Kickstart the month of March with a range of exciting activities. From interactive festivals to comedy shows, outdoor adventures and more…there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Christchurch. Here’s 24 of the best things to do this March 2023 in Christchurch.
1. Enjoy the last of summer rooftop sessions
Summer is the perfect time to take advantage of the best rooftops in Christchurch. Lucky for you, we’ve already located excellent places to sip cocktails in the afternoon and party under the stars at night. Check out the best rooftop bars in Christchurch here.
📍 Various Locations
2. Go to new heights
The Christchurch Gondola offers stunning views of Lyttelton Harbour and beyond the ocean, and it’s the perfect activity to get done before summer ends. Why not start your journey with a walk up the summit and ride down?
📍 10 Bridle Path Road, Heathcote Valley, Christchurch 8022
3. International Women’s Day 2023
Show appreciation to all the women in your life this IWD on March 8. Perhaps, organise a girly brunch with all your favourite ladies or head to a exquisite high tea to celebrate the occassion?
📍 Various Locations
SEE MORE: The Best Women-Led Businesses In Christchurch According To You
4. Check out New Zealand Sail Grand Prix
On March 18 and 19, watch two days of live action racing on the high seas at this international event down at Lyttelton Harbour in Christchurch. Not so much a festival but definitely a buzzworthy event to show up to this upcoming season.
📍 Lyttelton Harbour, Christchurch
5. Laugh with Micheal McIntyre
On March 21, see the UK’s biggest comedy star, Micheal McIntyre, for his record-breaking, stand-up comedy show – Jet-lagged and Jolly. The show stars at 8pm at Christchurch Arena and if you haven’t got a ticket, perhaps, you’ll get one second hand. Certainly, one of the best things to do this March.
📍 Christchurch Arena, Christchurch
6. Celebrate Irish Culture
On March 17, celebrate Ireland for St.Patrick’s Day 2023 by heading to some of the best Irish spots in Christchurch. From The Bog to Paddy McNaughtons and Sullivan’s Irish Bar – there’s plenty of places to hangout on Friday, March 17.
📍 Various Locations
7. 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
8. Visit the new Holey Moley Golf And Archie Bros
This immersive house of fun opened in late 2022 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. Read further about it here.
📍 617 Colombo Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
9. 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
10. Cuddle alpacas
Calm your soul this month by cuddling up to more than 170 adorable alpacas just one hour from Christchurch. Read about this Alpaca Farm experience here.
11. Go Jet Boating
Alpine Jet Thrills offers exciting boating activities during the summer months. For example, Jet boating involves skimming across the waters, against the backdrop of the Southern Alps and waterfalls of the Waimakariri River.
📍1 Main North Road, Coutts Island, Christchurch 7630
12. 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.
13. Tick off a summer activity
For those who love the summer days, we’ve rounded up a range of best seasonal things to do for you to take advantage of. From rooftop bars to forest adventures and wine tasting…you won’t be bored. Check out our guide here.
14. Serve ping pongs at this cool bar
An epic new ping pong club opened late last year in Christchurch and it’s one of the greatest things to do for groups in February. Read all about this unmissable experience here.
📍166 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011
15. 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
16. Indulge at Rollickin Gelato
Enjoy the best seasonal desserts at one of our favourite ice cream shops in Christchurch.
📍Two Locations
17. Visit Arion Farm
Summer 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
18. Relax at Ōpuke Thermal Pools and Spa
There are thermal hot springs and then there is Ōpuke Thermal Pools and Spa just an hour from Christchurch. Found in Methven, it’s a perfect escape from the rush of daily life and the region invites you to slow down, relax and soak up the environment. And the pools themselves are special as well, sourced from the mountains and powered by the Sun. Read further about it here.
📍35 Mount Hutt Station Road, Methven
19. 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
20. 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
21. Have brunch at the beachside
Sumner Social is the perfect place to indulge on a meal with a few bevvies this summer. Order a Bloody Mary with breakfast and enjoy the views by the sea. Plus, it’s pet-friendly so you don’t need to leave your furry friend at home.
SEE MORE: The Best Brunch Places In Christchurch
22. 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. Definitely, one of the best things to do this March in Christchurch.
📍 Godley Head Road, Sumner, Christchurch
23. Take a dip in hot pools
He Puna Taimoana at New Brighton offers plenty of hot pools and a fantastic place to relax and recharge your batteries. Plus, it’s one of our favourite date ideas and a delightful place to watch the sunset.
📍 195 Marine Parade, New Brighton, Christchurch 8083
24. Walk around Bottle Lake Forest
Take advantage of a sunny day by venturing through this exotic pine forest that spreads across 800 acres of land. Opt to walk with friends, run, mountain bike and more. Certainly, one of the best free things to do that passes the time this March in Christchurch.
📍 Waitikiri Drive, Bottle Lake, Christchurch 8083