Rain doesn’t stop us. There are plenty of fun, energetic, and relaxing indoor activities in Christchurch, New Zealand.
From unique museums to trampoline centres, Christchurch has loads of activities that will keep us entertained, whatever the weather. Be it a day out with the family or a date night, here are some great ideas on what to do indoors in Christchurch.
Our last visit brought a mix of weather, which gave us the perfect opportunity to enjoy some of our favourite rainy-day activities in Christchurch, like the Antarctic Centre or the new pop-up Canterbury Museum.
Whatever your interests, you will find something fun to do in Christchurch on a rainy day.
Museums top our list of indoor activities in Christchurch
Canterbury Museum
Free entry
Always our first choice on a rainy day in Christchurch, the Canterbury Museum is where we discover the history of the region and learn about our natural world.
While the main Canterbury Museum on Rolleston Avenue is closed for redevelopment, there is a smaller pop-up alternative on Gloucester Street. About half of the pop-up exhibits are highlights from the permanent gallery, while the other half are temporary. Even the gold-plated motorcycle of Ivan Mauger is now at the pop-up.
A few of our favourites didn’t make it to the pop-up, like some of the rare Maori artefacts, a Scott Base tractor of Sir Edmund Hillary, and Fred and Myrtle’s paua shell house, but I am sure we will see them again once the main museum reopens.
Quake City Museum
A must-see for anyone who wants to understand the region’s earthquake history. While we found it to be an emotional visit, it also focused on impressive stories about everyday heroes.
More than just stories, the museum is the new home to some of the iconic and significant objects damaged by the quake, including the spire of the Christchurch Cathedral.
Air Force Museum of New Zealand
Free entry
Located about a 15-minute drive outside the city, it’s worth the effort. Here, we found over 30 historic aircraft, personal stories, and NZAF history. There are also interactive exhibits, including a flight simulator (charges apply).
There’s also a cafe serving fabulous coffees.
Museum of Toys & Collectibles
This is a great place to explore the history of toys and collectibles from around the world. It showcases an array of vintage items, including dolls, action figures, robots, tin toys, board games, and more. The museum also features a variety of interactive exhibits that allow visitors to get up close and personal with some of their favourite childhood items.
Yaldhurst Museum of Transport and Science
It’s a place to explore the history of transport and science from around the world. The museum has an extensive collection covering 200 years of horse-drawn carriages.
There’s an eclectic mix of cars, other vehicles, scientific equipment and computers. Visitors can also learn about local history through displays on New Zealand’s first motor car, the first railway line in Christchurch, and the development of aviation in the region.
Energetic indoor activities in Christchurch
Trampoline centre
While we’ve taken kids, teens, and even adults to our local trampoline centre, we still believe it’s the best of the active rainy day things to do in Christchurch with kids. Loaded with action-packed fun, the whole family can jump and flip on a range of trampolines.
To add to the fun, some of the parks also have foam pits, scooter tracks, an ice rink, or basketball hoops. The three we know of are Launch Pad in Papanui, MoveX in Bromley, and Mega Air in Hei Hei.
Energetic rainy day in Christchurch options with multiple locations
- Go-karts (locations in Harewood and Sydenham)
- Rock climbing (locations in Waltham and Sydenham)
- Indoor golf (locations in Avonhead and Parklands)
- Indoor mini-golf (locations in Central City, Woolston, and New Brighton)
- Laser tag (locations in Waltham, Riccarton, and Sydenham)
- Ice skating (locations in Bromley and Opawa)
- Indoor swimming (locations throughout Christchurch)
- Pole dancing class (locations throughout Christchurch)
- 10-Pin bowling (locations throughout Christchurch)
Learn something new on a rainy day in Christchurch
International Antarctic Centre (a must-see indoor activity in Christchurch)
We have visited multiple times, each time learning a bit more about Antarctica’s past and present scientific research, but we have a lot of fun both with and without our kids.
Sometimes, I think I am a glutton for punishment, but I always go into the sub-zero Antarctic storm. In fact, I am at the start of a polar blast in the photo above. The coats and shoe covers are provided.
The other highlights for our family are an opportunity to ride in the Hägglund (all-terrain amphibious Antarctic vehicle), penguin viewing, and a 4D movie with wind and infrequent sea spray. Reserve your tickets for the International Antarctic Centre here.
Christchurch Art Gallery
Free entry
The Christchurch Art Gallery is a great place for art lovers of all ages to visit. It features an impressive collection of New Zealand and international artists. From iconic sculptures to traditional paintings, the gallery has something for everyone.
Honestly, I found the architecture alone is worth exploring, with its enticing curved walls. We enjoyed it both from the exterior and the open atrium cafe. The ever-changing exhibits included works by Henri Matisse on our last visit.
Riccarton House and Bush
Riccarton House and Bush is a New Zealand Heritage site that dates back to the mid-19th century. The house itself is a Victorian-Edwardian home built in three stages between 1856 and 1900 for the Dean family.
Meticulously preserved, it serves as a living museum where visitors can learn about New Zealand’s history. Inside the house, there are period-style rooms showcasing furniture and fixtures from the 1850s as well as artifacts from other eras up to the present day.
Outside is expansive bush and ornate gardens better suited for a sunny day.
Tūranga
Yes, Tūranga is a branch of the library, but I imagine it is New Zealand’s coolest library. It’s the impressive creator spaces that will keep you here for hours.
Imagine a library that offers 3D printers, sewing and embroidery machines, an audio/video studio (editing music), vinyl cutting, vacuum former, heat press, and, of course, books.
There’s even the Foundation cafe and two rooftop gardens to enjoy the city sights.
And, if that’s not enough, some of Christchurch’s other libraries offer things like laser cutting and garment printing.
Relax your body, challenge your mind on a rainy day in Christchurch
Movie at a boutique cinema
Going to the cinema is a great way to spend a rainy day, and even more fun at one of the boutique theatres in Christchurch. Enjoy luxurious seating, gourmet snacks, and even waiter service (so you don’t have to get up from your seat). With a range of blockbusters and independent movies, there’s sure to be something for everyone. Plus, many of these small cinemas offer private screening rooms you can book in advance.
Day spa
On a rainy day in Christchurch, there’s no better way to relax than at a day spa. I love being pampered while revitalizing my body, mind, and spirit.
For me, it’s the soothing massage that eases tensions. For others, it’s facials and wraps. With several to choose from, the favourites among my friends are Lotus Day Spa and Moss Spa.
You can also enjoy a 1-hour traditional Thai massage in Riccarton. Reserve your Thai massage here.
Escape rooms
We love escape rooms, either as a family or with our friends.
If you haven’t been to one, here is how it works: A group of people work together to solve puzzles and find clues in order to escape from a theme-based room within a fixed amount of time. It requires teamwork, as the clock is ticking, and time runs out quickly!
There are locations in Central City and Waltham.
More indoor activities in Christchurch to challenge you
- Pool and billiard halls (locations in Central City, Sydenham, Bishopdale, and Woolston)
- Virtual reality (locations throughout Christchurch)
- Floatation tanks (locations throughout Christchurch)
- Yoga class (locations throughout Christchurch)
Enjoy boutique shopping or dining on the next Christchurch rainy day
While there are plenty of malls, cafes, and restaurants to choose from, why not make the rainy day a bit special and head to a boutique centre, either for shopping or food? Here are a few of our favourites:
Tannery
The Tannery, located in the centre of town, is a convenient shopping hub boasting a diverse selection of over 50 high-end stores and services. It is housed in a refurbished 19th-century Victorian tannery. Shoppers can find a variety of fashion items, bookstores, home decor items, beauty products, an upmarket cinema and plenty of eateries.
Riverside Market
Riverside Market, on the banks of the River Avon, features about 70 vendors undercover. If you are gluten-free like me, be sure to check out Herba Gourmet, which is 100% gluten-free. The chicken salad is my favourite and it’s fabulous!
Little High Eatery
When we couldn’t decide what we wanted to eat as a family, Little High Eatery was the perfect solution. It’s the variety offered by the nine different family-run eateries under one roof that allowed us each to get the cuisine we craved. Then, we ate together in the shared seating area. Our last visit included hamburgers, Thai food, Latin cuisine, pizza, and milkshakes.
Still want more?
Don’t miss our comprehensive list of things to do in Christchurch, our list of free things to do in Christchurch.
Always check for discounts in New Zealand
We always check 100% New Zealand owned bookme for discounts before we visit any venues or participate in activities. They frequently feature different discounts depending on the day and time you choose for your activity.
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Which is your favourite of these indoor activities in Christchurch?
Photo Credits:
All photos on this page are either shot by our team and watermarked as such or stock images from Depositphotos.
Joanna
I have recently returned from Christchurch. I found the International Antarctic Centre interesting and Quake City was very moving.
L. Diane Wolfe
The toy museum and the markets would be so much fun.
Alex+J.+Cavanaugh
The museums and market would be high on my list. Never tried an escape room. I don’t think there are any near me.