Things To Do Outside Near Christchurch

Rain or shine, people in New Zealand love to get outdoors, even if that’s just going out for a walk with mates and grabbing a flat white on the way. With dramatic mountains, waterfalls and rivers around every corner, who can blame them.

New Zealanders have even invented their own word for exploring the wilderness areas. Ask a few locals what they’re doing for the weekend and the word “tramping”, which means long walks over hills and staying overnight in huts, will certainly come up. Here is a list of things to do in the outdoors near Christchurch.

1. Walk or ride along an old volcanic crater on the Port Hills

Natural Feature, Hiking Trail

Beautiful view of Lyttelton Port and Harbour from the Christchurch Gondola Station at the top of the Port Hills, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealan

Christchurch’s Port Hills are a popular destination for a quick escape from the city when you want a view from up high. The Port Hills are the backdrop to New Zealand’s second-largest city and, according to the Christchurch City Council, are a 12-million-year-old remnant of the Lyttleton volcano crater. There are several walking and cycle routes on the hills which can be accessed from various locations. For views of Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains, Pegasus Bay and the Southern Alps, head to Victoria Park.

2. Go punting on the Avon River

Natural Feature

Christchurch is known as New Zealand’s Garden City thanks to 165 hectares (408 acres) of public gardens at Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens. Aside from walking or cycling through the garden, visitors to Christchurch can also experience the gardens from the water. Take a boat ride along the Avon River for a 30-minute tour, with a punter at the back of the boat to lead you gently along the river. Tours take place every day and depart from the Antigua Boat Shed. In summer, tours are open from 9am – 6pm and in winter 10am – 4pm.

4. Discover an ancient native forest at Riccarton Bush

Natural Feature

Riccarton Heritage House and bush is home to the Canterbury region’s only Kahikatea floodplain forest. The 600-year-old trees that have survived are the most recent generation of the original forest that was established on this site 3,000 years ago. Take a 10-minute walk in the grove of trees situated at Riccarton House, which is 4.5 kilometres (2.8mi) from the city centre.

5. Hike to a limestone boulder field at Castle Hill

Natural Feature

Castle Hill New Zealand. Image shot 01/2013. Exact date unknown.

The Castle Hill Basin, 91 kilometres (57mi) north-west of Christchurch is the high-altitude region of Canterbury, located 700 metres (2,300ft) above sea level between the Torlesse and Craigieburn mountain ranges. It’s known for its limestone formations dating back 30-40 million years, when the sea covered a large part of New Zealand. The area, also known as Kura Tawhiti, which means ‘treasure from afar’, is of cultural, spiritual and historical significance to the Māori Iwi (tribe) Ngai Tahu. Amongst the limestone caves are those traditionally said to have been left by the Waitaha, the first people who walked through the area.

6. Soak in thermal pools at Hanmer Springs

Architectural Landmark, Health Spa, Natural Feature

Relax and unwind in warm waters that are naturally heated and infused with minerals at Hanmer Springs, Canterbury’s alpine spa village. Choose either the sulphur pools, gentle rapids or natural rock pools to soak in for hours to ease aching muscles after a long hike. Hanmer Springs is 134 kilometres (83mi) north of Christchurch. A visit to the thermal pools can also be combined with a trip to the water park, which has a range of exhilarating slides. Try the dizzying Super Bowl slide for a thrill.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.