Family Friendly 7-Day Itinerary in Christchurch

Day 1: Exploring Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at C1 Espresso

Start your day with a unique breakfast experience at C1 Espresso, known for its pneumatic food delivery system. Try their famous sliders and milkshakes.
££, 1 hour

10:00AM

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Spend the morning exploring the beautiful Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Enjoy a leisurely walk, visit the Rose Garden, and have a picnic by the Avon River.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Little High Eatery

Head to Little High Eatery for a variety of lunch options to suit everyone's taste. From sushi to burgers, there's something for the whole family.
££, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

International Antarctic Centre

Visit the International Antarctic Centre for a fun and educational experience. Explore exhibits, meet penguins, and experience an Antarctic storm.
£££, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Fiddlesticks Restaurant & Bar

Enjoy a delicious dinner at Fiddlesticks Restaurant & Bar, known for its cosy atmosphere and excellent New Zealand cuisine. Don't miss their seafood dishes.
£££, 2 hours

Day 2: More of Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand

9:00AM

Orana Wildlife Park

Spend the morning at Orana Wildlife Park, New Zealand's only open-range zoo. Get up close with giraffes, lions, and more on a safari tour.
£££, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pegasus Bay Winery

Indulge in a gourmet lunch at Pegasus Bay Winery. Enjoy delicious food paired with award-winning wines while taking in the scenic vineyard views.
£££, 2 hours

3:00PM

Quake City

Visit Quake City to learn about the earthquakes that have shaped Christchurch. Explore interactive exhibits and hear stories of resilience.
££, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Twenty Seven Steps

End your day with a memorable dinner at Twenty Seven Steps, a charming restaurant offering modern European cuisine with a Kiwi twist.
£££, 2 hours

Day 3: Exploring Akaroa

Akaroa, New Zealand

9:00AM

Dolphin Cruise

Embark on a dolphin cruise in Akaroa Harbour to see the playful Hector's dolphins. Keep an eye out for other marine wildlife too.
£££, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Trading Rooms

Enjoy a delicious lunch at The Trading Rooms, a historic building turned restaurant offering fresh seafood and local produce.
£££, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Akaroa Museum

Visit the Akaroa Museum to learn about the area's Maori and colonial history. Explore exhibits on whaling, early settlers, and more.
£, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Bully Hayes Restaurant & Bar

Dine at Bully Hayes Restaurant & Bar for a taste of local seafood and waterfront dining. Try their famous fish and chips.
£££, 2 hours

Day 4: Relaxing in Akaroa

Akaroa, New Zealand

10:00AM

Akaroa Coastal Walkway

Take a leisurely walk along the Akaroa Coastal Walkway, enjoying stunning views of the harbour and surrounding landscapes. Don't forget your camera.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Little Bistro

Enjoy a French-inspired lunch at The Little Bistro, known for its cosy atmosphere and delicious dishes made with local ingredients.
£££, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Harbour Kayaking

Try kayaking in Akaroa Harbour for a unique perspective of the area's beauty. Paddle along the coastline and spot wildlife in the clear waters.
£££, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ma Maison

Indulge in a gourmet dinner at Ma Maison, a fine dining restaurant offering French cuisine with a Kiwi twist. Savour each exquisite bite.
£££, 2 hours

Day 5: Adventure in Hanmer Springs

Hanmer Springs, New Zealand

9:00AM

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools

Spend the morning relaxing at the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools. Soak in the mineral-rich waters and enjoy the rejuvenating spa experiences.
£££, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Powerhouse Cafe

Have lunch at Powerhouse Cafe, a cosy spot known for its hearty meals and friendly atmosphere. Try their homemade pies and cakes.
££, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Thrillseekers Adventures

Head to Thrillseekers Adventures for adrenaline-pumping activities like bungy jumping, jet boating, or quad biking. Perfect for family fun and adventure.
£££, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at No. 31 Restaurant & Bar

Enjoy a delicious dinner at No. 31 Restaurant & Bar, offering a diverse menu with options for everyone. Don't miss their signature cocktails.
£££, 2 hours

Day 6: Return to Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand

9:00AM

Christchurch Gondola

Start your day with a scenic ride on the Christchurch Gondola. Enjoy panoramic views of the city, Southern Alps, and Canterbury Plains.
££, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Pedal Pusher

Have lunch at Pedal Pusher, a popular eatery known for its craft beers and hearty pub food. Try their gourmet burgers and local brews.
££, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Shopping at The Tannery

Explore The Tannery for boutique shopping and unique finds. Browse local stores for souvenirs, clothing, and artisan goods.
££, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Pescatore

Indulge in a fine dining experience at Pescatore, offering contemporary New Zealand cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood. Perfect for a special evening.
££££, 2 hours

Day 7: Exploring Arthur's Pass

Arthur's Pass, New Zealand

9:00AM

Arthur's Pass National Park

Spend the day exploring Arthur's Pass National Park, known for its stunning alpine landscapes, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Don't miss the Devil's Punchbowl Waterfall.
Free, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Wobbly Kea Restaurant & Bar

Have lunch at Wobbly Kea Restaurant & Bar, a cosy spot with mountain views. Enjoy hearty meals and warm hospitality.
££, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Hiking at Avalanche Peak

Embark on a challenging hike to Avalanche Peak for panoramic views of the Southern Alps and surrounding valleys. Make sure to bring proper hiking gear.
Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Bealey Hotel

End your day with a hearty dinner at The Bealey Hotel, a rustic pub offering traditional Kiwi dishes and a cosy atmosphere. Unwind after a day of adventure.
££, 2 hours