When we go on dates, most of us just opt for the usual dinner and drinks, because it is, well, easier. Though these types of dates get tiresome after a while and we crave something new. So whether you’re going on your first date or your millionth date with a partner, Christchurch offers some incredible activities for couples. Check out 22 of the most memorable and unique date ideas in Christchurch.
1. Play at a funhouse
Holey Moley and Archie Bros Arcade opened in late 2022 in Christchurch. From quirky mini golf, to bowling, funky cocktails from two peculiar bars and an arcade with an array of entertainment…you and your date won’t get bored as you bond and get to know one another. Learn more about the venue here.
📍617 Colombo Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
2. Try a cooking class
Together you could learn a thing or two in the kitchen at Riverside Kitchen under the watchful eye of trained chefs. Surely a unique date idea that will provoke interesting conversations.
📍40/100 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
3. Book a luxury picnic
Treat your date to a dreamy picnic in a beautiful outdoor location in Christchurch. The folks at Christchurch Luxury Picnics offer stylish curated picnic packages set up on a sunny day in places such as Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Certainly, your date will be impressed. (This business is temporarily closed as it is for sale)
📍Various Locations
4. Visit an Alpaca Farm
Cuddle the most adorable alpacas on a date just an hour away from Christchurch. This unique farm is situated on the Banks Peninsula, where more than 170 hilarious and cute alpacas roam freely, against the idyllic backdrop of the Pacific ocean. Read all about it here.
📍328 Wainui Main Road, Akaroa 7582, New Zealand
5. Visit Arcadia
For something low-key take your date to this house of fun. From pinball, retro gaming, virtual reality adventures and more paired with beers…you both won’t get bored as you dive into conversations.
📍204 Barbadoes Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
6. Try out Ping Pong
Serve is a new ping pong club that opened in Christchurch late last year. It’s a superb place to have a few drinks and battle against each other in a game of ping pong. Read all about it here.
📍166 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
7. Visit a chocolate factory
What could be more stimulating than indulging in a chocolate overload in New Zealand? Undoubtably, our list of chocolate factory experiences offer the greatest adventure with a date.
📍 Various Locations
8. Dice & Slice
This quirky spot is a great place to get to know your companion better. With hundreds of board games, delicious food and exclusive drinks – you won’t be left disappointed. What an amazing way to calm the nerves on a first date and kickstart fun conversations. As you both get competitive, the banter will just flow.
📍 181 High Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
9. Sing your heart out
Head to one of the best High Tea spots to slurp cocktails and sing your heart out at karaoke. Midnight Shanghai offers private karaoke rooms so you can get to know your date without prying eyes.
📍 101/96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
10. Stay at Pure Pods
Deep within the Waipara Valley, watch the world unfold before your eyes as you sleep under stars in these secluded pots made out of heavy duty glass. Probably not for the first dates, but you could save this luxurious romantic experience for when you know your companion better. Book via the Pure Pods website.
📍 Various Locations
11. Go quad biking
Take a road trip to Hanmer Springs, and try out activities such as buggy adventures through the scenic alpine backyard mud. Course, you’ll have plenty to talk about on the way back.
📍 Hanmer Springs, Canterbury
12. VR Escape Rooms
For one hour, travel to another world through the magic of virtual reality. Team up with your lover, and select between games like Alice In Wonderland, Jungle Quest, Chernobyl, Christmas, and more. Indeed, an interesting date idea in Christchurch.
📍 166 St Asaph Street, Central City, Christchurch 8011
13. Race at Supa Karts
An excellent date idea that provides an adrenaline dose of endless entertainment. Create a stronger bond with your lover as you competitively race them through the track. Afterward, poke fun at the one who did not win for a humorous conversation. Visit the Supa Karts website for more information.
📍 91 Buchan Street, Sydenham, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
14. Wander through a distillery
Those who love gins and whiskies can share their passion by wandering on this distillery tour. Learn about the process, taste some authentic concoctions and more at The Spirits Workshop.
📍11 Sandyford Street, Sydenham, Christchurch 8023, New Zealand
15. Get cosy at a boutique cinema
For something intimate, check out this cosy boutique cinema which makes the perfect date night. Opt for a cocktail, beer or wine paired with a tasty cheese platter or gelato to set the scene while you chill out in plush chairs and watch a movie together.
📍 26 Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
16. Drink at Pink Lady Rooftop
Get to know your date on a deeper level on the seventh floor of the Muse Hotel. Perfect for a cocktail, bar bites and epic 360-degree sunsets in Christchurch.
📍 Level 7/159 Manchester Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
SEE MORE: The Best Rooftops In Christchurch
17. Sunset Wine Tasting Cruise
Vineyard Melton Estate and Black Cat Cruises joined together to offer this scenic two-hour cruise around Lyttelton Harbour. Enjoy complimentary tastings of five spectacular wines, delicious food platters and the astonishing scenery at your disposal. Only available a few times a year, so you need to plan well in advance. See Black Cat Cruises for more information.
📍 Lyttelton Harbour, New Zealand
18. Solve a murder
Prepare for a hilarious themed night by trying to solve a murder at this Victorian-era Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre experience. You can embark on the haunted tram ride for some extra suspense. Plus, there’s a margarita bar inside the venue, so if you are a big scary cat like myself, you can knock back the drinks to give you some false courage. To book visit the Murder Mystery website.
📍 60 Hussey Road, Harewood, Christchurch
SEE MORE: The Best Romantic Dining Restaurants In Christchurch
19. Hangout at Sullivan’s Irish Pub
If you prefer something casual, head to Sullivan’s Pub for some craic with the Irish. Opt to catch a comedy night or open mic night while you indulge on a delicious dinner or drinks in this uplifting setting. Surely you will have a memorable date with some luck from the Irish, live music in the background and sports on the big screen.
📍 291 Lincoln Road, Addington, Christchurch 8024, New Zealand
20. Christchurch Zipline Tour
Add a little adventure to your date by doing this fun activity. If you’re afraid of heights this one isn’t for you, although you could face your fears by taking on the dual ziplines 518 feet above the ground. Sweep across the air with your lover as you admire the majestic views of the Southern Alps and Pacific Ocean. To book visit the Zip Christchurch website.
📍 225 Worsleys Road, Cracroft, Christchurch
21. Dine at an instagrammable eatery
Christchurch boasts a couple of stunning restaurants and bars that are totally ig-worthy and memorable. For example, Amazonita is a picturesque restaurant where you’ll feel as if you’re in the jungle, and Gin Gin is superb for shared platters and cocktails in a pastel interior. See our list of the best instagrammable eateries in Christchurch.
📍 Various Locations
22. New Brighton Hot Pools
Probably not for a first date, but once you feel comfortable. 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. An ideal date to calm the nerves in Christchurch.
📍 195 Marine Parade, New Brighton, Christchurch 8083, New Zealand
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