8 Epic Activities For $20 And Under

Ahoy there! Take in the views of The Groynes while cruising the waters of Lake Roto Kohatu in northern Christchurch.

Pedal boats, aqua trikes and canoes are available for hire at the Groynes Boat Hire from 10.30am to 4pm on the weekends.

Fun for the whole family, there are also picnic areas, free barbeques, walk trails and playgrounds dotted throughout the park.

Cost:

Pedal boats, aqua trikes, double canoes $15
Single canoes $7.50

While you’re here:

Lakeside walk,
Large off-leash dog-friendly area.

Relax and unwind at He Puna Taimoana, the idyllic hot pools by the sea in New Brighton.

Soak it up in the five different temperature hot pools and send the kids to the plunge pool for some peace and quiet.

Make sure to book ahead online. Christchurch residents receive discounted rates. Open 10am to 8pm seven days a week.

Cost:

Residents prices: adults $14 (off peak) $16 (peak), children (4-15) $10 (off peak) $12 (peak)
Under-3 free

While you’re here:

New Brighton Pier,
New Brighton Library.

At the heart of historic Okains Bay, 90 minutes from Christchurch, a unique experience of Aotearoa and Banks Peninsula’s history awaits you. The Okains Bay Māori and Colonial Museum holds extensive collections of significant taonga Māori items, early Pākehā items and other exciting treasures in the museum’s heritage buildings on-site.

Found between the hills and the sea, a visit to Okains Bay and this wonderful rural museum provides a very special day out.

Cost:

Adult admission $15, children free

While you’re here:

Visit the swimming beach, caves and lagoon,
On-site accommodation in retro style.

Soak up the sun and enjoy the view cruising Christchurch’s beautiful Avon River by kayak.

Hop in a single kayak or share a double with a mate from the Antigua Boatsheds taking a journey through our gorgeous Garden City.

Cost:

Single kayak $17/hour
Double kayak for 2 adults $34/hour
Paddle boat for 2 children $30/half-hour

While you’re here:

Visit Canterbury Museum,
Stroll through the Botanic Gardens.

Diamond Harbour is a thing of beauty. Escape the city with a day trip to this sunny and unspoiled settlement in Banks Peninsula. Departing from Lyttelton at least every hour throughout the day, the Black Cat Cruises ferry enables a getaway to a paradise with quiet swimming beaches, charming storefronts and walks around cliff tops overlooking the sea.

Cost:

Lyttelton to Diamond Harbour $6.70 adult one way, child (5-17) $3.70 (discounts for Metrocard and Gold Card holders).

While you’re here:

Wildlife cruises,
Cliff track walk to Church Bay.

Awaken those muscles with a climbing challenge! Give climbing and bouldering a go at some of the great local gyms around the city.

You can boulder and do auto-belay climbing for under $15 at the YMCA Adventure Centre .

If you have a few more coins in your pocket, check out Uprising on Ferry Road.

Cost:

YMCA - Adults $14.50, $12.50 students (for solo climbing bouldering).

Get a kick out of Human Foosball - just like the table version, except you kick the ball! Play a 30-minute game with a group of six with this football-with-a-twist game at Velocity Karts based in the Bexley Reserve. While you’re there, try out the Blokarts and Driftkarts.

Cost:

$60 for a group of 6 for 30min.

All aboard the longest chairlift in New Zealand! Sit back and enjoy the view over the city from the Christchurch Adventure Park. Used to access the Zipline tour, riders can purchase a Chairlift Pass purely for a stunning scenic ride.

Cost:

Chairlift pass for youth (17 & Under) $10, seniors and students $15, adults $20 (excludes bikes).

While you’re here:

Mountain biking tracks,
Walking trails,
Zipline tours.