Christchurch’s charming mix of history, nature, and modern attractions don’t need to break the bank. There are plenty of free things to do in Christchurch and we gathered them all in one place.
From beautiful parks to intriguing museums, we’ve discovered plenty of ways to enjoy the city without spending a penny.
Below, we share some of our favourite free activities in Christchurch divided into both indoor and outdoor options. Whether you’re keen on art, nature, or history, there’s something here for you.
Map of the free things to do in Christchurch
The suggested places in this article are featured on the map in red.
Our favourite free things to do in Christchurch – Indoors
Despite the fact that our preference is usually to be outdoors, we started with the indoor options, as these are the ones we are more likely to be surprised to find on a list of free activities in Christchurch.
Christchurch Art Gallery
We were impressed by the gallery’s modern architecture and impressive use of light, even before we discovered some of the impressive contemporary and traditional artworks inside.
The ever-changing exhibits include works by Henri Matisse, other international artists, and several Kiwi artists. We tend to walk through the exhibits on our own, but the Christchurch Art Gallery even offers guided tours at no charge.
The Christchurch Art Gallery is a vibrant cultural hub, and a must-see whether or not you are looking for free things to do in Christchurch.
Official website: Christchurch Art Gallery
Location: Corner Worcester Boulevard and Montreal Street
Canterbury Museum
Although the main Canterbury Museum on Rolleston Avenue is closed for redevelopment, there is a pop-up alternative on Gloucester Street. As we haven’t been through the pop-up museum yet, we can’t give you details, but we can tell you that about half of it is dedicated to the permanent gallery’s highlights, while temporary exhibitions dominate the other half.
Official website: Canterbury Museum
Location: 66 Gloucester Street on the first floor of CoCA building
Arts Centre
The Arts Centre, dating back to 1877, is the largest collection of Category 1 heritage buildings in New Zealand. Nearly all of the buildings in this former university have been reopened to the public after extensive earthquake restorations.
My highlights are the Gothic Revival architecture, the stained glass windows and The Physics Room, a gallery referred to as “experiential art spaces”. It features contemporary New Zealand artists often displaying controversial or political pieces.
Official website: Arts Centre
Location: Central city along an entire city block bounded by Worcester Boulevard, Rolleston Avenue, and Hereford and Montreal streets.
Air Force Museum
One of the fascinating free things to do in Christchurch is visiting the Air Force Museum of New Zealand. Located about a 15-minute drive from the city centre, the collection includes 20 historic aircraft, interactive exhibits, personal stories, and extensive displays of the New Zealand Air Force’s (NZAF) history including the P-3 Orion.
Don’t miss the museum’s aircraft restoration workshop where we met a few of the team of dedicated volunteers responsible for maintaining these vintage aircraft.
Official website: Air Force Museum
Location: 45 Harvard Ave, Wigram
Tūranga
Source: ChristchurchNZ
Thanks to its impressive creator spaces, this branch of the library is New Zealand’s coolest. With 3D printers, sewing and embroidery machines, an audio/video studio (for editing music), vinyl cutting, a vacuum former, a heat press, and, of course, books, we can stay for hours.
If that’s not enough, there is a cafe and two rooftop gardens where we can enjoy the city sights.
Official website: Tūranga
Location: 60 Cathedral Square
Read next: 28 Best Indoor Activities in Christchurch to Brighten a Rainy Day
Outdoor free things to do in Christchurch
We nearly always prefer to be outdoors, and there are loads of outdoor free activities in Christchurch. We have listed some of our favourites below.
Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens
Hagley Park is home to the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, a true gem in the heart of the city. Jeff and I love to stroll through gardens, each time visiting different portions of the 165 acres of native and exotic plants showcasing different themes and regions of the world.
A few personal favourites are the central rose garden, with its vibrant colours and sweet fragrances, and strolling along the banks of the Avon River. Along the river are the historic Antigua Boat Sheds, and an opportunity to go punting on the Avon (fee required).
Official website: Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Location: Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Central City
Margaret Mahy Family Playground (tops our list of free things to do in Christchurch with kids)
The largest children’s playground in the southern hemisphere is undoubtedly one of the coolest we’ve ever encountered. Opened in 2015, this popular post-quake recovery project was named to honour New Zealand children’s author Margaret Mahy. This playground is a fantastic spot for families visiting Christchurch.
From slides, swings, and water features to climbing ropes and walls there are plenty of options for adventurous or passive children. Well thought out, there are plenty of spots for parents to relax and watch.
Official website: Margaret Mahy Family Playground
Location: Armagh Street, Christchurch Central City
New Brighton Pier and beach
New Brighton Pier is one of Christchurch’s most iconic coastal spots. We like to take a leisurely stroll out to the end of the 300-metre (980-ft) pier, taking in stunning panoramic views along the way. Others find it a great spot for fishing or for enjoying a breathtaking sunrise.
The adjacent beach, with its long stretch of sandy shore, is perfect for swimming, surfing, beachcombing, or relaxing. Also on the list of free things to do in Christchurch with kids are the nearby whale pond and playground, various cafes, the modern library, and plenty of street art.
Official website: New Brighton Pier
Location: Brighton Mall, New Brighton
Sumner Beach and promenade
Our other favourite beach is Sumner Beach with its beautiful views, golden sands, and a relaxed vibe. Here we tend to walk, either on the beach or promenade.
When we stroll along the shore, we can explore rock pools, discover Cave Rock, and sometimes even spot wildlife. If it’s unseasonably warm, we may even take a dip in the ocean (although the water is often too cold for us).
The paved walkway called the Sumner Promenade, has easy flat walking and cafes.
Riccarton Bush
Source: ChristchurchNZ
Riccarton House & Bush offers a glimpse into Christchurch’s colonial past and is surrounded by enchanting bush. With its ancient kahikatea trees and native flora, it provides a peaceful backdrop for loop walks. Entry to the grounds is one of the free activities in Christchurch, but not to the house.
Paid guided tours of the house must be reserved in advance. They will shed light on the family that built and lived in the house.
And if it happens to be a Saturday, come hungry and enjoy some of the locally grown produce, artisan cheeses, homemade sauces, and freshly baked bread at the Christchurch Farmers’ Market which takes place on the grounds with free entry.
Official website: Riccarton House
Location: 16 Kahu Road, Fendalton
New Regent Street
New Regent Street is a beautiful pedestrian mall. The pastel-coloured Spanish Mission-style buildings give it a unique, vibrant, charming, and welcoming feel. No wonder they call it the “Soul of the City.”
Jeff and I love walking down this street, admiring the architecture and popping into the various boutique shops and cafes, and if we don’t shop, window shopping is one of the free activities in Christchurch. The street’s lively atmosphere kicks up a notch in the evenings when it’s illuminated with lights. There’s often live music or street performances, adding to the vibrant ambience.
Official website: New Regent Street
Location: Christchurch Central City
Port Hills
The Port Hills offer some of the best views in Christchurch. Jeff and I often hike the various trails that wind through the hills, enjoying the panoramic views of the city, the Canterbury Plains, Lyttleton, and the Southern Alps.
The Port Hills are also popular for mountain biking, with trails suitable for all levels of experience.
One of our favourite hikes is the Godley Head loop along the crater rim which offers breathtaking views of the harbour and coastline. You can either hike up here, keeping it among the free activities in Christchurch along the Bridle Path Walk, or you can take the Gondola.
Official website: Port Hills walking tracks
Location: Port Hills
Read next: Things to Do in Christchurch – New Zealand’s Oldest City Vibrantly Rebuilt
Historic things to see in Christchurch (naturally free)
- The Glass Pavilion
The Glass Pavilion by Gregor Kregar emphasises the value of repurposing materials and fostering creativity. Constructed from handmade bricks, recycled wood, and repurposed neon, it also honours the strength and resilience of Christchurch communities. - Bridge of Remembrance
The Bridge of Remembrance spans the Avon River and honours New Zealanders who sacrificed their lives in World War I. It also commemorates those who served in other conflicts, including World War II, Borneo, Korea, Malaya, and Vietnam. - Antigua Boat Shed
The Antigua Boat Sheds, established in 1882, have always offered commercial boat hire. You can start your punting adventure on the Avon here or rent kayaks, canoes, rowboats, or paddleboats. It’s also worth visiting just to see New Zealand’s only surviving 19th-century purpose-built boat sheds. - Street Art
I am a huge fan of street art, and Christchurch street art is no exception. As part of the city’s rebuilding, vibrant art seems to be everywhere, but if you want to be sure not to miss the best, view a free city street art map here (click the icon at the lower right).
Arriving in the city by cruise ship? Don’t miss: 11 Fun Christchurch Cruise Port Ideas to Maximize Your One Day in Christchurch
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Which of the free activities in Christchurch interest you?
More from the South Island you might also like … or check out 18 Extraordinary Things to Do in the South Island.
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Denise
Thanks for this list of free things to do in Christchurch! I can’t wait to go!
Jan
Christchurch has so many things to do! I would love to visit the Airforce Museum and the Canterbury museum. Brighton Pier and beach look interesting. 🙂
Alex+J.+Cavanaugh
The first four really impress me that they are free.
Lisa
I love free museums, and the botanical gardens look gorgeous!
Bri
Those botanical gardens look so pretty! What a fun list!
Erica
What a fantastic collection of free activities to do in Christchurch! I think it speaks volumes about what people value when city or nation has free museums available to everyone– these look wonderful. Similarly, the free makerspace at the library that indicates the high value placed on creativity and the arts. Great list, thanks again for sharing.
Josy A
Love it! We visited Christchurch, but we did not spend much time there (we went straight to Brighton beach for fish and chips) so it is cool to see how much we missed.
I love the look of Port Hills as well as the museums.
Christy S.
While I do love outdoor free activities, it’s great to take a break and visit indoor activities. The museums on your list look awesome and I would love to visit New Zealand one day.
Kelly
All my family lives on the North Island, so I often visit the North Island but not the South Island. I did visit in 2002 but only drove through Christchurch on our way to Kaikoura. Christchurch is definitely on my must-see list. Thank you for an informative post. I have pinned it for later reference.
Lisa
Christchurch is one of my favourite cities in the world. Great list. I could spend hours wandering the streets and the gardens.
Sonia
That is quite impressive that the art museum and Canterbury museum are free. That seems quite unusual for a city the size of Christchurch.
Rhonda Albom
It’s pretty common in New Zealand, especially for the regional museums. There are plenty of places to spend your money, though.