Welcome to Chipmunks, the pay for play indoor children’s adventure playground and café. Chipmunks is the ultimate place for children of all ages to go for entertainment and educational purposes. Our playland primarily consists of specialised play equipment of an extremely high standard, with protective matting and padding. We also have mazes, inflatable slides, flying fox, play stations, ball pools and a separate area for under 3s. Birthday Parties and after school care available. Café on-site. Note: Children to play in socks. Casual visitors welcome!
Our personalised family adventure tours are based out of the Peel Forest, just 1 1/2 hours drive south of Christchurch. We specialise in family groups, introducing you and the kids to an adventure playground including beautiful rivers, alpine landscapes, hidden waterfalls and ancient native forests. Choose from one of our mountain bike, kayak or hiking options - all fully-guided, all with trips suitable for children, friendly guides, gear provided, meals included on some trips. Trips from 2 to 4 hours, making a perfect day excursion from Christchurch! If you really want to immerse yourself in the trip of a lifetime, ask about our family-friendly multi-day adventures!
Fun, challenging, educational, amazing, interactive, varied - there's just so much to see and do at Science Alive the website is a must visit! Fun activities include the vertical slide (a must do for the grown ups too!), climbing wall and gyroscope. Exhibitions offer changing fun stuff - why not try one of our mind-boggling puzzles? Does it hurt to lie on a bed of nails? Try it here and find out for yourself!
Discover one of the world’s premier military aviation collections at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand; from aircraft, engines and assorted displays to medals, pin-ups and parachute-silk wedding dresses.
Come and marvel at our collection of classic aircraft, be inspired by the bravery of present and past servicemen, servicewomen and their families and fly a simulator.
Canterbury Museum is a window into the wonders of New Zealand and has been operating and collecting treasures for over 130 years. From moas to Antarctic penguins and bizarre artefacts we have something to keep all ages interested. DISCOVERY CENTRE - SPECIALLY FOR THE KIDS! Welcome to Canterbury Museum's natural history centre for children, bursting with weird and wonderful things to explore. Dig for fossils, be wowed by the witch’s pantry and learn all about the amazing natural world. Discovery memberships available with birthday party options. Also check out our school holiday programmes.
Spend a fascinating half-day exploring Quail Island, right in the middle of Lyttelton Harbour. Named after the now extinct native Quail, the island was used as a leprosy colony and a quarantine station by the early European settlers. The Antarctica explorers, Scott and Shackleton, took advantage of the island to train their sled dogs and ponies before setting off on their ill-fated voyages. Today the island is home to native birds including the rare white flippered little blue penguins. Secluded inlets, safe swimming beaches and lovely walks and picnic areas, why not take your lunch and swimming costumes for a great family day out? Toilets and changing rooms on the island. Black Cat run regular departures throughout the summer - why not join the Great Quail Island Treasure Hunt? Simply pick up a treasure map on our ferry on route to the island. Then use the map to find the clues and solve the secret word.
Did you know that 99% of Canterbury's trade is by sea? Learn this and more on a free Lyttelton Port of Christchurch harbour cruise, offered once a month. Relax onboard and take in the sights of the port from the water. In one hour cruise you will learn about the port's various operational areas which are at the heart of international trade for Canterbury.
The cruise takes visitors alongside Cashin Quay and the container terminal where they can see the cranes and straddles at work. Other points of interest include the historic dry dock and the coal stockpile. An informative commentary is provided throughout the tour. Although the cruise is free we do ask that you consider making a gold coin donation, which goes to support Cholmondeley Children's Home. Over the Summer (Oct - May) the tours are on Tug Lyttelton and sail at 11am on the second Sunday of the month.
During the winter months (June - Sept) the tours are conducted on the Canterbury Cat and sail at 11am on the third Sunday of the month. Boarding takes place at the public ferry terminal, just off the Oxford Street over bridge in Lyttelton. Bookings are essential. To book a free public port tour, contact Lyttelton Port of Christchurch reception on 328-8198.
Our safe all-weather environment offers a fun, exciting and interactive experience of Antarctica.
Watch the snow fall in the four seasons room and have fun in our Snow & Ice Experience…at the Antarctic Attraction our aim is to re-create the atmosphere and environment of Antarctica, providing visitors with an interactive, fun and exciting experience of the "Great White South".
