Exploring the lush landscapes, quaint towns, and unique attractions around Christchurch is a fantastic way for families to bond and create memories. With everything from beaches to alpine experiences, Christchurch offers a range of delightful day trips that are easy to navigate with kids and enjoyable for adults. Here’s a closer look at three family-friendly excursions, each offering fun, discovery, and a touch of New Zealand’s incredible natural beauty. To make things even easier, our travel arrangements were courtesy of Christchurch Bus and Coach Hire, providing a convenient and comfortable way to get around.
A Coastal Adventure to Akaroa
Just 90 minutes from Christchurch, Akaroa is a charming French-inspired town on the Banks Peninsula and a perfect day-trip destination for families. Known for its colorful colonial architecture and stunning coastal scenery, Akaroa offers a combination of historical attractions and outdoor activities for kids and adults alike.
Upon arrival, families can stroll along the quaint streets lined with cafés, bakeries, and small shops filled with local artisan goods. The children will love exploring the town, spotting its French street names, and sampling the treats at the bakeries. After some exploration, a visit to the Akaroa Museum offers a fascinating look into the town’s unique French and Māori heritage, with exhibitions that give children an engaging history lesson.
However, the real highlight for many families is the opportunity to get out on the water. Akaroa Harbour is known for its rich marine life, including the rare Hector’s dolphins only found in New Zealand. Several local operators offer family-friendly cruises, allowing everyone to spot dolphins, seals, and penguins in their natural habitats. Kayak rentals are also available for families with older kids looking for more adventure and independence on the water. Afterward, a picnic at Akaroa’s waterfront or a quick swim at the beach wraps up the day perfectly before heading back to Christchurch.
Snow Play and Scenic Vistas at Arthur’s Pass
For families visiting in the colder months or those eager for an alpine experience, Arthur’s Pass National Park provides a winter wonderland just two hours from Christchurch. This scenic national park has an abundance of kid-friendly hiking trails, scenic spots, and, in winter, accessible snow play areas that make it a memorable outing for all ages.
The drive is part of the experience, taking families through the Canterbury Plains and past dramatic mountains and valleys. Arthur’s Pass Village, nestled in the heart of the national park, is a convenient starting point for exploring the park. Families with young children can enjoy easy trails like the Devil’s Punchbowl Walk, which leads to a beautiful 131-meter waterfall and is accessible enough for kids while offering plenty of “wow” factor.
In the winter, this area becomes a snowy playground where kids can build snowmen, have snowball fights, or try sledding in designated areas. Several local tour operators offer snowshoeing experiences for families seeking more adventure, adding an extra layer of excitement to exploring the mountain terrain. After an active day, Arthur’s Pass has a few cozy spots to warm up and grab a hot chocolate or some hearty food before the scenic journey back to Christchurch.
Hanmer Springs for Relaxation and Play
Nestled in the mountains about an hour and a half north of Christchurch, Hanmer Springs is an idyllic getaway known for its thermal pools, kid-friendly activities, and tranquil surroundings. It’s ideal for families looking to combine relaxation with recreation, with attractions that suit toddlers and teenagers.
The main draw here is the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa, a family favorite with its array of hot pools, water slides, and even a lazy river. Parents can relax in the naturally heated pools while kids splash around in the more lively areas, including water slides and play areas designed specifically for children. For families traveling with infants or toddlers, the thermal resort even has shallower pools at safe temperatures for little ones.
Beyond the pools, Hanmer Springs offers plenty of outdoor activities. Families can rent bikes to explore the town’s network of bike trails or stroll through the scenic Hanmer Forest, which has easy walking trails perfect for little feet. For something unique, horse treks and mini golf are popular options that provide fun for all ages. Those seeking a more adventurous twist can try jet boating on the Waiau River or explore the nearby Conical Hill. This lookout rewards families with panoramic views of the entire Hanmer Basin.
As an added benefit, the town is home to various family-friendly cafés and eateries where everyone can enjoy a meal after a busy day. The return trip to Christchurch is relaxing, making it easy for the kids to unwind or nap on the way home.
With each of these family-friendly day trips, Christchurch offers a diverse range of experiences that cater to families of all sizes and interests. From playful beachside adventures in Akaroa to winter escapades in Arthur’s Pass and rejuvenating hot springs in Hanmer Springs, these day trips create lasting memories and offer a well-rounded look at the beautiful regions around Christchurch.
Published by: Josh Tatunay
