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 Indoor minigolf |
21 King Edward Terrace Woolston Christchurch 8002 New Zealand +64 (0)3 384 1566 / +64 (0)3 384 2626 (Information line) |
Rainy day? Looking for a fun way to spend a couple of hours with 8-13 year olds? This heated, indoor, minigolf course is for you. Here the course, which takes just over an hour to complete, includes over 150 models with electronic special effects along the theme of a city. The entry price includes a free hot drink or fruit juice in the large cafeteria. This place is popular with corporate and social groups, so it pays to book. Note that children under the age of eight are not admitted for safety reasons. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Canterbury's Big Weekend |
Canterbury Agricultural Park Wigram Road, Hornby Christchurch, NZ 8004 New Zealand +64 (0)3 343 3033 http://www.theshow.co.nz |
Formerly known as the Canterbury A & P Show and running for well over 100 years, this four-day event is the big day out for Cantabrians. Traditionally the highlight of the farming and agricultural calendar, with livestock competitions and farm equipment demonstrations, it is now a major entertainment event, including an international carnival area complete with roller coaster. The show has kept pace with the changing face of Canterbury farming and manufacturing and now includes a science and technology display, the local wine and food stalls, and a diverse range of livestock from sheep to emus. Admission: Adults NZD13; children NZD5; concession NZD7 Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jon Sullivan  |
 Photo: Mike Riversdale |
 Photo: Jon Sullivan |
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Experience the Delights of an Idyllic Past |
Worcester Boulevard Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 358 8790 |
Established in 1998, this lively carnival is an annual celebration of an idyllic past. Beginning with a procession of around 100 pre-1920s motorcars, penny-farthings and folk dressed in period costume, the carnival proceeds to the pleasant surrounds of North Hagley Park. Here, the main event begins, with plenty of amusements and entertainment, including penny-farthing and Clydesdale wagon rides, an Edwardian fashion parade and picnic, barbershop choir, and Punch and Judy show. The carnival promises plenty of fun for the children and a great day out for all the family. It is held annually in February. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Working Edwardian village |
Ferrymead Park Dr Christchurch 8002 New Zealand +64 (0)3 384 1970 http://www.ferrymead.org.nz |
For a genuine time warp, visit this historic theme park. From the car park, catch a tram or steam train and alight, feeling curiously out of place, in an Edwardian township complete with residents in period costume. Children of all ages will love the working cooperage and blacksmiths, the horse and cart, and the fascinating details of the post office, the bakery, jail, schoolhouse and cobblers. There are also two museums--the Hall of Flame (fire engines) and the Hall of Wheels (transport). Check website for further details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Geof Wilson |
 Photo: Geof Wilson |
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Christchurch's ten-pin bowling giant |
15-21 Iversen Terrace Phillipstown Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 366 3323 |
For the bowling enthusiast, Garden City Bowl is the kingpin. Twenty-four lanes greet those out for a couple of hours of fun, or more serious competition. The new interactive scoring system with speed radar will intrigue even if your bowling is ailing. Other diversions include the Kingpin cafe and bar, TimeOut video games and Pool Table. Late Night Bowling is popular with the student crowd, great music and lighting. Bookings are essential, as club matches can occupy some lanes. Plenty of off-street parking available. Average Cost: Two games NZ$17 per person Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Horse riding for all |
131 Bridle Path Rd Christchurch 8002 New Zealand +64 (0)3 384 1971 |
The Heathcote Riding School offers horse treks and riding lessons for all ages and abilities. Disabled riders are welcome and ramps are provided for those requiring wheelchair access, although the owner says that these are best in dry conditions. The horses are quiet and well trained. Half-hour rides around the 900-acre farm are offered on Saturdays and treks are by arrangement. Cost:NZD15 for lessons; NZD30 for private treks. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Summer swimming fun |
295 Ilam Rd Christchurch 8005 New Zealand +64 (0)3 941 6856 http://www.jelliepark.org.nz |
On those hot summer days, Jellie Park Aqualand transforms into a suburban oasis, just a seven-minute drive from the central city. Outside, the complex contains a large, children's pool, diving pool, and a host of water slides, including the infamous jet slides, which hurtle you down at tremendous speed. In drier parts, large grassy lawns and shaded picnic areas can accommodate the whole family for a variety-packed day out. However Jellie Park is not only a summer proposition--the complex includes an indoor-swimming pool, spa and gymnasium. Buses regularly travel in the region making Jellie Park a very accessible day of fun. Check website for further details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Joy ride down the white water |
Challenge Service Station Waimakariri River State Highway One Christchurch New Zealand +64 (0)3 385 1478 / +65 (0)800 27 7729 (Free Phone) http://www.jetthrills.com/ |
Only 15 minutes from the centre of Christchurch, you can enjoy the exhilaration of jet boating on the mighty Waimak River, flowing down from the Alps, across the Canterbury Plains and into the Pacific. These operators offer a door-to-door service and are fairly flexible, with full or half-day tours, barbecues, picnics and variable pick-up times on request. Other options include a heli-jet ride, jet boat safari and farm visits. Bookings can be made at the Christchurch and Canterbury Visitors Centre or at your hotel. For further details do call or check the website. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Jet boating and fly-fishing |
Island Road, View Hill Oxford Christchurch 7495 New Zealand +64 (0)3 312 4309 http://www.kowhai.co.nz |
Kowhai Fly Fishing and Jet Boat Rides offers people the chance to enjoy the Waimakariri River in two different ways. Jet boating gives participants the thrill of the 40-minute ride and a view of the river not easily accessible. A single customer is charged NZD100 but two to three people will pay only NZD50 each. Fly fishing for trout or salmon with a guide is available year round although the best results are often achieved from October to January. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Horse riding with stay-over options |
Island Rd, View Hill Oxford Christchurch 8253 New Zealand +64 (0)3 312 4309 http://www.kowhai.co.nz |
The Kowhai Riding School offers a variety of courses for adults and children interested in ponies and horses. Options range from a half-day trek costing NZD30 to live-in courses with transfers to Christchurch built into the price. A weekend course with two nights' shared accommodation, all meals, horse-riding instruction and some trekking costs NZD95 per person. Five and seven day live-in courses are also popular, especially in the school holidays. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Indoor playground |
146 Antigua Street (near the Moorhouse Ave intersection) Christchurch 8002 New Zealand +64 (0)3 374 3220 http://www.lollipopsplayland.c... |
This is where you take busy little people when you do not know what else to do with them! Lollipops Playland has a large indoor playground divided into separate areas for toddlers and for older children. Equipment includes climbing frames, a ball pool, computer games, dressing-up costumes, ride-on cars, Lego and a play kitchen. For adults there is the respite of a café, selling drinks and hot and cold food. If you can afford to take your eyes off the children, there is also a great range of current magazines. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Live theatre for children |
The Malthouse, 71 Colombo St Beckenham Christchurch 8002 New Zealand +64 (0)3 332 3271 http://www.malthouse.co.nz |
Home of the Canterbury Children's Theatre, the Malthouse Theatre Company has operated for many years from the historic premises made prominent by the Company's name. If you are looking for a suitable way to introduce your pre-schoolers or school-aged children to live theatre, this is it. Lively "child-centric" productions are staged here, and occasionally Malthouse Theatre Company performs at larger venues on several dates throughout the year. The most well known are the "cushion theatre" events, where your child will be entertained for just long enough to thrill, but not long enough to get restless! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Nate Cull |
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Outdoor minigolf |
196 Roydvale Ave Christchurch 8005 New Zealand +64 (0)3 358 9250 http://www.piratesisland.co.nz |
If buried treasure, eye-patches, galleons, and sharks fire up the imagination of your children, thrill them with this pirate-themed minigolf course. Taking a little over half an hour to complete, children aged over five will adore the large pirate ship and lurid-blue waterfall, while completing their 18 holes. With full wheelchair access, Pirate's Island Adventure Golf caters for younger children in pushchairs, and there are drinks and snacks available. The course is floodlit at night--ideal for kids of all ages! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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A genteel way to see the botanical gardens |
Antigua Boatsheds 2 Cambridge Terrace Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 3 366 0337 http://www.punting.co.nz/ |
What a spiffing way to explore the Avon River! While you relax in your authentic Cambridge punt, a boatman dressed in flannels and a straw boater poles your craft gently through the idyllic Botanic Gardens. Take a hamper and a bottle of wine, (this is the only punting company licensed to serve alcoholic drinks) and whisper sweet nothings to your loved one as you drift lazily down the river. How English can you get? Admission: Half-hour guided punt tours: Adults NZD12.50; children NZD5; children under five are free. Canoe, rowing and paddle boats are also available for hire. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Paul & Kelly |
 Photo: sireesa76 |
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Indoor skate park with attitude |
20 Twigger Street Addington Christchurch 8002 New Zealand +64 (0)3 338 1691 |
Here is a massive skating playground for the young at heart. Located next to Christchurch's Westpac Trust Centre, Skatezone includes two roller rinks where roller hockey and discos take place. Pull out your moves on the half pipes and numerous ramps inside. Refreshments are available, as well as a host of amusement machines. If you do not have your own gear, Rollerblades and skateboards are available for hire. Created with youth in mind, Skatezone is a great place to hang out, wipe-out and make some friends. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Chaotic go-karting action |
100 Moorhouse Avenue Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 374 9425 http://www.supakarts.co.nz |
A place of enjoyment for anybody who thinks that they too can be a race car driver. The indoor circuit is a tyre-laden mixture of chicanes, hairpins and straights. The go-karts zoom around the course getting up to speeds of 30 kilometres per hour. The experienced crew monitors proceedings and provides you with the ground rules before racing commences. Pre-booked groups can organise a Grand Prix-style race, otherwise just roll up and strap yourself in! Light refreshments are available. Children must be supervised and there is a minimum height restriction. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Two weeks of fun for kids |
Various venues Christchurch New Zealand +64 3 941 6840 http://www.kidsfest.org.nz/ |
The two-week KidsFest is a series of more than 150 events for children up to 12 years of age, ranging from sport and plays to art and craft workshops. Orana Park provides free entry for children (if accompanied by an adult) as part of the KidsFest. There are numerous activities held around the city, including an attempt on the world pavement art record in Cathedral Square. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Vintage steam railway in countryside |
Glenmark station Christchurch 8270 New Zealand +64 (0)3 962 2999 / +64 (0)3 389 4078 (Christchurch) http://www.wekapassrailway.co.nz/ |
Parents and train-mad children will have a fantastic day out on the vintage steam run from Waipara to Waikari and back. Pack a lunch and your camera and climb aboard for a half-hour ride through the limestone formations of Weka Pass. The kids will love spotting the frog shape in "Frog rock" and looking out for the solitary apple tree. After a picnic at Waikari (there is a hotel and tea rooms here too), the ride back to Waipara ends the two-hour round trip. A diesel locomotive replaces the steam engine at times of fire risk. Review © 2007, Wcities |
