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 New Zealand
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 New Zealand
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
Deal
Domestic flights from $41 return
Available on flights until December 2022. Sample fare is Auckland-Christchurch with Jetstar. Other destinations include Wellington, Napier, Rotorua and more.
Deal
Up to 15% off escapes
Available on stays until 30 September 2022. Destinations include Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and more. T&Cs apply.
Deal
New Zealand stays from $14/night
Available on select stay dates in Auckland, Queenstown, Christchurch, Wellington, Rotorua and more. Sample rate is for a stay at K Road City Travellers. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 60% off New Zealand hotels
Available on select stay dates in Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, Wellington and more. T&Cs apply.
Code
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.
Deal
New Zealand holiday home rentals from 50/night
Available on select dates in Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown and more. Sample stay is for an ocean view tiny house in Christchurch.
Deal
New Zealand activities from $34
Available on select travel dates to Auckland, Queenstown, Wellington, Christchurch and more. Activities include getaways, sightseeing cruises, walking tours and more. T&Cs apply.
Deal
New Zealand activities from $8
Available on select dates on activities including food tours, bike hires, sightseeing cruises and attraction passes. Destinations include Auckland, Queenstown, Wellington, Christchurch, Wanaka and more.
Deal
New Zealand car hires from $39 per day
Available on select rental dates in Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown. Sample rate is for a rental in Auckland. T&Cs apply.
Deal
New Zealand stays from $27/night
Available on select stays across Tauranga, Wellington, Queenstown, Christchurch and more. Sample rate is for a stay in Auckland. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Chaser campervan hires from $39/day
Available on select dates when you book am minimum of 5days rental in Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown. T&Cs apply.
Deal
EV Electric campervan hires from $49/day
Available on select rental dates in Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Condo campervan hires from $39/day
Available on select dates when you book a minimum of 5 days rental. Destinations include Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Cabana campervan hires from $39/day
Available on select dates when you book a minimum of 5 days rental. Destinations include Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 50% off Christchurch activities
Available on select travel dates and experiences such as getaways, jetboat rides, wine tours and more. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 25% off Christchurch stays
Available on select stay dates in 2021. T&Cs apply.
Code
Extra 10% off site-wide
Join Treat Me newsletter and receive up to 10% off with code. Destinations include Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Waikato, Tauranga, Hawkes Bay, Manawatu, Dunedin and more. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Worldwide hotels from $30 each night
Available on select travel dates with hotels like Orbitz, AccorHotels and more. Sample price is for a stay in Auckland. Destinations include Wellington, Christchurch, Manila, Thailand, Bali, London, Rome, Johannesburg, Toronto, Sydney and more. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Christchurch stays from $22/night
Available on select stay dates. Sample rate is for a stay at Around The World Backpackers. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 45% off Christchurch stays
Available on select stay dates plus free cancellation on select hotels. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 60% off Christchurch stays
Available on select stay dates on Express Hotel Deals. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 65% off New Zealand activities
Available on select travel dates in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and more. Activities include jet boat rides, Supercar driving experiences, winery tours and rafting. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Christchurch stays from $61/night
Available on select stay dates. Sample rate is for a stay in a 4.5-star hotel in Riccarton area. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 67% off New Zealand getaways
Available for travel on select dates until 2021. Destinations include Queenstown, Auckland, Christchurch, Waiheke Island and more. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Christchurch stays from $59/night
Available on select stay dates. Sample stay is for a self contained guest suite in Swannanoa. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 30% off New Zealand car rentals
Available on select dates. Destinations include Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown and more. T&Cs apply.
Deal
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.
Deal
Up to 55% off New Zealand getaways
Available on select travel dates in 2020. Destinations include Christchurch, Wellington and Rotorua. T&Cs apply.
Deal
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.
Deal
Queenstown getaways with flights from AUD$383
Available on select travel dates departing from Auckland, Christchurch and more. Sample rate is for a 2-night stay Tahuna Pod Hostel. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Christchurch stays from $50/night
Available on select stay dates. Sample stay is for an ocean view room. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Christchurch car hires from $76 per day
Available for travel on select dates in March 2021. Sample price is for a rent on a Toyota Corolla with GO Rentals.
Deal
Christchurch stays from $33 per night
Available on select stay dates. Sample rate is for a stay at Point Break Backpackers. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Up to 60% savings on Christchurch airport parking
Available on select dates. Minimum advance booking days may apply.
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