Christchurch is a fantastic city for the boozers among us. From bars, clubs and plenty of events– we’ve got it all. But what if you actually don’t fancy a drink for a change? From interactive gaming to family-friendly activities, we’ve rounded 18 of the best things to do without alcohol in Christchurch.
1. YMCA Adventure Centre
Visit this quirky activities centre with a variety of experiences dedicated to different climbing concepts and other recreational sports. Surely, one of the most exciting things to do without alcohol in Christchurch.
📍239 Waltham Road, Sydenham, Christchurch 8023, New Zealand
2. Go crazy at this funhouse
The immersive new funhouse duo, Holey Moley Golf Club and Archie Bros Arcade, opened in Christchurch late last year. It features an 18-hole mini golf experience, eight bowling lanes, arcade games and even the HOYTS cinema upstairs. We bet you won’t get bored in this entertainment complex since it’s one of the best things to do minus the alcohol. Read further about it here.
📍 617 Colombo Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
3. Be transported to Antarctica
The International Antarctic Centre boasts a range of interactive experiences, transporting visitors to the heart of Antarctica. Pop on your warmest winter coast to brace the cold of Storm Dome, play with adorable huskies, rescue penguins and much more. Prices begin at $39.
📍Corner Roy Place and, Orchard Road, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch 8052, New Zealand
4. 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, New Zealand
5. Indulge at a bakeshop
Treat yourself to a perfect mix of donuts, cookies and other bakery goods at this delicious bakeshop for a cheat day. Read all about it here.
📍173 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
6. Cuddle adorable alpacas
Calm your soul this month by cuddling up to over 170 hilarious and cute alpacas just one hour from Christchurch. The unique farm is situated on the Banks Peninsula, where the alpacas roam freely, against the idyllic backdrop of the Pacific ocean, Harbour and beyond. Read about the Alpaca Farm experience here.
📍328 Wainui Main Road, Akaroa 7582, New Zealand
7. Race with 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
8. Enjoy a high tea
Embrace Christchurch’s English heritage with an elegant high tea set. Select from our list of the best high teas in Christchurch.
📍Various Locations
9. Go on a dino adventure
Jurassic Adventure exhibitions one of the strangest mini golf courses in Christchurch, alongside a dinosaur dig, maze and t-rex ride experience. The outdoor course exhibits an 18 hole challenge complete with large moving dinosaur and plenty of instagrammable moments. Perfect for people of all ages.
📍239A Opawa Road, Hillsborough, Christchurch 8022, New Zealand
10. Escape a 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, Christmas, and more.
📍 166 St Asaph Street, Central City, Christchurch 8011
11. Try a unique ice cream pop
Paleta Bar offers a unique ice cream experience. Indulge on irresistible loaded paleta ice pops such as lemon, raspberry, chocolate, all topped with sauces and other droolworthy ingredients. Read all about it here.
📍255 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
12. Relax at New Brighton Hot Pools
He Puna Taimoana is opened with reduced capacity. With plenty of hot pools, it offers a fantastic place to relax and recharge your batteries. Likewise, it’s one of our favourite date ideas.
📍 195 Marine Parade, New Brighton, Christchurch 8083, New Zealand
13. Get cosy in a boutique cinema
For something a little more intimate and cosy, head to a boutique cinema such as Lumière Cinema. Pair your experience with a tasty cheese platter or gelato to set the scene while you chill out on plush chairs and watch movies.
📍 26 Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
SEE MORE: The Best Movies To Catch In The Cinema Now
14. Hop on a majestic hot air balloon
Sure, this one is a little pricey but offers the most breathtaking once-in-a-lifetime views over the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps. Sunset or sunrise are the best times to have the most scenic insta-worthy adventure. Book via Ballooning Canterbury.
📍 2136 Bealey Road, Hororata 7671, New Zealand
15. Go jet boating
Experience the thrills of jet boating on the Waimakariri River. Prepare for the captain to share knowledge on the history of the region while you take in Christchurch’s natural beauty all the while experiencing this adrenaline-pumping adventure. To book, visit the Alpine Jet Thrills website. Indeed, an unforgettable experience and one of the best things to do without alcohol.
📍 Waimakariri River Regional Park, Kaiapoi, Christchurch 7630, New Zealand
16. Go on an ig-worthy food hunt
The foodies will adore our list of the most instagrammable foods in Christchurch. Why not check them out for yourself to see if you agree. Certainly, one of the best things to do without alcohol in Christchurch.
📍 Various Locations
17. Order a shared platter
Why not get a group of friends together for a catchup and order one of the best shared food platters in Christchurch? Definitely, the foodies among you will be in their element.
📍 Various Locations
18. Battle it out at paintballing
Why not book the ultimate paintball adrenaline game for a group of friends? It’s the perfect birthday party idea, but also superb for those wanting to stay off the alcohol. For example, Delta Force Paintball has a huge military-style outdoor base just 20 minutes from Christchurch.
📍815 McLeans Island Road, McLeans Island, Christchurch 8051
SEE MORE: New Zealand’s First-Ever Floating Burger Bar Needs To Be On Your Bucket List