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Christchurch
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Accommodation |
Parks and Walks
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Things to do
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Shopping
| Doctors | Cafes
and Wineries |
Car rentals
- Christchurch is known as the
'Garden City' of the south. With beautiful Hagley Park and the
Avon River running through the city, young and old can enjoy its
striking beauty. Take time here to enjoy the many
wonderful park areas and family friendly activities this city
has to offer.
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These beautiful old
trams have been restored and now take visitors
around central part of Christchurch city. The driver
gives a very informative tour and this is well worth
doing while visiting Christchurch. |
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- Two great places to visit while in the area
are Lyttelton and Akaroa.
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- Lyttlelton Harbour saw the first four ships
carrying European settlers to New Zealand as early as 1850. The
harbour is still used as Christchurch's
main port.
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- Akaroa has a real French feel to it and French is
still spoken in this village. Back in the 1800's a french sea
captain bought land on Banks Peninsula and so this is how it got
its French flair.
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- If you would like to go further afield from
Christchurch, try a drive, coachliner or shuttle from here to
the Greymouth on the West
Coast. From Christchurch you cross Arthurs Pass via
Lake
Brunner.
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Accommodation
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- We have a great list of
family-friendly accommodation in Christchurch. To find out more
click here.
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Parks and walks
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Hagley Park is
Christchurch's best known park and at 160 hectares is its
largest. This is a great place to run, ride bikes with the
kids or take a leisurely walk. With its large oak trees and
large open areas its a real gem.
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- The
Botanical Gardens
are approximately 30 hectares in size and have a large range
of New Zealand natives and other exotic plants. A children's
playground is located at the northern end of the gardens and
within the Avon River loop walk. In summer enjoy the paddling
pool and other large open areas to picnic in.
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Abberley Park has a children's playground and has great paths to wander,
along with an attractive stream and mature trees.
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- The Sister Cities
Gardens were opened in February 2001 and offer an
insight into Christchurch's sister cities. Picnic facilities
are available as well as interesting walks on this 55 hectare
site.
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Avebury Park
has a children's paddling pool and playground with large
mature trees to shelter children in the hot summer sun. Great
for a refreshing walk in winter too!
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Risingholme
has good facilities with a children's playground, toilets and
drinking fountain.
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Woodham Park
has a sheltered children's playground with paddling pool. It
also boasts an aviary to delight the children.
Ötukaikino (Christchurch)
is a 30 minutes return walk.
Ötukaikino is a freshwater wetland full of ducks, at
the Belfast end of the Northern Motorway.
The flat boardwalk track is great
for strollers.
Godley Head gun emplacements (Port Hills)
is a 30 minutes return walk. From Sumner or Lyttelton
take the Summit Road out to Godley Head. Explore around the old gun
emplacements and underground magazines - brave children with a torch
can also go in the blast tunnel.
Further afield
Kaitorete Spit
(Banks Peninsula) - Time to explore
The spit is a thin strip of land that separates Lake
Ellesmere/Te Waihora from the stormy waters of the Pacific Ocean.
It’s got a stony beach which children love, sand dunes, lizards and
katipo spiders. About 45 km from Christchurch on SH75 at Birdlings
Flat, turn onto Bayley Road for 10 km to a remote beach access
point.
Big Tree Walk (Peel Forest) - 20
minutes
Big Tree Walk is OK for both prams
and wheelchairs and starts from the Te Wanahu picnic shelter
(toilets here). Three panels ask walkers to decide whether the
chiefly trees they meet along the way are kahikatea or tötara.
The turnoff to Peel
Forest leaves State Highway 72 about 12 km north of Geraldine, and
it’s about 18 km to Peel Forest from the turnoff. (two hours drive
from Christchurch).
Old Coach Road (Arthur’s Pass National Park) -
30 minutes return
This walk starts at Greyneys Shelter 6 km east of
Arthur’s Pass Village on SH 73 (two hours drive from Christchurch)
and is OK for all-terrain buggies. It loops through the beech forest
and at the northern
end there is a rope handrail - shut your eyes and use your other
senses to find your way.
Kura Täwhiti Conservation Area -
10 minutes along access track,
plus plenty of time to explore!
Located beside SH 73, about
80 minutes drive from
Christchurch, the short walk into the reserve is across private
paddocks. Kura Täwhiti is an ideal place for exploring and
picnicking, with many informal trails running between the
spectacular, limestone, rock formations.
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Things to do in Christchurch
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Attractions |
Cinemas |
Ice skating and skiing
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Skatebroad Parks |
Tours
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Movie Cinemas
- Hoyts Cinemas
- Northlands Mall, Christchurch.
- Ph: 03 366
6367
- Web:
www.hoyts.co.nz
- Enjoy the latest movies with your family at
Hoyts. Check daily papers, phone, or website for what's showing
and when.
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- Hoyts Cinemas
- 392 Moorhouse Ave, Christchurch.
- Ph:
03 366 6367 Web:
www.hoyts.co.nz
- Enjoy the latest movies with your family at
Hoyts. Check daily papers, phone, or website for what's showing
and when.
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Attractions:
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Southern Encounter
Aquarium & Kiwi House
- 33 Cathedral Square, Christchurch City.
Phone: 03 359 7109 Web:
www.southerncounter.co.nz
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Orana
Wildlife Park
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McLeans
Island Road, Harewood, Christchurch. Ph 03 359
7109 Web:
www.oranawildlifepark.co.nz
- Orana Park is a wildlife park with farm
animals for the children to pat and feed.
Orana Wildlife Park
is New Zealand’s only open range zoo.
- Christchurch Tramway
- Cathedral Junction, Christchurch Phone: 03 366 7830 Email:
tram@tram.co.nz Web:
www.tram.co.nz
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- Christchurch Gondola
- Ph: 03 384 0700 email:
gondola@co.nz web:
www.gondola.co.nz
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- Weka Pass Railway
Waipara (30 minutes from Christchurch)
Ph: 03 962 2999
Web www.wekapassrailway.co.nz
Email:
info@wekapassrailway.co.nz
The Weka Pass Railway is a historic rural railway using both
vintage steam and diesel-electric locomotives on 12.8 km of
scenic line through the unique limestone beauty of the Weka Pass
out of Waipara, where superior weather patterns provide crystal
clear air and high sunshine hours. The Weka Pass Railway is a
totally voluntary organisation, whose members are dedicated to
the preservation of New Zealand's rail heritage. Trains are
generally run on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month.
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- Other attractions in
the area:
- Christchurch has many other attractions
that you can take your children to, including the interactive
science museum -
Science Alive
(
www.sciencealive.co.nz )and the
International Antarctic Centre (www.iceberg.co.nz) near the Christchurch Airport.
Or take them on a tour of the city centre on the trams,
where you get to learn about Christchurch's history and have a
very enjoyable ride as well.
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- Head off to New Brighton and take in many
of its beautiful attractions, don't forget to take a
walk along its 300 metre pier!
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Ice Skating
and skiing
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Alpine Ice Sport and Entertainment
Centre
Although there
aren't any ski fields in Christchurch, the
city is the gateway to a large number of ski
fields throughout the Canterbury region.
For those
interested in skiing, the Craigieburn
Valley Ski Area is located around an
hour and a half from Christchurch. It is
suitable for intermediate to advance skiers.
For more information you can contact them on
Infoline/Bookings: 03 318 8711, via email:
ski@craigieburn.co.nz or visit their
webiste
http://www.craigieburn.co.nz/.
Hanmer
Springs Ski Area
is situated on Mt. St.
Patrick, 1850m, and is an easy 40 minutes
drive from the alpine thermal holiday resort
of Hanmer Springs. Hanmer Springs Ski Area
has 10% Beginner, 60% Intermediate and 30%
Advanced slopes. It is not a big field but
it is made up of three basins and thus has a
variety of terrain which has something for
everyone.
Phone:
027 434 1806 in season
Email:
info@skihanmer.co.nz
www.skihamner.co.nz
Mount Dobson
has well groomed slopes for the beginners &
intermediates, through to the soft and
smooth powder that will test the best, Mt
Dobson offers a challenge for all ages and
stages. Brush up old skills and learn new
ones with our international ski instructor
team – their passion for the sport is
inspiring! Try our Terrain Park, with a
variety of jumps and rails to challenge and
excite you. Ph: 03 658 8039
email:
mtdobson@xtra.co.nz
www.dobson.co.nz
Mount Lyford
Ski Field has a wide range of slopes to
suit all members of your family; 30%
beginners, 40% intermediate and 30% advance.
Ph: 03 315 6178 Email:
lyfordski@xtra.co.nz
www.mtlyford.co.nz
Mt Olympus ski area is a south facing
basin set high in the Craigieburn Range -
perfect for trapping powder dumps! 450m of
vertical drop over 60 hectares of varied
terrain provide skiing and riding from
beginner to extreme. Olympus is also the
ideal gateway to some of New Zealand's
finest touring. Ph: 03 318 0700 email:
brownlees@xtra.co.nz
www.mtolympus.co.nz
Porters
Ski Area has a
wide range of runs for all abilities.
They have gentle runs for beginners and
kids, long cruising runs for the
intermediates, and real challenges for the
advanced – and all sorts of bumps and lumps
and jumps for the boarders! Ph: 03 318
4002 Email:
info@skiporters.co.nz
www.skiporters.co.nz
Roundhill
Ski Area is situated in the heart of the
Mackenzie Country. It's all about fun, sun and
snow at Roundhill! Skiing and snowboarding
lessons for all levels and smooth trails for
beginner and intermediate skiers, there is also
the Terrain park, boxes, rails and jumps for
skiers and snowboarders. Ph: 03 680 6977 or 021
680 694 (in-season only) email:
karoline.oskar@roundhill.co.nz
www.roundhill.co.nz
Temple
Basin located on the Main Divide of the Southern Alps at
Arthur's Pass National Park. Temple Basin Ski Area covers a
great variety of terrain spread over four separate basins. There
are gentle slopes for complete beginners, adrenalin-pumping
challenges for the expert, and everything in between. Ph:
03 377 7788 Email:
info@templebasin.co.nz
www.templebasin.co.nz
Tours
New Zealand's marine and wild life is
amazing. There are many businesses that offer you the
opportunity to experience it.
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Wildlife
Cruise and Sailing |
Akaroa (near Christchurch) |
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Sail with dolphins
on New Zealand’s oldest gaffed rigged ketch,
the Fox II. Your little pirates will love
to see the wildlife up close including
seals, penguins and sea birds. They can help
crew on this eco-friendly real sailing
experience. Along the journey, you will
be surrounded by giant sea cliffs, caves and
rock formations, and then head out into the
Pacific. Learn about local history. A
guaranteed highlight that you will remember
for the rest of your life.
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Children under 12 only
$25 and under 5 are FREE! Adults $60 -
Departing 10:30am and 1:30pm every day from
Daly’s Wharf. Operates Jan-May. Book at
Christchurch or Akaroa I-Site or right on
board. Drinks and food available on
board. Licensed by DOC to see dolphins.
Charters by arrangement, 30 PAX. Fox II
Sailing Adventures Ltd. Akaroa, Phone 0800
FOXSAIL (3697245),
info@akaroafoxsail.co.nz
Website
www.akaroafoxsail.co.nz
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Akaroa Harbour
Cruises,
Main Wharf, Akaroa.
Ph: 0800 436 574
Web:
www.blackcat.co.nz
View the world's smallest dolphins. 10%
discount on a 2-hour nature cruise. Direct bookings only.
Christchurch
Wildlife Cruises
Ph:
0800 436 574
Web:
www.blackcat.co.nz
See the New Zealand dolphin - just 15 minutes
from Christchurch.
Swimming with
Dolphins
Main Wharf, Akaroa.
Ph:
0800 436 574
Web:
www.blackcat.co.nz
A unique swim with the New Zealand (Hector's)
dolphins.
Sea Cruises
Limited,
Jetty A, Port of Lyttelton.
Ph: 03 328 7720
Rentals
Airport Rentals, 530
Sawyers Arms Road, Harewood, Christchurch
Email:
info@airportrentals.co.nz
web:
http://www.airportrentals.co.nz/
Ph: 64 3 359 5123
Anzed - Car
Rentals (Christchurch)
Go Rentals
(Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch)
Skateboard
Parks
The following skateboard parks can be found
in Christchurch:
Washington Reserve, Moorhouse Ave.
Waltham Park, Waltham Road.
Hoon Hay Park,
Mathers Road.
Wycola Park,
Wycola Ave.
Brooklands Domain.
Sheldon Park, Main North Road.
Thomson Park, Marine Parade.
Cypress Gardens, Ruru road.
Bishopdale Park.
St Albans Park, Madras Street.
Jellie Park, Greers Road.
Linwood Park, Linwood Avenue.
Templeton Domain, Templeton.
Back to things to do in
Christchurch or
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Cafes and
Wineries
- The Wineshed
- Cossars Road, Tai Tapu, RD 2 Christchurch.
Ph:
03 329 6940 Email:
thewineshed@ihug.co.nz
http://www.yellow.co.nz/site/thewineshed/
- This winery welcomes families to its
restaurant with lunches in summer seven days a week and
Wednesday to Sundays in the winter.
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- Larcomb Vineyard
- Cnr Main South Road (SH 1) and Larcombs Rd,
Rolleston. Ph:
03 347 8909
- Email:
enquiries@larcomb.co.nz
- Although not special designed with children
in mind this vineyards restaurant provides a healthy children's
platter. Like all vineyard cafes and restaurants it asks that
parents supervise their children so that all patrons can enjoy
their visit and meals.
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Shopping
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The
Kite Shop
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2 Opawa Road
(cnr Opawa, Wilsons and Shakespeare Roads)
Christchurch
- Ph:
365-3907
- Email:
Julie@kites.co.nz
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http://www.kites.co.nz
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New Zealand
’s best selection of kites, windsocks and
wind toys (things that can be flung and thrown, juggled with,
bubbles, parachutes and poi). For a great creative activity for
after-school or holidays, kids of any age can come in to the
KiteShop to make and decorate their own “guaranteed to fly”
kites. Bookings required, or order kite kits on line.
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- With swimming available all year round at
Queen Elizabeth II Park or the Centennial Leisure Centre,
there is always something to do with the children. Or you
could stretch your legs by visiting one of the many
parks
around Christchurch.
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Libraries
There are many libraries throughout
Christchurch and those that cater for children are listed below:
Halswell Library,
Corner of 381 Halswell Road and Sparks Road. Phone: 03 941
7944 - pre-school story time, toilets available.
Bishopdale Library,
South end of Bishopdale Mall. Phone: 03 941 7942 - pre-school
story time, toilets available in mall.
Central City Library,
Corner of Glouscester Street and Oxford Terrace. Phone: 03 941
7923 - Ground floor : pre-schooler story time, Headstart
children's programme.
Fendalton Library,
Corner Clyde and Jeffreys Roads. Phone: 03 941 7943 - pre-school
story time, toilets and parent room available.
Sumner Library, 14
Wakefield Street. Phone: 03 941 7952 - pre-school story time,
toilets available.
St. Martins Library,
Corner Wilsons Road South and Wades Ave. Phone: 03 941 7941 -
Pre-school story time - NO toilets.
Spreydon Library,
Barrington Street, by mall. Phone: 03 941 7951 - pre-school
storytime, toilets in Barrington Park next to library.
Shirley Library,
36 Marshland Road. Phone: 03 941 7940. Pre-school storytime.
Papanui Library,
Corner Langdons Road and Restell Street. Phone: 03 941 7948.
Pre-school storytime, toilets available.
Linwood Library,
10 Cranley Street, off Linwood Avenue. Phone: 03 941 7946.
Pre-school storytime, toilets available.
Hornby Library,
Goulding Ave. Phone: 03 941 7945. Pre-school storytime, toilets
available.
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- For non-emergency:
- Hospital: Christchurch
Hospital, Riccarton Ave. 03 364 0640
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- Doctors: Moorhouse Medical and
after hours pharmacy, 3 Pilgrim Place. Phone: 03 365 7900
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- Pharmacies: Moorhouse Medical
and after hours pharmacy, 3 Pilgrim Place. Phone: 03 365 7900
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