1. International Antarctic Centre from RedBalloon NZ
Highlights:
- 2-3 hours with transport to/from the city
- Hagglund ride, penguin encounter, snow experience and 4D theatre included
- Price: Child $29, adult $59
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Easter in Christchurch: What’s open and things to do
Christchurch has a lot to offer for the upcoming mini-break.
As much as it would be great to travel somewhere nice for the Easter long weekend, you’ve probably already realised that flights are getting more and more expensive. It’s not all that bad staying in Christchurch on your four days off though, since there is plenty to keep you busy both in and outside the city.
Whether you’re spending time with your family, friends, partner or flying solo, we’ve got you covered with things to do in the Garden City this Easter.
Things to do over Easter
2. The Christchurch Pass from Klook
Highlights:
- All-day pass to make your way around Christchurch and explore the sights
- Unlimited tram rides, gondola ride tickets, guided tour of Botanic Gardens and 30-minute scenic punt ride
- Price: $81
3. Swimming with Wild Dolphins in Akaroa from Groupon
Highlights:
- 3-hour experience with 2 hours in the water
- Boat trip with no more than 12 people and a dolphin sightseeing guarantee
- Price: $95
4. Hour Fishing Charter from Treat Me
Highlights:
- 4-hour charter for you and your friends
- Gear and bait provided, morning and afternoon departure times
- Price: $550 for up to 6 people
5. Forest High Ropes and Ziplining Adventure from RedBalloon NZ
Highlights:
- 3-hour adventure course
- Reach heights of up to 25 metres as you tackle challenges; safety gear included
- Price: Child $30, adult $45
6. Hanmer Spring Thermal Pools Day Pass from Klook
Highlights:
- 11 hours to enjoy the complex with single entry or return-entry ticket
- Spa, waterslides and 15 outdoor pools plus licensed cafe on site
- Price: From $18
7. Indulge Day Spa Package from RedBalloon NZ
Highlights:
- 3 hours of pampered bliss
- Facial, luxe pedicure, body scrub and wrap included
- Price: From $369
8. Waipara Wine Experience from Viator
Highlights:
- 5.5-hour experience visiting 4 boutique wineries in North Canterbury
- Wine tastings, lunch and transport from Christchurch included
- Price: From $150
What’s open over Easter?
Due to laws around the closing of stores in New Zealand on public holidays such as Good Friday and Easter Sunday, you won’t have much luck if you head out to shop on either one of these days.
However, the malls, shopping centres, department stores and supermarkets will be ready to welcome you on Easter Saturday and Monday, so make a note of what is going to be open at what time.
While every effort has been made to find the trading hours in Christchurch this Easter, please note that these hours are subject to change as stores confirm closer to the time. Make sure to double-check online before you head out.
| Shopping centre | Good Friday | Saturday | Easter Sunday | Easter Monday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westfield Riccarton | Closed | 9am-6pm | Closed | 10am-6pm |
| The Palms | Closed | 9am-6pm | Closed | 9am-6pm |
| Northlands | Closed | 9am-6pm | Closed | 10am-6pm |
| Merivale | Closed | 9am-6pm | Closed | 10am-5pm |
| Tower Junction | Closed | 10am-5pm | Closed | 10am-5pm |
| Barrington | Closed | 10am-5pm | Closed | 10am-5pm |
| Eastgate Mall | Closed | 9am-6pm | Closed | 10am-5pm |
| The Warehouse South City | Closed | 8am-9pm | Closed | 8am-9pm |
| The Warehouse Hornby | Closed | 7am-10pm | Closed | 7am-10pm |
| The Warehouse Riccarton | Closed | 7am-12pm | Closed | 7am-12pm |
| Kmart Riccarton | Closed | 8am-12pm | Closed | 8am-12pm |
| Kmart Shirley | Closed | 8am-12pm | Closed | 8am-12pm |
| Countdown Moorhouse Ave | Closed | 7am-11pm | Closed | 7am-11pm |
| Countdown Colombo St | Closed | 8am-10pm | Closed | 8am-10pm |
| Countdown Rolleston | Closed | 7am-9pm | Closed | 7am-9pm |
| Countdown Hornby | Closed | 7am-11pm | Closed | 7am-11pm |
| Countdown Avonhead | Closed | 7am-9pm | Closed | 7am-9pm |
| Countdown Church Corner | Closed | 7am-midnight | Closed | 7am-midnight |
| PAK’nSAVE Northlands | Closed | 7am-11pm | Closed | 7am-11pm |
| PAK’nSAVE Moorhouse | Closed | 7am-11pm | Closed | 7am-11pm |
| PAK’nSAVE Hornby | Closed | 7am-10pm | Closed | 7am-10pm |
| PAK’nSAVE Wainoni | Closed | 7am-10pm | Closed | 7am-10pm |
| PAK’nSAVE Riccarton | Closed | 7am-11pm | Closed | 7am-11pm |
Top Easter deals
Momondo
New Zealand flights from $68 each way
Available on flights from July - December 2020 to Queenstown, Christchurch Dunedin and more. Sample fare is Auckland-Wellington with Jetstar.
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Deal ends
Booking.com
Up to 15% off worldwide hotels
Available on stays from 1 June 2020 - 4 January 2021 in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Cape Town and more. T&Cs apply.
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Deal ends
Airbnb
New Zealand stays from AUD$28
Available on select dates from July 2020 onward for Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown and Christchurch stays. Sample stay is in a private room in Manawatu–Wanganui. T&Cs apply.
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Agoda
Up to 75% off Christchurch hotels
Available on select stay dates in 2020. T&Cs apply.
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Deal ends
Groupon
Extra 15% off first Groupon purchase
Valid on all dates including holidays like Christmas for restaurants, spas, getaways, things to do and more. Available in all major New Zealand cities, including Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington. T&Cs apply.
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VRBO
Christchurch hotels from $49 per night
Available for travel on select dates. Sample fare is for a stay at Swallow's Wing apartment near Christchurch center. T&Cs apply.
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Deal ends
I Want That Flight
Australia flights from $293 return
Available on flights from September 2020 - January 2021 to Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney and more. Sample fare is Christchurch-Gold Coast with Jetstar.
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Deal ends
I Want That Flight
Domestic flights from $77 return
Available on flights until December 2020 to Christchurch, Queenstown and more. Sample fare is Wellington-Auckland with Jetstar.
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Deal ends
Lastminute.com.au
Up to 50% off New Zealand hotels
Available on select dates in Christchurch, Queenstown, Rotorua, Auckland and more. T&Cs apply.
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AAT Kings
$99 deposits on tours
Available on tours from 1 September 2020 - 31 October 2021. Destinations include Perth, Darwin, Melbourne, Auckland, Christchurch and more. T&Cs apply.
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Deal ends
AAT Kings
Up to 10% off guided holidays
Available on tours from 1 April 2021 - 31 March 2022 when you book and pay in full by 16 November 2020. Destinations include Perth, Darwin, Melbourne, Auckland, Christchurch and more. T&Cs apply.
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Deal ends
Get Your Guide
Christchurch activities from $20
Available on select dates and activities including transfers, tours, attraction passes, hop-on hop-off sightseeing tours, gondola rides and more.
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Snap Rentals
Christchurch Airport car hire from $23 per day
Available for travel on select dates. Sample fare is for Economy Toyota Corolla Automatic. T&Cs apply.
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Groupon
Up to 55% off New Zealand getaways
Available on select travel dates in 2020. Destinations include Christchurch, Wellington and Rotorua. T&Cs apply.
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Trip.com
Christchurch stays from $20/night
Available on select dates in 2020. Sample stay is at Jucy Snooze Christchurch. T&Cs apply.
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Deal ends
Momondo
Christchurch stays from $25/night
Available on select stay dates in 2020. Sample rate is for a stay at Point Break Backpackers. T&Cs apply.
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Deal ends
Airbnb
Christchurch stays from AUD$18
Available on select dates from July 2020 onward. Sample stay is for a private room in a house. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Discover Car Hire Ltd.
Christchurch car hire from $10.83/day
Available for rental on select dates in 2020. Car types include intermediate, economy, standard and more. T&Cs apply.
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Booking.com
Christchurch stays from $30/night
Available on select 2020 dates. Sample rate is for a stay at Quality on Woodham. T&Cs apply.
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Deal ends
Klook
Up to 10% off things to do in Christchurch
Available on select 2020 dates. Activities include tours, cruise, tram ride, transfers, bungy jumping, river rafting and more. T&Cs apply.
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HotelsCombined
Christchurch stays from $36/night
Available on select 2020 dates. Sample accommodation is at Vagabond Backpackers. T&Cs apply.
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Deal ends
Hostelworld
Christchurch stays from $19/night
Available on select stay dates in 2020. Sample rate is for a stay at Kiwi House. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Europcar
Up to 15% off Australia and New Zealand car hires
Available on 5+ day rentals until 15 December 2020. Destinations include Auckland, Queenstown, Christchurch, Melbourne and more. T&Cs apply.
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Deal ends
Contiki
Up to 15% off New Zealand tours
Available on select trips departing from 1 October 2020 onward. Destinations include Christchurch, Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown, Wellington and more. T&Cs apply.
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Deal ends
AAT Kings
Up to 5% off on your next holiday with Kings Club
Become a member of Kings Club and receive an extra 5% off. Destinations include Auckland, Christchurch, Perth and more. T&Cs apply.
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Treat Me
Extra 10% off site-wide with code
Join Treat Me newsletter and receive up to 10% off. Destinations include Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Waikato, Tauranga, Hawkes Bay, Manawatu, Dunedin and more. T&Cs apply.
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