We’ve had a rough run the past two years, but it feels like we’re finally breaking free from our shackles to enjoy the best that this marvelous city has to offer. Take a look at 34 of the best things to do this December 2022 in Christchurch.
1. Go to a summer festival
On December 3, explore more than 40 of the best South Island wineries in the sunshine at Hagley Park at the South Island Wine and Food Festival. Plus, there’ll be a range of on-site food stalls to keep the hunger away and retail outlets to shop for some goodies. Read further about the experience.
📍 Hagley Park North, Christchurch, New Zealand
2. Visit the new Holey Moley Golf And Archie Bros
This immersive house of fun recently opened in Christchurch. From quirky mini golf, bowling, funky cocktails from two peculiar bars and an arcade with an array of entertainment…both adults and kids won’t be bored.
📍617 Colombo Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
3. Watch a comedy show
Every Friday, pay just $20 to see the hilarious comedy show Scared Scriptless in The Court Theatre. Certainly, you’ll be laughing your head off at Canterbury’s best performers. Get tickets on eventfinda.
📍The Court Theatre, Addington
4. Go to the beach
Now that the weather is getting better, it’s the perfect time to explore Christchurch’s best beaches. Read all about them here.
Christmas events
5. See the Christmas Lightshow
Admire magical decorations at this famous Christmas Lightshow on Shands Road. The experience is between 8.30pm and 11.30pm each night and finishes on December 30. Prices start at $5 for children and $10 for adults. This year’s event is raising awareness for Motor Neurone Disease.
📍650 Shands Road, Christchurch
6. Hop on a festive train
Kickstart the Christmas season with a jolly scenic journey through New Zealand’s magnificent summery scenery, with an added touch of festive sparkle including Christmas sing-a-longs, party games and treats and much more. Book your ticket here.
📍Christchurch Train Station, Troup Drive, Addington, Christchurch
7. The Christchurch Christmas Show Parade
Returning with a new name called Mainfreight Christmas Show Parade, this event is happening on December 18 from 11am to 2pm. With a host of Christmas markets, amusement rides and festival entertainment…it’s the perfect place to get merry this season.
📍Canterbury Agricultural Park, Christchurch
8. Get merry at the Love Actually concert
On December 18, experience the ultimate romantic comedy live at the Christchurch Town Hall. Read all about it here.
📍Christchurch Town Hall, Christchurch
Want more Christmas? check out our guide to the best Christmas 2022 events.
9. Party at Hidden Lakes Festival 2022
Grab your mates for one last party of 2022 on December 28 at Hagley Park. The lineup includes a selection of epic DJs, international acts and local legends from Dom Dolla to Patrick Topping…you can’t miss one of the best things to do this month. Book your ticket on the Hidden Lakes website.
📍 Hagley Park North, Christchurch
10. Visit Arion Farm
Spring is the perfect time to see the newborn animals at Arion Farm Park. From baby sheep and lambs, pigs, birds, bunnies and more…it’s the perfect place for animal lovers, of all ages, to enjoy a day out.
📍90 McLeans Island Road, McLeans Island, Christchurch 8051, New Zealand
11. Have summer picnics
It’s picnic season again, so why not take a picnic to the best place in Christchurch? Whether alone or with friends, find out the best picnic places in Christchurch here.
12. Cuddle alpacas
Calm your soul this month by cuddling up to over 170 adorable alpacas just one hour from Christchurch. Read about this Alpaca Farm experience here.
13. Go on an instagrammable adventure
With the weather picking up, it’s the perfect time to venture outdoors and discover all the best instagrammable places in Christchurch.
📍Various Locations
14. Try out the new Nikkei Cuisine
This hot new fusion restaurant opened in Christchurch in September. Certainly, you can’t miss a chance to try a new foodie spot. Read all about it here.
📍100 Oxford Terrace, Riverside Market, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
15. Serve ping pongs at this cool bar
An epic new ping pong club opened this year. Read all about this unmissable experience here.
📍166 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
16. Indulge at Rollickin Gelato
Indulge on the best seasonal desserts at one of our favourite ice cream shops in Christchurch.
📍Two Locations
17. Attend a Candlelight Concert
Go to see a world-famous candlelight concert on various dates throughout spring. Surrounded by the glimmer of candlelight, it’s a magical romantic experience. Find out what’s on here.
📍Various Locations
18. Go on one of the Christchurch Astro Tours
Why not book a personal stargazing tour of the Southern night sky? Tickets begin at $40 and the experience is just 40 minutes from the city.
📍156 Greenpark Road, Lincoln 7674, New Zealand
19. Play Human Foosball
Pay $10 each with six people to play an exciting game of human foosball at Velocity Karts. While you’re there, check out Blokarts and Driftkarts for some extra thrills.
📍Bexley Reserve, entry opposite 499 Pages Road, Bexley, Christchurch 8061, New Zealand
20. Relax at a Boutique Cinema
Unwind with a cocktail and nibbles at boutique movie theatre Lumière Cinema with one of the newest cinema movies for a cosy evening.
📍 26 Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
21. Enjoy an elegant high tea
Get cosy at an elegant high tea this season. From classic, gluten-free, dairy-free and more…there’s plenty of options. See our list of the best high teas in Christchurch.
📍Various Locations
22. Take a trip to Hanmer Springs
Take a quick day trip to the lush Hanmer Springs village. Read all about the best things to do in Hanmer Springs here.
23. Ōpuke Thermal Pools and Spa
There are thermal hot springs and then there is Ōpuke Thermal Pools and Spa just an hour out of Christchurch. Found in Methven, it’s perfect escape from the rush of daily life and the region invites you to slow down, relax and soak up the environment for a revitalising escape. And the pools themselves are special as well, sourced from the mountains and powered by the Sun. Read all about it here.
📍35 Mount Hutt Station Road, Methven
24. Punting On The Avon
We awarded this one of the best places to kiss before, but it’s also an excellent activity any time of the year. Book a 45-minute private charter Edwardian-style boat to glide down the Avon River.
📍Avon River, Christchurch
25. Visit the Air Force Museum
As one of the best free things to do in Christchurch, you can’t go wrong getting educated at New Zealand’s military aviation museum. Learn about the war years, along with history and culture, while discovering new exhibitions like The Future Of The Flight On Display: Wisk.
📍 45 Harvard Avenue, Wigram, Christchurch 8042, New Zealand
26. Try an Escape Room
For one hour, travel to another world through the magic of virtual reality. You’ll need at least one extra person to take part in this game, and you can select between games like Alice In Wonderland, Jungle Quest, Chernobyl and more. Indeed, one of the best things to do without alcohol.
📍 166 St Asaph Street, Central City, Christchurch 8011
27. Dinosaur rEvolution: Secrets Of Survival
Appreciate the evolution of dinosaurs at this interactive international exhibition featuring skeletons, moving dinos, skeletons and much more. Adults go for $10. For more information, see the Canterbury Museum website.
📍 11 Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
28. Chill on top of Pink Lady Rooftop
This chic bar is one of the best rooftop bars in Christchurch. Located on the seventh floor of the Muse Hotel, order your favourite cocktail, take in incredible 360 degree sunset views.
📍 Level 7/159 Manchester Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
SEE MORE: The Best Date Ideas In Christchurch
29. Unwind at New Brighton Hot Pools
He Puna Taimoana is opened with reduced capacity during restrictions. With plenty of hot pools, it offers a fantastic place to relax and recharge your batteries.
📍 195 Marine Parade, New Brighton, Christchurch 8083, New Zealand
30. Trek around Godley Head
Pack a lunch, grab a friend and opt for a spectacular hike at Godley Head. Just a 50 minutes drive from the centre, begin at Taylor’s Mistake Beach and embark on a trail enriched in history and culture, from its WW2 origins to spotting plenty of wildlife to breathtaking coastal adventures.
31. Race at Supa Karts
Book a session of indoor karting which will provide some top-notch entertainment for you and your crew. Poke fun at your friends who come last on the track and prepare for some bellyaching laughs. Certainly, one of the best things to do on a rainy day!
📍 91 Buchan Street, Sydenham, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
32. Have a snowy Christmas
Get up close and personal with penguins and huskies, watch the big screen ice tour, and much more at this Antarctic experience. This journey of enlightenment provides once-in-a-lifetime memories and activities to entertain the whole family. Purchase tickets via Iceberg.
📍 38 Orchard Road, Harewood, Christchurch 8052, New Zealand
33. Take a majestic hot air balloon
This pricey activity offers the most breathtaking once-in-a-lifetime views over the Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps. Appreciate everything afar high in the sky. Undoubtedly, this experience presents the most picturesque gram-worthy moments which will leave your followers totally jealous. Book via Ballooning Canterbury.
📍 2136 Bealey Road, Hororata 7671, New Zealand
34. Climb Rakaia Gorge Walkway
Just one hour and 30 minutes from Christchurch, you’ll feel rewarded after taking on this iconic walkway against the backdrop of green forests underneath Mount Hutt. Begin in the woods, before reaching the ferryman’s track, and continuing along glacial river terraces to a beautiful viewpoint. Other highlights include the impressive lava tracks and historic coal mine tunnels.
📍 Windwhistle 7572, New Zealand