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View Full Version : Things to see & do in Christchurch, on a budget!


EmsMum72
06-10-2007, 07:52
Hi there :wave:

We are going to NZ for Christmas this year and am looking for some ideas of things to do and see that might interest me and my nearly 4yo DD. My hubby is a kiwi and he is coming with us, but I thought I'd get a woman's perspective on good family things to do, cause honestly some men have no clue (in particular, my hubby) when it comes to 'family things to do'.

This trip was totally unexpected and TBH I have no clue why we're going because we have a HUGE tax bill and various other bills to pay early next year, and another baby on the way, but DH is home sick and tells me 'not to worry about it' and that he'll work his a$$e off and we'll be fine. So money will be tight while we're over there, and as much as DH would probably just love to sit around and chill out with friends/family I would get bored to death of that after awhile, and we will need to do things most days to keep our DD entertained.

So what can you recommend? We're also interested doing a few day trips, or driving somewhere and staying a night or 2. We drove to the west coast last year when we were over there and went to the Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki.

I'd love any suggestions you might have on 'good, fun, family entertainment' in Christchurch.

Thanks heaps :thumbsup:
EmsMum72
06-10-2007, 15:29
Anyone??

Surely someone has been to NZ and can recommend some things to do. I know there are a few expat Kiwis in this forum! :hair:

Have I put this in the wrong section? :rolleyes:
Shakey
05-11-2007, 13:59
there is the gardens, beach, Orana park, Willow bank, ummmmm there is a corn maze in templeton you can do its fairly cheap

hmmi'm from chch and I can't think what to do lol, I usually just shop :laughing: although when we go next year we'll be going to all the above that i mentioned
MyGuys
05-11-2007, 14:25
We're from Auckland so can't help you on what to do in Chch, but check out these sites....
I do know there is a gondola up the mountain, you can drive through the tunnel or round the coast to Lyttleton its pretty. I'm sure there are daytrips you can do to various things. I know there are vineyards around too if thats your thing? And there is always the beach which is really nice down there.
www.christchurch.org.nz
www.christchurch.nz.com
www.christchurchinformation.co.nz
Hope you have a great trip. At least you're going during summer not winter!!! I'm sure it'll still be cold tho.
*Chels*
05-11-2007, 15:00
there is the gardens, beach, Orana park, Willow bank, ummmmm there is a corn maze in templeton you can do its fairly cheap

hmmi'm from chch and I can't think what to do lol, I usually just shop :laughing: although when we go next year we'll be going to all the above that i mentioned

I only know where the good clubs are:laughing:
Yeah the botanical gardens are nice-has a great playground!Musuem is right next to it too(last time I checked it was free)and also the Arts Centre is just across the road-they have lots of buskers,stalls etc!
Also there is the Antigua Boastsheds-where you can hire out canoes,paddle boats etc and go down the river(I used to work there hehe)
Orana Park and Willowbank are pretty cool too!
Have a good trip!!I am so jealous!
Shakey
05-11-2007, 15:10
I only know where the good clubs are:laughing:
Yeah the botanical gardens are nice-has a great playground!Musuem is right next to it too(last time I checked it was free)and also the Arts Centre is just across the road-they have lots of buskers,stalls etc!
Also there is the Antigua Boastsheds-where you can hire out canoes,paddle boats etc and go down the river(I used to work there hehe)
Orana Park and Willowbank are pretty cool too!
Have a good trip!!I am so jealous!

oooh forgot about thoes :o
becci3000
16-11-2007, 19:32
Hi, new to site, actually looking to answer the same question you posted. Ironically I too am married to an expat kiwi who "left it all up to me!" (thanks for the help- thought it was your country!!)

Anyhow I too will be in Christchurch from Dec 31 to Jan 4 (then doing rest of south island) and I also have those of the 4yo variety - twins actually. We were thinking gondola ride, maybe punting? Orana park is a definate, seems cheaper than Aus zoos. And seeing CHCH so green and leafy lots of park visits and tram rides. Although being pregnant you may not want to do much walking. I will be checking CHCH info sites closer to time as to free things for kids over holidays as most sites have them. Will post something if anything looks interesting. Good luck