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Amelia Norman
Following the February 22 earthquake, many Christchurch tourism operations were closed. Here are some activities that are now open and well worth a visit…
New Zealand's only open-range zoo is a wonderful place to take the kids for a day out to forget about the city’s shakes.
Not only can you see a range of incredible exotic animals including tigers and zebras, but the children can hand-feed the giraffes and pet the animals in the mini farmyard.
Enjoy a ride around the park on the tractor-led shuttle, or stop for a picnic or barbecue near the playground.
Read more about Orana Wildlife Park here Open daily 10am - 5pm (last entrance 4.30pm)
The beautiful Botanic Gardens in central Christchurch are open, although the Christchurch City Council has advised that some earthquake damage has been sustained within the gardens.
Note also that entry options into the gardens will be limited until the central city cordon is lifted. However, the wide open spaces, leafy pathways and interesting sculptures and information panels throughout the 21 hectare gardens make for a relaxing outing.
Take a picnic and spend the day!
Open daily 7am to 6.30pm in winter; 9pm in summer and 8.30pm in March and October.
Possibly the region’s best food market, the Lyttelton Farmers’ Market has defied the odds and is welcoming the public back to quake-ravaged Lyttelton.
Open every Saturday, customers flock to the lively market for fresh produce, plants, baked goods, meat, cheese, bread, live music and an all round good time!
Open Saturdays 10am - 1pm, Lyttelton Main School grounds, Oxford Street, Lyttelton.
A mainstay of the Christchurch entertainment scene, the Air Force Museum of New Zealand is a wonderful attraction for families, or those interested in our aviation history.
As well as collections of uniforms, badges, engines and aircraft components, the museum houses the pre-eminent collection of New Zealand military aircraft.
Even if you’re not an aviation enthusiast, these planes are sure to impress! The museum also offers free admission.
Open 364 days a year (closed Christmas Day) from 10am to 5pm.
If you’re keen to escape the city for some R&R, give Rangitata Rafts a go. You’ll spend a fun day on the stunning Rangitata River with a team of other rafters, paddling, swimming and splashing through wild rapids.
They also feed you and if you really don’t want to leave (which is quite likely after all the fun you’ll have), they offer backpacker style accommodation as well. All within 2 hours’ drive of Christchurch.
Operating September to May.
There are many other tourism operators still open in Christchurch and Canterbury. For a comprehensive list, check out The Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism Website for regular for updates.
