Best family day trips from Christchurch with kids under 2 hours – beaches, hot pools, bike trails, and nature walks perfect for kids.
Sometimes you just need to get out of the city. Maybe the kids are climbing the walls, maybe you’ve done every playground in Christchurch twice, or maybe you just want to remember what fresh country air smells like. Luckily, Canterbury is packed with family day trips that are close enough for an easy outing but far enough to feel like a mini holiday. Here’s our pick of the best day trips from Christchurch with kids that take two hours or less, with plenty to keep the small people (and you) happy.
Read more: 9 Fun Things To Do With Kids in Canterbury This Winter (That Aren’t the Mall)
Day Trips from Christchurch for Kids:
Porters Lodge
Yes, Porters is brilliant for skiing in winter, but it’s also worth a trip when the snow’s long gone. In the colder months, the dedicated snow play area is the place for toboggan runs and snowball fights – there’s a hire fee, but you’ll get hours of entertainment and rosy cheeks in return.
Come summer, swap the snow gear for bikes and tackle the family-friendly flow trails. The main 2.3 km trail is a winner for kids gaining confidence, while more adventurous riders can try the longer loops. Pack a picnic or make use of the lodge facilities between laps.
Travel time from Christchurch: around 1 hour 20 minutes
Birdlings Flat & Little River
This is one of those family day trips from Christchurch that feels like you’ve packed a lot in without driving for hours. Head out along Banks Peninsula and make your first stop at Birdlings Flat. It’s not a swimming beach, but it’s brilliant for treasure hunting. The wild shoreline is a magnet for colourful stones, driftwood, and other seaside finds. There’s a small playground and a quirky gemstone museum if the kids need a break from rock collecting.
From there, carry on to Little River, a town with more history than you might expect. Train lovers will enjoy a wander around the Little River Railway Station, part of the town’s heritage and a nice spot for photos. Right next door, the Heritage Park playground is a good place to burn off some energy. Time your visit for summer, and you can browse the farmer’s market before lunch.
When you’re ready to stretch your legs, the nearby rail trail offers an easy bike ride or family walk. The café in town has decent coffee, outdoor seating and ice creams worth the sticky fingers..
Travel time from Christchurch: about 1 hour
Hanmer Springs
Hanmer’s famous for its hot pools, but you don’t have to spend your whole day in the water (though no judgment if you do). The Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa has 22 outdoor pools, from naturally heated mineral pools to family activity areas with waterslides. It’s as easy to spend three hours here as it is the whole day.
When you’re ready to dry off, the village is packed with kid-friendly options. Play a round at the mini golf course or get lost (literally) in the maze. Pop into The Lolly Pot for a bag of pick’n’mix, then wander over to the local toy shop for a quick browse. There are plenty of casual restaurants and cafés where kids are welcome, so finding somewhere for lunch is never a struggle.
For fresh air and a bit of magic, follow the Fairy Door Walk through Hanmer Forest. The track is short enough for little legs, but with just enough surprises to keep them moving. If you’ve got animal lovers, the Hanmer Springs Animal Park is a must. Feed the farm animals, meet friendly alpacas, and let the kids loose in the playground.
Travel time from Christchurch: around 1 hour 45 minutes
Washpen Falls
If your kids are old enough to tackle a proper walk (and by “old enough” we also mean “won’t be asking if we’re there yet every 50 metres”), Washpen Falls is a gem. This private two-hour loop track in Windwhistle takes you through lush native bush, past volcanic rock formations, and up to a lookout with jaw-dropping views over the Canterbury Plains. The way down winds alongside a sparkling creek and the waterfall itself, with birdsong providing the soundtrack.
There’s a small entry fee, but you’re walking on private land that’s been carefully restored after decades of farming, so it feels special. The track has stairs, boardwalks, and a few steep bits, so sturdy shoes are a must. It’s not pram-friendly, and in wet weather it can be slippery, so maybe save it for a dry day. Pack snacks, because a mid-walk bribe never hurts.
Travel time from Christchurch: about 1 hour 20 minutes
Cost: $10 per adult, $5 per child (under 15) – cash only
Akaroa
Part French village, part dolphin-spotting hotspot, Akaroa is a charmer. Stroll the waterfront, let the kids burn off energy at the playground, or head out with Black Cat Cruises to spot rare Hector’s dolphins. For something truly unique, wander through The Giant’s House – a colourful garden bursting with mosaic sculptures and whimsical artworks, like stepping into a storybook. The Children’s Bay Walkway is another hit, with friendly animal sculptures dotted along the track. When hunger strikes, grab fish and chips by the harbour and spread out on the grass for a picnic. The drive over the hills is stunning, but if your kids aren’t great with winding roads, pack motion sickness tablets just in case.
Travel time from Christchurch: about 1 hour 20 minutes
Quail Island
It’s amazing how much more exciting a place is when you have to take a boat to get there. Quail Island, in Lyttelton Harbour, is just a short ferry ride away but feels like a proper adventure. There’s a walking track around the island, historic quarantine buildings to explore, and plenty of beach space for sand play and picnics. Just note the harbour water isn’t always safe for swimming, so check before you promise the kids a dip.
Travel time from Christchurch to Lyttelton: about 25 minutes plus ferry
Geraldine
Geraldine nails the “small town done right” vibe. There’s a big playground, a mini petting zoo for animal lovers, and bakeries worth pulling over for. Stock up on local cheese or chocolate, let the kids run wild on the village green, and enjoy the slower pace before heading home. For animal-loving kids, the Farmyard Holiday Park is an easy win. Day passes are just $2 for kids, $5 for adults, or $10 for a family. Expect all the usual farm animals plus wallabies, donkeys, turtles, and peacocks. There’s a bike track, playground, and even a swimming pool in summer, so pack a picnic and make a day of it.
Travel time from Christchurch: around 1 hour 40 minutes
Methven & Staveley Ice Rink
Methven is one of those Christchurch day trips with kids that works in any season. In winter, it’s the gateway to snowy fun; in summer, it’s all about hot pools, walks, and wide open spaces. Start your visit with the Ōpuke Thermal Pools, where the family discovery area is warm enough for kids to splash about while you sneak in a few minutes of actual relaxation.
For something a bit magical, wander through Methven’s Fairy Forest, tucked in beside the pools. The kids can hunt for painted rocks, spot fairy doors, and generally lose themselves in make-believe. When hunger hits, Station Café has plenty of space, good coffee, and easy options for even the fussiest eaters.
If you’re visiting in the colder months, make the short 15-minute drive to Staveley Ice Rink – one of Canterbury’s best-kept winter secrets. This is natural ice skating at its most charming: a rustic rink, a firepit for toasting marshmallows, and a proper community vibe. Sessions run at 1pm and 5pm on weekends and daily during the school holidays, but only when the weather plays nice.
Prices are reasonable at $10 for adults, free for under-5s, $5 for skate hire, and $2.50 for a bag of marshmallows to roast. Kids’ skates start at size 8, helmets are free to borrow, and you can book online with full refunds up to two hours before your slot. The walk from the car park can be muddy, so wear decent footwear and bring extra socks. Even if your youngest can’t quite skate yet, cheering from the sidelines with a hot drink is part of the fun.
Travel time from Christchurch: around 1 hour 25 minutes to Methven, plus 15 minutes to Staveley
Read more: Fairy Forest Adventures: The Best Fairy Door Walks in Christchurch and Canterbury
Ashburton
Ashburton is more than just a pit stop on the way south; it’s packed with kid-friendly gems. On a rainy day (or when you just want something indoors), head to the Ashburton Art Gallery on West Street. They often have free, hands-on exhibits just for kids – think building and drawing your own vegetable garden at Easter or interactive art projects that’ll keep them busy for ages. Bonus: it’s completely free.
For train-mad kids, the Plains Railway & Historic Museum is a winner. On open days you can ride miniature trains, climb aboard historic steam trains, and explore vintage tractors, fire engines, and farm equipment. The steam trains are especially good value – one ticket gets you unlimited rides, and under-5s are free. Check their Facebook page for the latest opening days.
If your crew are Lord of the Rings fans, take them on the short, flat walk to Mt Sunday (Edoras to the Rohan faithful). Even without the film set, the views are spectacular, especially after snow, and the swing bridge crossings are always a hit with kids. Allow 60–80 minutes return, with just one short climb at the end.
Other family-friendly things to do in Ashburton:
- Ashburton Domain – a huge park with playgrounds, a duck pond, sports fields, and plenty of space to picnic or play.
- EA Networks Centre – a modern aquatic centre with a kids’ pool, hydroslides, and a lazy river.
- Lake Hood – perfect for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, or just skimming stones by the shore.
- Ashburton Aviation Museum – climb inside real aircraft and learn about NZ’s flying history (rainy-day approved).
Travel time from Christchurch: about an hour
Lake Coleridge
Pack for all weather and head to Lake Coleridge for a real back-to-nature day. You can walk the lakeside tracks, skim stones, or just enjoy the mountain views. It’s remote, so take your own food, water, and a full tank of petrol as there are no shops or cafés.
Travel time from Christchurch: about 1 hour 45 minutes
Kaikōura
Okay, Kaikōura’s right on the edge of your two-hour limit, but it’s absolutely worth the trip. Whale watching steals the show here; you can hop on a boat or even take a scenic flight to see these giants up close. If you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins swimming alongside.
If boats aren’t your thing, the seal colonies just outside town are free to visit and endlessly entertaining. The Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway is a lovely way to stretch your legs with stunning sea views and plenty of spots for kids to explore.
For something hands-on, The Point Sheep Shearing Farm is a great family day out. Watch the shearers in action, learn about wool types and tools, or cuddle a fluffy baby lamb. Don’t miss ‘Ram-Man’, the farm’s friendly Drysdale ram who’s famous for taking treats right from your hand.
When you want to duck indoors, the award-winning Kaikōura Museum (aka the ‘Craypot’) is a hit. It tells the story of the town and its relationship with marine life, and kids can take part in treasure hunts, quizzes, jigsaws, and more. The ‘New Normal’ exhibition offers a fascinating glimpse into how the 2016 earthquake shaped the community. It’s open daily (except Christmas and Good Friday) from 10am to 5pm, and a family pass is just $30 for two adults and up to four kids.
A stroll along Kaikōura’s 5km-long beach is a no-brainer for families, with calm waters at the southern end perfect for paddling and some gentle surfing spots for beginners. Keep an eye out for seagulls if you’re picnicking!
Hungry? The Kaikōura Seafood BBQ serves up fresh local catches like crayfish, garlic scallops, paua fritters, and seafood chowder. Most dishes come under $10 (except crayfish, which is priced by weight) and are served with rice and salad or in a sandwich. Just be ready to guard your food from cheeky seagulls.
For a truly unique adventure, try Llama Trekking Kaikōura. Your guide will introduce you to your llama, explain their quirky behaviour, and take you on a gentle trek with these fluffy companions. It’s a fun way for kids to connect with nature and animals all at once.
Whether you’re chasing whales, wandering the shoreline, or learning about farm life, Kaikōura has plenty to keep the whole family entertained.
Travel time from Christchurch: Around 2 hours
Final tip: no matter which Christchurch day trip with kids you choose, bring extra snacks, spare clothes, and the kind of patience only a large takeaway coffee can provide.
If you enjoyed this article, you might also like:
- 5 Best Indoor Playgroups for Preschoolers in Christchurch: Winter-Weather Winners
- Cheap Things To Do in Christchurch With Kids This Weekend
- 10 Free Rainy Day Activities in Christchurch
- Things to Do With Kids in Christchurch City Centre: Your Family-Friendly Guide
- Sunflower Fields in Christchurch: Where to Stroll, Snap, and Pick Your Own
