and hang out with Penguins! A major...Read more
  2. Christchurch Gondola

    4.5 (1503 Votes)
    Christchurch Gondola

    Outdoors, Entertainment, Cable Car

    Christchurch Gondola is a cable car ride that offers a unique Christchurch sightseeing experience. Experience stunning 360° views from the top- from the cityscape of Christchurch to the Canterbury Plains to the peaks of the Southern Alps. A Time Travel ride at the summit takes you through the smouldering depths of a volcano, a native New Zealand forest, a short voyage onboard a ship and thr...Read more
  3. Hagley Park

    4.6 (2151 Votes)
    Hagley Park

    Park, Botanical Garden, Golf Course, Walking Area

    Spread across 400 acres, the Hagley Park has been a city landmark since the 1850s. The park is a major sporting and cultural focal point as well with netball courts, a golf course and soccer and rugby pitches. It also has a jogging/ running track. Situated with Hagley Park is the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. They are the city’s most popular, most visited and most loved attraction. T...Read more
  4. Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

    4.6 (1513 Votes)
    Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

    Outdoors, Wildlife Park, Bird Watching

    Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is a wildlife park which is home to New Zealand’s Big 5- Kiwi, Kea, Tuatara, bush parrot Kaka and the Takahe. Apart from these, other animals that can be found at the reserve are Fallow Deer, Wallabies, Capuchins, Otters, Lemurs, Peacocks, Goats, Miniature Horses, and a lot more. Spend a day at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve with Triphobo Tours that offer you ulti...Read more
  5. Orana Wildlife Park

    4.4 (1093 Votes)
    Orana Wildlife Park

    Wildlife Park

    Situated near Christchurch Airport, the Orana Wildlife Park is spread across 80 hectares (198 acres). Animal encounters are a speciality of this park. Feed Giraffes, meet a rhino, feed a Lemur, say hi to a kiwi or travel through the Lion reserve! The Orana Wildlife Park is also known for its involvement in zoo-based breeding programmes. So the entry fees that you pay are utilized for a good cau...Read more
  6. Avon River

    River, Walking Area, Leisure, Water Sport

    Avon River is a river that runs through Christchurch. During the day, it witnesses a lot of activities, namely, punting, boating and riverbank picnicking. Head over to the river for some leisure activities. Many locals head for a morning jog along the riverbank. 
  7. Port Hills

    4.6 (1119 Votes)
    Port Hills

    Trail, Hiking Trail, Walking Area, Hill

    The Port Hills are a range of hills in New Zealand. They are situated between the city of Christchurch and Lyttelton. The Port Hills are a trekker’s paradise! The hills are full of running and cycling tracks and walkways and hiking trails. Some of the trails include Bridle Path, Rapaki Track, Bowenvale- Sugarloaf Circuit and Huntsbury Track. 
  8. 185 Empty White Chairs

    4.6 (1136 Votes)
    185 Empty White Chairs

    Landmark, Memorial

    185 Empty White Chairs is a moving tribute to the 185 people who perished in the earthquake of 2011. Armchairs, dining room chairs, sofa chairs, office chairs, high chairs, a wheel chair, a baby capsule etc.-each chair represents the individual who died.
  9. Mt Cook

    Outdoors

    With a towering height of 3724 meters, the Aoraki or Mount Cook lies in the Southern Alps with its three summits –Low Peak (3593 meters), Middle Peak (3717 meters) and the Low Peak (3593 meters). A challenging and breathtaking summit, the mountain attracts a number of mountaineers and adventure seekers to behold its majesty. Aoraki is part of the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and forms...Read more
  10. Cashmere Hill Lookout

    4.6 (6 Votes)
    Cashmere Hill Lookout Image
    ©

    View Point

    The Cashmere Hill Lookout is nothing but a beautiful viewpoint which not only attracts tourists but local people as well. Once you reach this place, you can ideally enjoy the beauty of the surrounding. The mountainous location looks actually picturesque from this viewpoint. This hilltop location is also full of greenery and offers a beauty of its own. The rugged location of the Sequoyah Bay Sta...Read more
  11. North South Holiday Park

    4.1 (2 Votes)
    530 Sawyers Arms Rd, Harewood, Christchurch 8051, New Zealand
    Park, Camp
  12. Christchurch Accommodation Top 10 Holiday Park

    4.3
    39 Meadow St, Papanui, Christchurch 8052, New Zealand
    Park, Camp