Definitely, there’s hundreds of exciting things to do around Christchurch. However, most of those activities tend to burn a hole in your pocket. Hence why we’ve listed 10 of the best free things to do in Christchurch. So, you can have fun without breaking the bank.
1. Walk around Bottle Lake Forest Park
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, a great free thing to do that passes the time.
đź“Ť Waitikiri Drive, Bottle Lake, Christchurch 8083, New Zealand
2. See the 185 Empty White Chairs
Visit the memorial dedicated to people who lost their lives in the 2011 Christchurch Earthquake. The installation features 185 empty white chairs, spread across 185 square metres of grassland. Indeed, one of the most interesting free things to do in Christchurch.
đź“Ť Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
3. Visit the beach
Of course, all the beaches in Christchurch are free to visit. Take a stroll on the beach or play sports with friends…the list is endless. Select from our collection of the best beaches in Christchurch.
đź“Ť Various Locations
4. Explore markets
Why not spend time exploring the various markets Christchurch has to offer. Some examples are Christchurch Farmers Market and The Riccarton Sunday Market. Naturally, you’ll have to pay to indulge on delicious grub. However, prices are very cheap for belly-filling meals.
đź“Ť Various Locations
SEE MORE: The Best Cheap & Cheerful Eats In Christchurch
5. Enjoy the Airforce Museum of New Zealand
If you’re bored and broke, why not get educated for free at New Zealand’s military aviation museum. Learn about the war years along with the history and culture behind those who shaped New Zealand’s military aviation sector.
đź“Ť 45 Harvard Avenue, Wigram, Christchurch 8042, New Zealand
6. Stroll along New Brighton Pier
Famous for being the longest pier in Australasia, it’s the perfect place to spend the day. With the beach nearby, you can unwind, walk for miles and play. Wonderfully, this spot just so happens to be one of the best places to catch a sunset or sunrise in Christchurch.
đź“Ť New Brighton, Christchurch 8061, New Zealand
7. Get educated at Canterbury Museum
Appreciate New Zealand’s art and culture at this iconic free-to-enter museum. Admire different collections, get schooled on Maori heritage and visit temporary exhibitions. For instance, Isolation Hotel is a new immersive attraction that is a must-see at the museum.
đź“Ť 11 Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
8. Instagrammable Places
Luckily, we’ve already listed the most instagrammable places to visit in Christchurch. For example, Cardboard Cathedral and Port Hills. Fantastically, all of these places are free to visit.
đź“Ť Various Locations
9. Picnic at Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Surrounded by greenery and pink florals, a picnic in these gardens is one of our favourite things to do this season before winter hits.
đź“Ť City Centre Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
10. Hike 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.