weejie

Is there anywhere we must visit when in Christchurch? Looking at going to international antarctic centre,on the tram,up on the gondola,botanic gardens but wondered if anyone had any suggestions of places they would go to. Will be using public transport and only there for 3 days. Arrive 0830am Wed 1st July after long flights from UK so will be having that as an easy day so really only Thu/Fri to do stuff. Any input appreciated. Boys will be 9 and 6 when we arrive.

Phyl x

CAN2NZ

You know, I would forget the gondola ride and go to QEII swimming pool with water slides. The gondola may have more interest for parents. The Antarctic Centre is a bit pricey. You could also try Willowbank. My kids really like it there.

teebrown

Yes I agree, go to the QE2 swimming baths, get a band when you go in to go down the slides, we had a great time with our 2 when we visited there.

You have probably got enough to do with all the other things as well, we went to the fudge making shop in ChCh, my kids loved that and got loads of fudge to try.

http://www.christchurchnz.com/canter...roductID=26473

Have a great time

planty

You could hire a canoe/kayak in Hagley park and paddle on the avon, weather permitting of course, very reasonably priced and my kids loved it. We saw other people putting bread on the front of the canoe and the ducks would get onboard to eat it.

zummerzet_lou

Our kids are a little younger but they loved:

- Ferrymead heritage park (steam train and tram rides)
- Willowbank Wildlife ... good kiwi house, as well as loads of other animals
- Akoroa Wildlife Cruise (to see the dolphins) . You can also do this from Lyttleton, which is closer to Christchurch by about 1 hr!!
- Canterbury Museum (Dinosaurs, Cars, motorbikes ... as well as some Maori exhibits) .. it's free too!!
- Orana Wildlife park (there is a bus from Cathedral Square)

Will pop back if I think of anything else,

Lou

luvwelly

The Antarctic Centre is excellent for a rainy day especially - try to time your arrival to penguin feeding time and they will enjoy the Hagglund ride or at least my similar aged kids did.
You can buy a family ticket which covers gondola, unlimited tram (doesn't take long hop on hop off) and a punt on the river..this is a good combo if the weather is kind. Gondola would be a waste of time if it is overcast and it is out of town but I think a bus goes there - there are also a couple of easy short walks you can do from top of gondola if weather good.

The Art Gallery is free (on tram route) and the Arts Centre (on tram route) is my recommendation for you - lots of nice arts and crafts shops to look at and nice cafes in historic building. Enjoy I really liked Christchurch!

bro69

Another gem is the Aquatic Centre in the Cathedral Square in the building next to the information centre, not many people know about it but it is a great way to kill an hour and you can even see a live Kiwi running around in a box.

kiwinow

Well it's more like an indoor enclosure than a box, but yes the advantage of the kiwi house in the square is that it is actually light enough to see them.

I'd agree - Our kids love QE II, Orana Park and the Antarctic centre and the tram is worth a ride, you can be punted on the Avon if you prefer that to kayaking. Only been to Willowbank once, but it was nice there too. There's a teddy factory on Balmoral Road where the kids can choose their own ted, watch it be filled and have a "beating" heart placed inside, and then choose an outfit. You get a birth certificate and a little box in the shape of a house, but be warned it all adds up $$ and you can't just go in for a look because your kids are completely captivated from the moment they walk in the door.

Dustybin

lock them in a sound proof box and go out?

weejie

My OH and boys have canoes/kayaks of their own so think they may just try this if weather nice.Me...I think I'd rather sit in a cafe and watch CHCH go by


Thanks everyone for your suggestions,keep 'em coming

Phyl x