Kickstart the month of April with a range of exciting activities. From comedy shows to interactive festivals, indoor adventures and more…there’s something for all ages to get excited about in Christchurch. Here are 20 of the best things to do this April 2023 in Christchurch.
1. See a comedy show
Rēwena is the hottest new comedy show presented at The Court Theatre until April 22. It tells the story of Maggie’s Home, where she will bring you on a journey of beliefs, traditions and personal memories. Certainly, one of the best things to do this April for comedy fans. Get tickets here.
📍 The Court Theatre, Christchurch
2. Attend Canterbury Folk Festival 2023
Why not escape the city for a little day trip to Waipara Adventure Centre to indulge in a festival atmosphere between April 7 and 10. Expect delicious food, music from the likes of Turkey The Bird, Trike and The Nukes, and plenty of family-friendly fun. Learn more on the Canterbury Folk Festival website.
📍 Waipara Adventure Centre, 137 Darnley Road, Waipara, Hurunui
3. Hideaway in a cosy bar
Why not grab your gang for a boozy catch up in one of Christchurch’s best bars? For example, Gin Gin Cocktail Bar offers a sophisticated affair, in an ig-worthy setting, with plenty of refreshing cocktails and food. Read further about Gin Gin.
📍 Various Locations
4. Admire SHIFT: Urban Art Takeover late at night
Canterbury Museum is offering late night sessions of SHIFT: Urban Art Takeover on both April 3 and April 11. Explore winding colourful paths, spread across five floors, boasting art on the walls, ceilings and everywhere you can think of. The late night sessions finish at 8pm.
📍11 Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013
5. 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 the colder weather starts. Why not start your journey with a walk up the summit and ride down?
📍 10 Bridle Path Road, Heathcote Valley, Christchurch 8022
6. Celebrate Easter 2023
Easter is on April 9, 2023 and in honour of the occasion, a number of events are taking place in Christchurch. For example, The Great New Zealand Easter Egg Hunt is on between 10am and 4pm in Ferrymead Park on April 9. Expct plenty of activities for kids from bouncy castles to pony rides, goodie bags, and more. Meanwhile, The Easter Extravaganza at Riverside Market takes place between April 7 and 10.
📍 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. 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
14. 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
15. 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
16. 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
17. Have brunch at the beachside
Sumner Social is the perfect place to indulge on a meal with a few bevvies before it gets colder. 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
18. 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 April in Christchurch.
📍 Godley Head Road, Sumner, Christchurch
19. 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
20. Walk around Bottle Lake Forest
Take advantage of the last of the sunny days 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