Free Things To Do In Christchurch – Top 20 Activities
Updated: 10th October 2025
Free Things to Do in Christchurch – Top 20 Activities
Christchurch has plenty of free and low-cost picks: garden and river walks, coastal lookouts, street art and family parks. Most take 30–90 minutes, with start points near the CBD or bus routes—perfect for a half-day on a budget.
Timed routes, easy walks & lookouts in Christchurch (free & $0–$15)
Christchurch is an easy city to explore on a budget. The best free and low-cost picks cluster around the CBD, Hagley Park, the Avon River, the Port Hills and the coast—so you can stack two or three in a morning or afternoon without much travel time. Most options here take 30–90 minutes and note where to start, time needed, and why it’s worth it.
Getting around is simple: many starts are walkable from the CBD or a short bus ride away; coastal and hill spots usually have free parking nearby (arrive early on sunny weekends). Weather can flip quickly—pack layers, sun protection, and grippy shoes; after rain, shaded tracks can be slick. For coastal walks, check tide times and expect wind on exposed headlands.
A few quick notes for a smooth day out:
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Family-friendly: flat lakefront/river paths and playgrounds are ideal; turn back when kids tire.
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Accessibility: city promenades and the Botanic Gardens loop have long, flat sections suitable for prams and most wheelchairs.
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Etiquette: share paths with bikes/runners, take rubbish with you, and keep to marked tracks to protect dunes and bush.
Below you’ll find our 20 best free & $0–$15 picks—each with a simple start point, realistic timing, and a highlight to help you choose fast.
Free & $0–$15 Things to Do in Christchurch (Top 20)
1) Christchurch Botanic Gardens (Loop)
Cost: Free
Overview: A calm, flat wander through heritage trees, themed gardens and riverside lawns right beside the CBD. Easy to tailor for a quick breather or a longer circuit with photo stops.
Stats: 45–75 mins • Flat sealed/gravel paths • Start: Armagh St or Rolleston Ave gates
Best time: Early/late for soft light; spring blooms and autumn colour are spectacular
Tips: Benches and shade are plentiful; add the rose garden in season
Safety: Boardwalks/bridges can be slick after rain; share paths with bikes and runners
Highlights:
- Heritage trees and riverside vistas
- Seasonal displays (roses, daffodils, blossom)
- Easy loop minutes from Cathedral Square
2) Avon River Promenade & Hagley Park
Cost: Free
Overview: Drift alongside willows and bridges from the park edge toward the city—pram-friendly and dotted with cafés.
Stats: 30–60 mins (choose your length) • Flat sealed paths • Start: Antigua Boatsheds or Worcester Blvd
Best time: Late afternoon for golden light on the water
Tips: Combine with a short gardens detour; café stops along The Terrace
Safety: Boardwalk edges for kids; scooters/cycles share parts of the path
Highlights:
- Classic willow-lined river scenes
- Easy city access and facilities
- Photo stops on historic bridges
3) Christchurch Art Gallery (Te Puna o Waiwhetū) – Free Entry
Cost: Free
Overview: Bold, rotating exhibitions inside a striking glass building—perfect cultural reset between walks.
Stats: 40–60 mins • Indoors • Start: Montreal St (CBD)
Best time: Mornings are quieter; check foyer installations
Tips: Pair with the street art trail nearby; check what’s on before you arrive
Safety: Standard gallery etiquette; keep bags close around sculptures
Highlights:
- Quality contemporary & classic NZ art
- Iconic architecture
- Free, central and weather-proof
4) CBD Street Art Trail
Cost: Free
Overview: A self-guided loop through laneways and city blocks featuring large-scale murals and quirky installations.
Stats: 45–90 mins • Flat city streets • Start: High St / Lichfield St area
Best time: Late afternoon/early evening for softer light and fewer glare issues
Tips: Bring a camera; loop via The Terrace and Cathedral Square
Safety: Watch driveways and tram lines; cross at lights
Highlights:
- Ever-changing murals after the rebuild
- Easy add-on to any CBD stroll
- Great backdrops for photos
5) New Brighton Pier & Beach
Cost: Free
Overview: Long beach walks and pier perspectives with a laid-back surf vibe—sunrise and sunset are standouts.
Stats: 45–90 mins • Flat promenade/sand • Start: Marine Parade, New Brighton
Best time: Sunrise for colour, sunset for silhouettes
Tips: Playgrounds nearby; hot pools next door if you want a paid warm-up after
Safety: Strong winds and waves on exposed days; supervise kids on the pier
Highlights:
- Iconic concrete pier viewpoints
- Big-sky ocean horizons
- Easy family add-ons and facilities
6) Sumner–Scarborough Esplanade (with Cave Rock at Low Tide)
Cost: Free
Overview: A scenic seaside promenade linking cafés, rock pools and the headland—flat and family-friendly.
Stats: 45–75 mins • Flat promenade • Start: Sumner village esplanade
Best time: Low tide for Cave Rock and rock pools; golden hour for photos
Tips: Check tides; grab a coffee in the village and wander
Safety: Occasional wave splash on windy days; wet rocks can be slippery
Highlights:
- Flat coastal walk with café stops
- Cave Rock and rock pools at low tide
- Views to Scarborough Head
7) Godley Head (Short Coastal Section)
Cost: Free
Overview: Sample the clifftop track for huge harbour and ocean views without committing to the full loop.
Stats: 60–90 mins out-and-back • Undulating farm track • Start: Godley Head carpark (end of Summit Rd)
Best time: Clear, calm days for long views; mornings for fewer crowds
Tips: Wind layer and hat clip; stay behind fences near cliffs
Safety: Exposed to wind; keep children well inside the track line
Highlights:
- WWII relics and coastal panoramas
- Big scenery for a modest time investment
- Frequent seabird sightings
8) Victoria Park Lookouts (Port Hills)
Cost: Free
Overview: Short tracks deliver instant city-and-Alps vistas—great payoff if you’re short on time.
Stats: 45–75 mins • Gravel paths with gentle gradients • Start: Victoria Park carpark (near Sign of the Takahe)
Best time: Clear afternoons for Alps silhouettes; evenings for city lights
Tips: Picnic tables in sheltered spots; combine with a quick detour to Sign of the Kiwi
Safety: Can be breezy; secure hats and mind uneven gravel
Highlights:
- Wide views over Christchurch and the Plains
- Easy, modular lookouts
- Close to the city but feels alpine
9) Mona Vale Gardens
Cost: Free
Overview: Manicured lawns, roses and riverside bridges in a stately garden setting—compact, photogenic and calm.
Stats: 30–60 mins • Flat paths • Start: Fendalton Rd / Mona Vale Ave
Best time: Spring blossom / summer roses; golden hour any season
Tips: Pack a picnic; pair with the Botanic Gardens loop
Safety: Boardwalk/bridge edges with kids
Highlights:
- Classic gardens and heritage homestead setting
- Easy riverside photo spots
- Close to Hagley Park
10) Riccarton Bush & Deans Cottage grounds
Cost: Free (grounds); bush boardwalk free access
Overview: A rare native bush remnant beside the city, with short, shady boardwalk loops and early-settler history next door.
Stats: 30–60 mins • Flat boardwalk • Start: Kahu Rd, Riccarton
Best time: Mid-morning for birdsong; cool on hot days
Tips: Weekend market nearby (check days/times)
Safety: Boardwalks can be slick after rain
Highlights:
- Podocarp forest within city limits
- Easy nature hit for families
- Heritage cottage setting
11) Victoria Square & Bridge of Remembrance
Cost: Free
Overview: Restored riverside square with sculptures, lawns and flower beds—link it to the historic memorial bridge for classic city scenes.
Stats: 30–45 mins • Flat city paths • Start: Colombo St / Armagh St
Best time: Late afternoon light on the river
Tips: Loop to The Terrace for coffee or lunch
Safety: Standard city crossings; mind tram lines elsewhere
Highlights:
- Peaceful green space in the CBD
- Sculptures and formal gardens
- Iconic memorial bridge photos
12) New Regent Street (heritage browse)
Cost: Free
Overview: Pastel Spanish Mission shopfronts with the clatter of the tram—short, atmospheric browse and easy photos.
Stats: 20–40 mins • Flat street • Start: New Regent St (CBD)
Best time: Golden hour for colour; evening lights for ambience
Tips: Combine with Cathedral Square and street art nearby
Safety: Watch tram tracks underfoot
Highlights:
- Photogenic heritage arcade
- Cafés for a quick stop
- Central and easy to add
13) 185 Empty Chairs Memorial
Cost: Free
Overview: A moving artwork commemorating the 2011 earthquake—simple, powerful and best visited quietly.
Stats: 15–25 mins • Flat site • Start: Cashel St & Madras St
Best time: Quieter times for reflection
Tips: Pair with nearby street art walk
Safety: Be respectful; it’s a memorial space
Highlights:
- Thought-provoking temporary installation
- Central-city context to the rebuild
- Short, meaningful stop
14) Rapaki Track (partial to a viewpoint)
Cost: Free
Overview: A wide, steady climb on a historic route to big harbour views—turn back whenever you’re ready.
Stats: 60–90 mins return • Gravel 4WD track • Start: Rapaki Rd, Hillsborough
Best time: Early morning for shade and calm
Tips: No shade; take water and a hat
Safety: Exposed in wind; bikes share the track
Highlights:
- Huge views for modest effort
- Straightforward navigation
- Popular local favourite
15) Bridle Path (partial) from the Gondola base
Cost: Free
Overview: Steep, historic climb with fast pay-off—reach the saddle for Lyttelton Harbour and plains views, then return.
Stats: 60–90 mins return • Steep gravel • Start: Bridle Path Rd (Heathcote/Gondola base)
Best time: Cooler parts of the day
Tips: Grippy shoes; poles help on the descent
Safety: Exposed and can be windy; manage footing
Highlights:
- Historic route with storyboards
- Harbour-and-city panoramas
- Quick-win workout
16) Bottle Lake Forest Park (pine loops & dunes)
Cost: Free
Overview: Sheltered pine trails with a choose-your-length network and glimpses toward the coast and dunes.
Stats: 45–90 mins • Flat forest tracks • Start: Waitikiri Dr carpark
Best time: Breezy days (forest is sheltered)
Tips: Follow marked trails; insect repellent in summer
Safety: Share paths with bikes; watch sandy corners
Highlights:
- Cool, calm forest walking close to town
- Family-friendly loops
- Year-round option
17) Travis Wetland boardwalk
Cost: Free
Overview: An urban wetland with boardwalks, birdlife and big-sky views—peaceful and open.
Stats: 40–70 mins • Flat paths/boardwalks • Start: Travis Rd carpark
Best time: Morning for birds; sunset skies are lovely
Tips: Bring binoculars; can be damp after rain
Safety: Keep to boardwalks; supervise kids near water
Highlights:
- Birdwatching near the city
- Easy-access nature walk
- Wide open outlooks
18) The Groynes Park (lakes & picnic loops)
Cost: Free
Overview: Family-friendly lakeside paths, footbridges and picnic lawns—easy to while away an hour or two.
Stats: 45–90 mins • Flat sealed/gravel • Start: Johns Rd (SH1), NW of city
Best time: Weekdays for quieter paths
Tips: Take a ball or frisbee; plenty of space for play
Safety: Supervise kids near water; waterfowl on paths
Highlights:
- Spacious parkland setting
- Simple loop options
- Great picnic destination
19) Tūranga (Central Library) – architecture & views
Cost: Free
Overview: Striking contemporary library with airy spaces, exhibitions and family zones—great rainy-day pause.
Stats: 30–60 mins • Indoors • Start: Cathedral Square (CBD)
Best time: Mid-morning calm; check what’s on
Tips: Explore upper levels for views and makerspaces
Safety: Standard library etiquette
Highlights:
- Award-winning architecture
- Free exhibits and creative spaces
- Central, weather-proof stop
20) Air Force Museum of New Zealand (free entry)
Cost: Free (donations welcome)
Overview: Hangars of historic aircraft and immersive displays—surprisingly big, engaging and family-friendly.
Stats: 60–90 mins • Indoors • Start: Harvard Ave, Wigram
Best time: Morning for quieter galleries
Tips: Check opening hours before you go
Safety: Mind barriers around exhibits; supervise kids
Highlights:
- Large collection of NZ aviation history
- Interactive, educational displays
- Excellent value (free entry)
Upgrade Your Christchurch Day: add an unforgettable highlight
Free moments sorted—now choose one paid signature to make the day truly memorable. Aim for a single “hero” experience (most start in the morning or run half/full day), then build easy free time around it. Check Out: Things to do in Christchurch Sightseeing Tours & Activities
Great picks (choose one):
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Alpine Jet (Waimakariri) — 60–90 mins of high-impact jet-boating close to town; fast turns, canyon views, big grin factor.
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Christchurch Gondola & Tram — classic city + Port Hills vistas; flexible timing and easy logistics.
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Banks Peninsula wildlife cruise (Akaroa) — dolphins, sea cliffs, sea caves; typically a half-day from Akaroa (allow drive time).
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TranzAlpine scenic rail — bucket-list full-day through the Southern Alps.
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International Antarctic Centre — indoor, weather-proof experiences; 1.5–2.5 hours.
Booking tips:
- Pick one highlight per day; most depart in the morning.
- Pre-book in peak seasons and check shuttle options if you’re car-free.
- Have a light weather backup (e.g., gallery or library) in case conditions change.
FAQ Questions about Christchurch
What are the best free things to do in Christchurch?
Start with the Botanic Gardens and Avon River promenade, then add a short lookout (Port Hills/Victoria Park) or a coastal walk at Sumner or New Brighton. Most take 30–90 minutes and are easy to stack into a half-day.
Are there free things to do year-round?
Yes. Gardens and river paths, street art, city squares, playgrounds, and short hill/coastal walks are free in all seasons. Pack layers—weather changes quickly—and check track notices after heavy rain.
Cheap things to do (under $15)?
Keep costs low with bus hops to trailheads or the coast, frisbee-golf in the gardens (bring a disc), and occasional markets/community events. Pair one low-cost pick with a free walk + lookout for a great half-day.
Family-friendly free options?
Plenty: flat river/lakefront paths, Botanic Gardens loop, Margaret Mahy Playground, and short view tracks (turn back when kids tire). Aim for 30–60 minute bites, carry snacks, and bring a warm layer.
How much time should I allow for free activities?
Plan 30–90 minutes per pick including photos. A simple half-day: Gardens loop → Avon River stroll → Port Hills lookout. For a coastal version: Sumner esplanade → New Brighton Pier.
Rainy-day ideas on a budget?
Try Christchurch Art Gallery (free entry) or Tūranga (Central Library) for architecture, exhibitions and family spaces. Between showers, dip into covered arcades and short CBD street-art clusters.
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