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 city has to offer. Take a look at some of the best things to do going down this November in Christchurch.
1. New Zealand Agricultural Show
From November 9 to 11, this festival will celebrate all things rural life featuring animals, live music, exhibitions and plenty of entertainment. Get tickets here.
2. Scared Scriptless
Every Friday, pay just $20 to see this hilarious comedy show 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
3. 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
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.
5. 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
6. 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.
7. Alpaca Farm
Calm your soul this month by cuddling up to over 170 adorable alpacas just one hour from Christchurch. Read about this experience here.
8. Instagrammable Places
With the weather picking up, it’s the perfect time to venture outdoors and discover all the best instagrammable places in Christchurch.
📍Various Locations
9. 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
10. Ping Pong Club
An epic new ping pong club opened in July. Read all about this unmissable experience here.
📍166 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
11. Coca-Cola Christmas In The Park
On November 26, this wonderful Christmas event returns with plenty of entertainment and fireworks to kickstart the festive season. Find out more on the website.
12. Rollickin Gelato
Indulge on the best seasonal desserts at one of our favourite ice cream shops in Christchurch.
📍Two Locations
13. Candlelight Concerts
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
14. 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
15. 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
16. 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
17. 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
18. 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.
19. 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
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. 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
22. Escape Rooms
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
23. 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
24. The 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
25. 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
26. 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.
27. 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. For bookings, visit the Supa Karts website.
📍 91 Buchan Street, Sydenham, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
28. International Antarctic Centre
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
29. Visit a new sky bar
A sophisticated new bar and restaurant recently opened with dining in the sky in Christchurch. Read all about it here.
📍159 Manchester Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
30. Staycations
Take a short weekend staycation to somewhere fabulous nearby. Check out our favourite South Island Getaways here.
31. Hot Air Balloon Adventure
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
32. 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