A guide to the best indoor attractions and activities to experience in Christchurch

When the weather isn’t great or, you’re looking to while away a few hours to entertain the kids, Christchurch has plenty of indoor attractions and activities to check put.  To help you find you ideal indoor activity in Christchurch, we’ve put together a list of the best options (in our opinion) to choose from.  

1.  The International Antarctic Centre

The International Antarctic Centre brings you to Antarctica without leaving New Zealand.   Displays cover the history of Antarctic exploration and what life is like at the modern-day scientific bases.

Immerse yourself in the snow and ice by sheltering in an ice cave, slide down an icy slope, brave the wind chill machine at -18 degrees Celsius and experience a simulated Antarctic Storm that occurs every hour.  Visitors can also experience an all-terrain amphibious Antarctic vehicle, a 4D Extreme Theatre and The Penguin Encounter to observe Little Blue Penguins at close quarters. 

Pricing:  Adult - $49 / Child (5-15) - $29 / Student/Senior - $29 / Family Pass - $119
Location:  38 Orchard Road, Christchurch Airport.

2.  Canterbury Museum

Canterbury Museum is located on the edge of the Botanic Gardens.  The museum collections have been enjoyed by visitors from across the world for over 130 years.  Visitors can enjoy over 2.1 million items including Antarctic expeditions, the settlement history of Canterbury and natural history. 

Pricing:  Free entry.
Location:  Rolleston Avenue, next door to the Botanic Gardens.

3.  Christchurch Art Gallery

With a design to evoke the form of the River Avon, the Christchurch Art Gallery houses works by both New Zealand and international artists.  There is a mixture of permanent and changing exhibitions with audio tours available.  Guided tours are run at 11.00am and 2.00pm daily.

Pricing:  Free entry.
Location:  Worcester Boulevard.

4.  Quake City

Learn about the devastating 2011 Christchurch earthquake from the people it affected most.  The Quake City exhibition explores how the city reacted to the earthquake and has moved on from the events.  The exhibition includes personal stories from those affected and artefacts from the city including the spire cross from Christchurch Cathedral. 

Pricing:  Adult - $20 / Children under 15 - Free / Children under 15 - $8 / Students/Seniors - $16
Location:  299 Durham Street North.

5.  Clip ‘N Climb

Experience different climbs under one roof.  You will be equipped with automatic belay devices on every climb, so all you need to do is clip them onto your harness and climb away.  When you reach the top, just let go and the device will gently lower you back down to the ground.

All Clip ‘n Climb sessions start ‘on the hour’ and include a 15-minute period for getting on harnesses and listening to a safety briefing.  You can then enjoy an hour’s worth of climbing.

Pricing:  $14 (pre-schoolers) / Adults - $20.
Location:  238 Waltham Road, Sydenham.

6.  Air Force Museum

Discover New Zealand’s military aviation story with stories of the men and women who have helped shape New Zealand’s military aviation journey.  Explore the diverse collection at your own pace through immersive exhibitions, or join a free, guided ‘Behind the Scenes’ tour. 

Visitors to the Air Force Museum can also enjoy the historic aircraft on display, embark on a museum hunt with the kids, or test your flying skills in the ‘Mosquito Mission’ flight simulator.

Pricing:  Free entry.
Location:  45 Harvard Avenue, Wigram. 
7.  The Toy Collector 

The Toy Collector Museum is a rare opportunity to experience a large range of toys all in the one building.  Relive some childhood memories, whether your 4 or 84.  The toys on display are the result of years of collecting.

Pricing:  Adult - $15.00 / Child - $5.00 / Family Pass - $35.00 / Seniors/Students - $10, Under 5 - free
Location:  36 Manchester Street.

8.  Supa Karts Indoor Raceway

For a higher adrenaline experience, head to the Supa Karts Indoor Raceway go karting track which is suitable for all ages.  The indoor raceway offers an excellent fleet of top Go Karts built for Safety and speed.  Travelling up to speeds of 35kph, each Session is 15 minutes long.

Pricing:  Single Rides from $40.
Location:  91 Buchan Street, Sydenham.

Discover More Christchurch Activities:

Check our Christchurch Experiences to find out the best activities and take advantage of the best prices. 

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