In Christchurch if you look there are plenty of activities to do for free, take a look around and see what is on offer.
 BOTTLE LAKE
Bottle Lake Forest Christchurch an outdoor playground that covers 800 hectares for all to enjoy Another wonderful asset for the East side of Christchurch, well worth visiting for some outdoor exercise. In this reserve there are numerous tracks for walking or riding a mountain bike. |
 CHRISTCHURCH STREET ART
Christchurch street art really came into itself as what they call gap fillers where building spaces were opened up leaving bare walls. To be taken over by what some call the urban phenomenon moving across the globe.
Christchurch has now became a world street art capital. A Lonely Planet book published in 2017 ranked Christchurch alongside New York, Barcelona, Berlin and London as one of 39 cities with a rich street art scene.
|
 HORSESHOE LAKE RESERVE
Horseshoe Lake Reserve Christchurch Horseshoe Lake Reserve or Waikākāriki as it was once called is a beautiful and peaceful wetland reserve, with a small wooden jetty on the lake located at the carpark off Lake Terrace Road. |
 RAPAKI TRACK
Rāpaki Track Christchurch Popular Christchurch walk and cycle this is a shared track with plenty of space to accommodate both bikes, walkers and the occasional 4WD. Entry via Rapaki Road takes you up to the top of Witch Hill on the Port Hills over a mixed surface track that ends up on the Summit Road. Although regarded as an easy walk this is still a good work out and if your not used to walking up hill it's one of those walks you may well say are we there yet!. |
 BRIDLE PATH WALK
Bridle Path WalkThe main access to the Bridle Path and nearby tracks is from the gondola car park in Heathcote, Barnett Park car park, the Summit Road, and Evans Pass Road. Some car parking is available at either end of the closed section of Summit Road. |
 CYCLING CHRISTCHURCH
Christchurch the garden city of New Zealand is also the city for cyclists with such a focus on making the city cycle friendly. The bike tracks and bike paths increase all the time. In 2017 Christchurch took out the inaugural NZ Transport Agency’s annual Favourite Places to Ride competition. |
 KAITUNA VALLEY SCENIC RESERVE
Kaituna Valley Scenic Reserve If you want a tranquil spot for a family picnic then head to Kaituna Valley Scenic Reserve. It has a large picnic area, a stream where the kids can splash about, and a short walking track that is ideal for families with young children. A little further up the valley is the start of the Kaituna Valley Packhorse Hut Track. This 4km track ambles through pasture and then forest, crossing the valley stream several times. |
 RICCARTON SUNDAY MARKET
Welcome to The Riccarton Sunday Market Christchurch Something for everyone and everything for someone, Christchurch’s Largest Market with up to 10,000 people per day! Sunday fun for the whole family with over 200 stalls to explore or haggle at. Bring the family for a great day of free entertainment at the Riccarton Market Christchurch. Vendors are there selling a wide variety of goods, from fresh fruit and vegetables to second-hand goods, furniture, clothing, art, plants and trees, food and beverages, you name it the market will have it! |
 CARDBOARD CATHEDRAL
Christchurch Cardboard Cathedral The Cardboard Cathedral, formally called the Transitional Cathedral, in Christchurch, New Zealand is the transitional pro-cathedral of the Anglican Diocese of Christchurch, replacing ChristChurch Cathedral, which was significantly damaged in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake. |
 GARDEN CITY
Welcome to Christchurch the Garden City of New Zealand Without a doubt the most scenic city in the country with its expansive parks steeped in history and suburbs of well-tended gardens, it is little wonder that Christchurch has laid claim to this title for a hundred years. Traditional streets and buildings many of them restored to take you back to a very English heritage, now a magnificent city of colours and seasons that may well also claim a title of being ecofriendly in the future. |
 |
 RIVER ROAD WALK
In the ZONE River Road Walk If you enjoy a walk with scenery and haven’t tried the River Road section yet it is worth having a wander. As you near the cleared land area, it has a park like look about it you can see the love that has gone into making this vast area something special. |
 CHRISTCHURCH ART GALLERY
Welcome to the Christchurch Art Gallery or Te Puna o Waiwhetū. The largest in Christchurch with Christchurch ratepayers contributing to the operating budget. This art gallery has something for everyone with displays ranging from old masters to modern art It has its own substantial art collection and also presents a programme of New Zealand and international exhibitions. Attached to the gallery is a popular restaurant. They also run regular events including talks, museum tours and film evenings and has around 50 volunteers assisting.
03 941 7300
info@christchurchartgallery.org.nz
|
 GODLEY HEAD BATTERY
The Godley Head WWII coastal defence battery sits atop sheer 120 metre-high cliffs. Built in 1939, it is ranked in the top ten New Zealand coastal defence heritage sites. |
 MARGARET MAHY PLAYGROUND
Welcome to Margaret Mahy Family Playground Christchurch “It’s Free” This Christchurch playground is without doubt a great asset for the garden city, understood to be perhaps the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. Located next to the Christchurch Avon River or "Ōtākaro" and an easy walk from centre of the city. It is a must to visit if you have children as it has plenty for them to do and a lot of it you can join in with them as well, we are talking serious fun for the kids and they won’t want to leave. |
 TEMPLARS ISLAND
Templars Island Along the south side of the Waimakariri River, Templars Island is a peaceful escape from city life with more than 40 native plant species to be found beneath the exotic river control plantings. Go nature walking, bird watching, swimming or take a picnic and watch the world go by. |
 CHRISTCHURCH BOTANIC GARDENS
Welcome to the Christchurch Botanic Gardens With an extensive network of parks, rivers and streams spanning from the freshwater Travis Wetlands to the undulating reserves of the Port Hills, Christchurch and its prolific green space has justly earned the title of ‘the Garden City’. Even with over 1,000 parks to share among our residents, the one that stands out as iconic in culture, history and size – Hagley Park and the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
03 941 7590
christchurchbotanicgardens@ccc.govt.nz
|
 HAGLEY PARK
Christchurch Hagley Park Hagley Park has been at the heart of Christchurch since the 1850s when it was set aside for the enjoyment of Christchurch residents. |
 NEW BRIGHTON PIER
New Brighton has seen two piers in its time. The original one was of wooden construction, opened on 18 January 1894 and was pulled down October 1965. This pier was 700 feet (210 m) long. At one stage the pier had a “penny arcade” full of games and amusements along the traditional British style of pier. Also a popular nightclub called the Shoreline was situated at the shore end of the pier where the library now sits. |
 THE CHRISTCHURCH SLACKLINE GROUP
The Christchurch Slackline Group Christchurch has a group that is interested in Longlines, Tricklines, Highlines, Waterlines, blind walking, rodeo, yoga, acrobatics. They have a have a Slackpark in City Centre at the below location. 195 Hereford Street. Contact can be made on their facebook page. |
 CHRISTCHURCH MUSEUM
Kia ora Welcome to Canterbury Museum. Visit and explore New Zealand's rich cultural and natural heritage. Learn about the past, present and future of Canterbury. There's always lots to see and do at the Museum. Encounter kiwi-ana and many other subjects that over 700,000 people do a year with 80% of all tourists visiting Christchurch attending the museum. Entry to the Museum is free; donations are appreciated. |
 HINEWAI RESERVE
Hinewai ReserveExplore Banks Peninsula’s largest reserve of land now regenerated as stunning native forest with sweeping views over the Otanerito valley. Hinewai Reserve lies a short drive east of Akaroa and sprawls across more than 1250 hectares. It is a forested conservation reserve that is privately-owned and managed by the Maurice White Native Forest Trust, but it welcomes visitors on foot year-round. |
 RAKAIA GORGE WALKWAY
Rakaia Gorge Walkway Christchurch New Zealand a spectacular walk. This walkway offers several geological and historic features as it traverses the edge of the Rakaia Gorge. This walkway takes you through a number of forest and bush areas and then rises on the track amoungst gorse along the old ferryman's track. |
 THE TIMEBALL STATION
The Timeball Station The Timeball Station in Lyttelton, Christchurch New Zealand, was one of only five in the world known to be still in working order. |
Bottle Lake Forest Christchurch an outdoor playground that covers 800 hectares for all to enjoy
Another wonderful asset for the East side of Christchurch, well worth visiting for some outdoor exercise.
In this reserve there are numerous tracks for walking or riding a mountain bike.
The main access to the Bridle Path and nearby tracks is from the gondola car park in Heathcote, Barnett Park car park, the Summit Road, and Evans Pass Road. Some car parking is available at either end of the closed section of Summit Road.
Be prepared this is a hill and you will be in for a good workout as it is a steep walk however once at the top views from the summit are well worth the effort.
Christchurch Cardboard Cathedral
The Cardboard Cathedral, formally called the Transitional Cathedral, in Christchurch, New Zealand is the transitional pro-cathedral of the Anglican Diocese of Christchurch, replacing ChristChurch Cathedral, which was significantly damaged in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake.
Welcome to the Christchurch Art Gallery or Te Puna o Waiwhetū.
The largest in Christchurch with Christchurch ratepayers contributing to the operating budget.
This art gallery has something for everyone with displays ranging from old masters to modern art It has its own substantial art collection and also presents a programme of New Zealand and international exhibitions.
Attached to the gallery is a popular restaurant.
They also run regular events including talks, museum tours and film evenings and has around 50 volunteers assisting.
Welcome to the Christchurch Botanic Gardens
With an extensive network of parks, rivers and streams spanning from the freshwater Travis Wetlands to the undulating reserves of the Port Hills, Christchurch and its prolific green space has justly earned the title of ‘the Garden City’. Even with over 1,000 parks to share among our residents, the one that stands out as iconic in culture, history and size – Hagley Park and the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
Kia ora
Welcome to Canterbury Museum. Visit and explore New Zealand's rich cultural and natural heritage. Learn about the past, present and future of Canterbury. There's always lots to see and do at the Museum.
Encounter kiwi-ana and many other subjects that over 700,000 people do a year with 80% of all tourists visiting Christchurch attending the museum.
Entry to the Museum is free; donations are appreciated.
Christchurch the garden city of New Zealand is also the city for cyclists with such a focus on making the city cycle friendly. The bike tracks and bike paths increase all the time.
In 2017 Christchurch took out the inaugural NZ Transport Agency’s annual Favourite Places to Ride competition.
This award was in recognition of the significant investment by the Christchurch City Council and the Government in urban cycle ways.
Welcome to Christchurch the Garden City of New Zealand
Without a doubt the most scenic city in the country with its expansive parks steeped in history and suburbs of well-tended gardens, it is little wonder that Christchurch has laid claim to this title for a hundred years.
Traditional streets and buildings many of them restored to take you back to a very English heritage, now a magnificent city of colours and seasons that may well also claim a title of being ecofriendly in the future.
The Godley Head WWII coastal defence battery sits atop sheer 120 metre-high cliffs. Built in 1939, it is ranked in the top ten New Zealand coastal defence heritage sites.
Christchurch Hagley Park
Hagley Park has been at the heart of Christchurch since the 1850s when it was set aside for the enjoyment of Christchurch residents.
Our Park was named after Hagley Park, the country estate of Lord Lyttelton, who became chairman of the Canterbury Association in March 1850.
Today, it is the most significant central city park, offering a diverse range of entertainment and recreational facilities close to the city centre.
Explore Banks Peninsula’s largest reserve of land now regenerated as stunning native forest with sweeping views over the Otanerito valley.
Hinewai Reserve lies a short drive east of Akaroa and sprawls across more than 1250 hectares.
It is a forested conservation reserve that is privately-owned and managed by the Maurice White Native Forest Trust, but it welcomes visitors on foot year-round.
Horseshoe Lake Reserve Christchurch
Horseshoe Lake Reserve or Waikākāriki as it was once called is a beautiful and peaceful wetland reserve, with a small wooden jetty on the lake located at the carpark off Lake Terrace Road.
Feeding the Ducks, Geese and Swans is a favourite for a lot of families "just don't feed them up close to the road".
Kaituna Valley Scenic Reserve
If you want a tranquil spot for a family picnic then head to Kaituna Valley Scenic Reserve. It has a large picnic area, a stream where the kids can splash about, and a short walking track that is ideal for families with young children.
A little further up the valley is the start of the Kaituna Valley Packhorse Hut Track. This 4km track ambles through pasture and then forest, crossing the valley stream several times.
Welcome to Margaret Mahy Family Playground Christchurch “It’s Free”
This Christchurch playground is without doubt a great asset for the garden city, understood to be perhaps the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. Located next to the Christchurch Avon River or "Ōtākaro" and an easy walk from centre of the city.
It is a must to visit if you have children as it has plenty for them to do and a lot of it you can join in with them as well, we are talking serious fun for the kids and they won’t want to leave.
New Brighton has seen two piers in its time. The original one was of wooden construction, opened on 18 January 1894 and was pulled down October 1965. This pier was 700 feet (210 m) long. At one stage the pier had a “penny arcade” full of games and amusements along the traditional British style of pier. Also a popular nightclub called the Shoreline was situated at the shore end of the pier where the library now sits.
Rakaia Gorge Walkway Christchurch New Zealand a spectacular walk.
This walkway offers several geological and historic features as it traverses the edge of the Rakaia Gorge.
This walkway takes you through a number of forest and bush areas and then rises on the track amoungst gorse along the old ferryman's track.
Continue along one of several glacial and river-carved terraces to a lookout point (for around 50 minutes depending on your speed)
Rāpaki Track Christchurch
Popular Christchurch walk and cycle this is a shared track with plenty of space to accommodate both bikes, walkers and the occasional 4WD.
Entry via Rapaki Road takes you up to the top of Witch Hill on the Port Hills over a mixed surface track that ends up on the Summit Road.
Although regarded as an easy walk this is still a good work out and if your not used to walking up hill it's one of those walks you may well say are we there yet!.
Welcome to The Riccarton Sunday Market Christchurch
Something for everyone and everything for someone, Christchurch’s Largest Market with up to 10,000 people per day!
Sunday fun for the whole family with over 200 stalls to explore or haggle at. Bring the family for a great day of free entertainment at the Riccarton Market Christchurch.
Vendors are there selling a wide variety of goods, from fresh fruit and vegetables to second-hand goods, furniture, clothing, art, plants and trees, food and beverages, you name it the market will have it!
In the ZONE River Road Walk
If you enjoy a walk with scenery and haven’t tried the River Road section yet it is worth having a wander.
Starting at Fitzgerald Avenue and ending at Dallington Terrace is a walk of hidden gems such as Letterbox Love, River Retreat, fruit trees, Playground with a Toddlers pool and a community garden all part of the Red Zone.
As you near the cleared land area, it has a park like look about it you can see the love that has gone into making this vast area something special.
Templars Island
Along the south side of the Waimakariri River, Templars Island is a peaceful escape from city life with more than 40 native plant species to be found beneath the exotic river control plantings.
Go nature walking, bird watching, swimming or take a picnic and watch the world go by.
The Christchurch Slackline Group
Christchurch has a group that is interested in Longlines, Tricklines, Highlines, Waterlines, blind walking, rodeo, yoga, acrobatics.
They have a have a Slackpark in City Centre at the below location.
They also frequent North Hagley Park next to the lake however tree protection is required in the parks.
195 Hereford Street.
Contact can be made on their facebook page.
The Timeball Station
The Timeball Station in Lyttelton, Christchurch New Zealand, was one of only five in the world known to be still in working order.
It was constructed in 1876 and from 1876 to 1934 a ball dropped from its mast on its stone tower, signalling the time to ships in Lyttelton Harbour.
