Christchurch – 10 Free Things to do

Are you travelling on a limited budget and want to know how to make your money go further?  Or just want to get some ideas on cheap things to do in the weekends?

1. Stroll through Hagley Park’s leafy glades

Admire the stately old English trees, colourful themed flower beds in the Botanic Gardens and the tranquillity of the meandering Avon River. Every Sunday until 28 Feb you’ll find free local music played in the Central Lawn by the Rose Garden as part of the Lazy Sundays Sessions. And just a hint – between the hours of 5-6pm this becomes a local’s exercise ground so watch out for speedy cyclists and runners!

2. Afternoon Ice-cream at Sumner Beach

It’s easy to spend an afternoon in the sunshine at Sumner Beach. Release your inner-child by climbing up Cave Rock and take a stroll down the Esplanade to enjoy your ice-cream. Want a more secluded spot? Taylors Mistake is a local favourite (just drive up Scarborough Hill and back down the other side!)

3. Join the crowds in Cathedral Square and climb up the Cathedral Bell Tower

For just a small fee you can see the best views of Cathedral Square and get your heart rate up by climbing the 63 metre high tower of the ChristChurch Cathedral. An upcoming highlight is the spectacular floral carpet that goes down for ten days as of 19 Feb – but during this time it might cost a few more pennies to enter.

4. Find the best view – Walk and Bike in the Port Hills

Join the locals as they take to the trails in the Port Hills. For your first time why not try the Crater Rim Walkway which showcases the best views of Christchurch and the Southern Alps on one side and beautiful Banks Peninsula on the other – as a bonus this walk takes you to the Sign of the Bellbird and the Sign of the Kiwi.

5. Share a controversial lunch with the Christchurch Wizard

Come on down to Cathedral Square and listen as he expounds some outrageous theories at Speaker’s Corner. When he’s not centre stage you’ll find a raft of Wizard-Wannabes attempting to fill his very big shoes! Wed-Sun you’ll also find a local market in the square – a great place to get your hands on bone carvings, possum fur hats or my favourite – caramel nuts!

6. Take a History Lesson at the Canterbury Museum

Take time to learn a little more about New Zealand’s heritage. Highlights include exhibits on Antarctic exploration, life-size dioramas of Maori history and New Zealand bird life. The Museum is in the perfect spot to combine this with other Cultural Precinct activities – the Art Gallery and the Arts Centre.

7. Find a Bargain at the Arts Centre’s Weekend Markets

Rain or shine at the Arts Centre you’ll find over eighty stalls every weekend offering wonderful local art, fashion, jewellery, fresh local produce and international food – my favourite taste sensation is a lamb kebab from Dimitri’s Souvlakis. Make a day of it by enjoying free entertainment in the Market or having a beer at The Dux (try a jug of Ginger Tom if you want to spice things up!)

8. Visit Christchurch’s new and impressive Art Gallery

The building itself is a must-see, and the wonderful collection inside are also worth a peak! Keep Waitangi Day (6 Feb) free in your diary, as the Art Gallery helps you indulge your ears at the outdoor concert, your tastebuds at the hangi and your mind with a documentary on the history of Pounamu.

9. Catch a Fish in the Avon River

If you can’t afford a punt on the Avon River then why not fish the river? Both the Avon and Heathcote Rivers are open to fishing year round – but please note there is a no-fishing zone on the Avon between Armagh Street and Barbadoes Street Bridges. Anglers fishing for sports fish need to have a current sports fishing licence.

10. Explore the Growing Network of Urban Laneways

Once home to Christchurch’s early warehouses and factories, Christchurch’s central city lanes are becoming a thriving precinct packed with bars, eateries and an eclectic mix of boutique shops. Gems like SOL Square have become local favourites! When you’re in Cathedral Square, pick up a brochure from the Christchurch i-SITE which will tell you the best route for exploring this network of urban laneways.

11. Riccarton House and Bush (couldn’t help having a #11)

Hidden in the suburb of Riccarton is the stunning hide-away of Riccarton House and Bush. As you enter the bush, you’ll forget you’re in a city as the towering kahikatea trees shelter you inside the original forest that covered the Canterbury region. On the same property are Riccarton House and Deans Cottage which will give you a feel for what life was like in the 1840s/50s.

Click through to more things to do in Christchurch.