Puke Ariki is home to a museum, library, tourist info and community rooms. This recommendation is for the museum which has been renovated in 2015/2016 becoming more hands on and interactive for kids. There are numerous galleries housing everything from dinosaur skeletons to a history of the first settlers, lots of taonga…
Like all activities where there’s a significant outlay for entrance, some visitors will always decide that it’s over priced for what it is. However, for most families visiting the Antarctic Centre, the general consensus is that it’s a great half (or longer) day out. And there are some tips to make…
This chain of indoor inflatable playgrounds are a great place to release excess energy when the weather isn’t great outside. They generally operate in big indoor sports arenas. Equipment can change but there are usually big inflatable slides, bungees, climbing areas with high jumps from the top and inflatable obstacle courses. There’s a…
Imagine being locked in a room with your friends or family and having to work together to get out within a set time. This is the scenario at the Escape Artists! There are currently 3 rooms to escape from, all with different themes. Groups of friends or families are ‘locked’…
Indoor pools including 2 x 25 metre pools and a separate gated toddler pool with water features. There is often bubble time. The indoor hydroslide is currently closed until further notice. In fact there are no indoor hydroslides currently operating in Christchurch. Outdoor pool and hydroslides open in the summer…
Both girls and boys (and adults) love Laser Strike. The setting is a futuristic city, the lights are dimmed and there’s fake fog/smoke in the air. Everyone participating in a game wears a special vest and has a laser gun. Teams ‘battle it out’ to shoot each other and special…
Depending what special exhibitions are on, this is generally not a particularly interactive gallery but kids still love it and there’s lots to look at including light, audio and visual exhibits. It’s worth asking for the galleries publication ‘Making the most of Christchurch Art Gallery with your kids’ and grab…
With 38 different climbs available in this indoor climbing space, there’s plenty of variety. The unique clip-in automatic belaying system, means the climber is gently lowered down when they let go, which is great for first time or inexperienced climbers. While there is no lower age restriction for rock climbing, you do need…
You’ll know you’ve arrived at this art museum when you see the full size steam engine outside the main entrance. Put $2 in and see the train ‘come alive’ with lights, train noises and fire breathing out of the chimney. It’s certainly a museum with a difference. Loosely based on…
The tram is a great way for little legs to see the central areas without getting too tired. Good for everyone if it’s raining as the 17 stops take in many of the central tourist sites along the route. The driver gives a running commentary and actively involves the kids onboard during…
