Outdoor activities

Bike riding

Always a favourite in Christchurch. Cycle in North Hagley Park or along the Esplanade in Sumner. Take your BMX bike to Crosbie Park on Apsley Drive, Flay Park on Grahams Road, or Craighead reserve in Northcote Road. There is also a track in Hall Street, Kaiapoi. Remember to wear a helmet!

Boating on the Avon

Very relaxing on a fine day! Hire a canoe or paddleboat at the Antigua Boatsheds then stop at the nearby café for refreshments. Open daily.

Caterpillar Garden Tours

Discover Christchurch’s Botanic Gardens from a whole new perspective! You can enjoy a professionally guided tour and have a hop on-hop off option – not a bad idea if you have little ones who may be getting a bit tired (the gardens span an area of 21 hectares). Special rates for locals; under-fives free. Details at www.gardentour.co.nz.

Conservatory Complex

Situated within the Botanic Gardens, this complex is an interesting place for the family to visit, from Cunningham House, with its humid atmosphere and jungle-like vegetation to Gilpin House, venue for 300 species of succulents. The complex is close to the children’s playground, and in front of the rose garden. Signposts within the gardens will direct you if you are unsure. Open from 10.15am. Phone 03-366-1701.

Dyslexia Discovery Exhibit

A fascinating outdoor gallery experience in the heart of the cultural precinct. Various elements have been created to several exciting sculptures, including a steel plasma-cut ribbon of words that wind their way through the exhibition area. View Free Flight, which allows visitors to touch and climb, and see Ron’s Shoes, plus more. Situated in the garden at 21 Worcester Boulevard, opposite The Arts Centre.

Feed the ducks

How about taking some bread along to feed the ducks in the Avon River? The river winds its way around the north end of Hagley Park then meanders through the city. There are benches on the riverbanks where families can enjoy a sunny day and watch the world go by.

Ferrymead Heritage Park

Take a steam train or a tram ride from a small railway station into the historic village. Visit the restored buildings and attractions such as the working bakery, a rural museum and Harrington’s Cooperage. There are places to buy food and gifts. Easy terrain for pushchairs although some buildings do have steps. At 269 Bridle Path Road, Ferrymead. Phone 03-384-1970 or visit www.ferrymead.org.nz. Entry fee applies.

Gethsemane Gardens

A unique area described as a romantic garden with a Christian theme. Gorgeous display gardens with magnificent views. Open every day except Christmas Day and Good Friday from 9am to 5pm for self-guided tours. The large Noah’s ark and the St Cecilia Chapel are used for functions and are amazing to see. At 27 Revelation Drive, Redcliffs. www.gethsemanegardens.co.nz.

McLeans Island Road Trail

Try this great new cycle trail, designed for fun and excitement – the perfect way to get in some quality family time and keep fit, too! McLeans Island Road, off Johns Road, opposite Orana Wildlife Park.

Model Engineering

Canterbury Society of Model and Experimental Engineers run their models on the first and third Sundays of each month (subject to weather), from 1pm – 4pm. View locomotives, traction engines and sailing model boats. Halswell Domain, off Halswell Rd. Very small charge for rides. Information at www.csmee.org.nz.

Mountain biking

More strenuous, but a good way to get fit. The Port Hills offer a great range of different tracks, including one at Godley Head. To get there, starting from Sumner, head up Wakefield Avenue and Evans Pass Road, turn left onto Godley Head Road. After the cattle stop you can depart from the tar seal. Hop onto the track above the road to Breeze Col. From Breeze Col you can do a loop track passing through the car park at Godley Head, and coming back around the hill. Once back at Breeze Col, you can return by road or bike down the track to Taylors Mistake.

Orana Wildlife Park

New Zealand’s largest wildlife and conservation centre and open range zoo. There are more than 400 animals to see, including giraffe, cheetah and lions, as well as our native species such as kiwi. Wildlife commentary provided in the complimentary safari shuttle. Open daily 10am – 5pm. Admission fee applies, with student and family concessions. At McLeans Island Road, Harewood. Phone 03-359-7109; www.oranawildlifepark.co.nz.

Orbiter Bus Service

Travel around the suburbs for a small price. This is a relaxing way to avoid the city centre and do some sightseeing along the way. The Orbiter travels between Northlands Mall, Princess Margaret Hospital, The Palms Shopping Centre and other malls as well. Children under five free.

Orienteering at Spencer Park

Great activity for all ages! Learn to navigate your way through the terrain, use your brain and brush up on your map reading skills. Wear good walking shoes and take a jacket and water bottle. Maps are available from the camp shop at the park, seven days a week, at $3 per map. www.ccc.govt.nz.

Petanque Courts

A game with a difference, suitable for all ages and abilities. If you have a set of petanque balls, get out and visit one of the public petanque courts around town. See the sport and recreation guide at www.ccc.govt.nz for details.

Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf

This pirate-themed mini golf course has been a popular destination for families and is suitable for all ages and abilities. Putt past waterfalls and across a pirate ship! Roydvale Avenue, Burnside.

Sailboats on Lake Victoria

Weather dependent. Radio controlled model sailboats provide an interesting spectator sport for all ages. Most have been handmade by their owner-operators who are members of the Christchurch Model Yacht Club. Lake Victoria is in North Hagley Park, with parking available. View the model yachts on Wednesdays from around 10am – 3pm and on Saturdays from 1pm.

Shuttle Bus Service

A great free way to get out and about in the city centre. The bright yellow Shuttle makes 22 stops, including the Christchurch Casino, Town Hall, Victoria Square, Cashel Mall, South City, Smiths City and Hoyts. The vehicles have super-low floor access and wide doors at both front and rear, making them particularly suitable for disabled passengers.

Skateboarding

There are about 15 skateboard parks throughout Christchurch. Find them in places such as Linwood Park in Aldwins Road, Hoon Hay Park in Mathers Road, or in Templeton Domain in Kirk Road, Templeton. There’s also Washington Reserve on Moorhouse Avenue and the Jellie Park skateboard area in Greers Road.

Tennis Courts

Many of the Christchurch City Council parks have tennis facilities. Take racquets and a ball and enjoy the fresh air. Good for a warm summer’s evening or even on a fine winter’s day. Try Avondale Park on Woolley Street, Jeffreys Reserve, or Hillsborough Park. Further out you can go to Spencer Park or Templeton Domain.

Tiptree Cob Cottage

Something really interesting for the older child – life and living without the mod cons we take for granted. The cottage was built in 1862 and has been restored and is furnished in keeping with the era. Look out for the original clock. At Savills Road, signposted from Pound Road, behind Christchurch International Airport. Open the second Sunday of the month from 1.30 – 4pm. Children accompanied by an adult free. Enquiries: 03-342-9175.

Westburn Reserve – learn to cycle area

Teach the littlies how to be smart on our roads – a fun way to learn the basics of road safety. Complete with roundabouts, a one-lane bridge, S-bends and a railway crossing. Westburn Terrace, Burnside.

Wild West Mini Golf

Yeehaa and howdy partners! Wild West has two courses for your family entertainment – a 3D glow in the dark indoor course and a Wild West adventure outdoor course, so you are covered whatever the weather. Don’t forget the Young Guns Shooting Gallery, where all sorts of weird and unusual creatures can be found. At 455 Blenheim Rd, phone 03-343-2005. See ya’ll there!

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

Experience New Zealand wildlife and feed the farm animals too. Open daily from 10am. Picnic areas and a café on site. Admission fees apply, with student and family passes available. At Hussey Road, Harewood. Phone 03-359-6226.