Best Outdoor Family Day Trips from Christchurch | Kid-Friendly Ideas

Discover the best kid-friendly outdoor day trips near Christchurch. Perfect for families with babies, toddlers, or school-aged kids—explore Canterbury together!

One of the best things about living in Christchurch is the incredible range of outdoor day trips nearby—perfect for families with kids and babies. From rivers and oceans to lakes, mountains, and forests, Canterbury is packed with beautiful spots to explore. Whether you’re after a stroller-friendly walk, a day out hiking, a nature adventure, or a fun family picnic there’s something for everyone. There are so many incredible spots close by that there are too many to include here, but read on for some of our family’s favourite kid-friendly day trips from Christchurch.

Ashley Gorge Recreation Reserve

Just over an hour from Christchurch, Ashley Gorge Recreation Reserve feels like Canterbury’s answer to Arrowtown, with a mix of native and exotic trees creating a magical setting. Set beside the stunning Rakahuri / Ashley River, it's a perfect spot for family day trips—older kids can swim in the deeper river hole, while younger ones can splash in the shallow pools.

This multi-tiered reserve has something for everyone. Near the main toilet block, you’ll find a playground, large grassy picnic areas, and easy river access. Don’t stop there though—drive a little further to discover more picnic spots, sheltered BBQ facilities, lookouts, and nature walks.

Cross the footbridge (hold little hands tight—the rails are wider than you'd expect!) to reach the beautiful Ashley Gorge Loop Track and other walking trails. The whole area is lovingly maintained by local council and volunteers, who do an incredible job keeping it clean, welcoming, and family-friendly.

Accessibility: The main picnic areas and playground are flat and grassy, suitable for strollers and toddlers. The toilet facilities are accessible, and there's a sealed car park near the entrance. Some nature walks and the bridge crossing may not be suitable for prams or wheelchairs due to uneven terrain and narrow pathways. The new Giant’s Walk is pram and wheelchair friendly!

There’s also a campground with friendly staff who sell ice creams at the camp shop and offer maps and local tips.

Location: North Canterbury
Travel time from Christchurch CBD: ~1 hour

Wooded Gully – Mt Thomas Forest

Picture multiple picnic areas set beside a picturesque stream, surrounded by lush native bush and towering beech trees. Located at the base of the Mt Thomas Forest Conservation Area, Wooded Gully is an easy day trip from Christchurch that offers full nature immersion without going too far from home.

There’s plenty of wide open space for kids to roam, splash in the stream, and soak up the magic of the bush. The soundscape is a sensory treat—korimako / bellbirds, buzzing insects, and the gentle rush of water. It’s the kind of place where kids can just be kids.

The Kererū Track is a beautifully maintained 2km loop through the bush, and it’s even pram-friendly the whole way—perfect for families with babies or toddlers.

Accessibility: The picnic areas are flat and grassy with nearby parking, and the Kererū Track is suitable for prams. Some other tracks in the area are steeper or uneven and may not suit strollers or those with limited mobility.

Location: North Canterbury
Travel time from Christchurch CBD: ~1 hour

Kura Tāwhiti / Castle Hill Conservation Area

Escape the city and head to this uniquely majestic spot just 1 hour and 20 minutes from Christchurch. Kura Tāwhiti Conservation Area is home to spectacular limestone rock formations that rise from the landscape like something out of a fantasy film.

Pack a picnic and let the kids run, climb, and explore to their heart’s content. The towering rocks have a mystical, otherworldly feel that sparks imagination and invites adventure—perfect for little explorers to get lost in creative play.

There’s a short, easy walking track that winds through the formations—more like a natural labyrinth than a path. It’s a magical place to wander, climb, and take in the natural beauty of the Canterbury high country.

Accessibility: The main walking track to the rocks is flat and gravelled, suitable for sturdy prams and young walkers. Some areas are uneven or rocky, so supervision is key for toddlers and climbing kids. Toilets are available at the carpark.

Location: Canterbury High Country
Travel time from Christchurch CBD: ~1 hour 20 minutes

Porters Resort – Lodge Area

Think Porters is just a winter destination? Think again. The lodge at the base of the ski field access road offers plenty for families year-round. In the snow months, there’s a dedicated snow play area perfect for tobogganing—an entry fee applies, but it’s a fun, memorable day out for kids.

When the snow melts, the area transforms into a mountain biking playground with family-friendly flow trails. The main 2.3km trail is ideal for spending the day cutting laps with the kids, plus there are longer options for more adventurous riders.

Whether you visit for snowy fun or summer rides, Porters Resort’s lodge area is a great base for family outdoor adventures close to Christchurch.

Accessibility: The lodge area and beginner trails are easy to navigate for children and families. Snow play areas are designed with safety in mind, though supervision is essential for younger kids.

Location: Near Porters Pass, Canterbury
Travel time from Christchurch CBD: ~1 hr 20 mins

Awaroa / Godley Head Reserve

Perched high above the coastline, Awaroa/Godley Head is a spectacular spot for a family day out near Christchurch. With panoramic ocean views and fascinating WWII history, it's a place where nature and storytelling come together. You can walk past the entry gate to the DOC campsite (a gate code is needed for vehicles, provided to overnight campers only) and base yourself there for a picnic or some free play time. Day visitors are welcome to use the grassy campsite area, drinking water, and basic toilet facilities.

From the campsite, you can explore up to 10 km of coastal walking tracks. Take a short stroll to the WWI coastal defence battery and war bunkers, or head further along the Godley Head Loop Track for dramatic views out to the heads. On calm days, you might even spot dolphins swimming below the cliffs as we have in the past.

Important to know: This area is exposed and can be very windy—check the forecast first and bring warm layers. The walking tracks run close to steep cliffs, so keep children under close supervision at all times and make the call whether this spot will work for your child(ren).

Accessibility: The campsite is grassy and relatively flat, though tracks beyond it are not suitable for prams or wheelchairs.

Location: Banks Peninsula
Travel time from Christchurch CBD: ~33 minutes

Purau Bay

Lyttelton Harbour is full of family-friendly coastal gems, and one of our recent favourites is the quieter, laid-back Purau Bay. Just a few minutes beyond the more popular Diamond Harbour, Purau offers a slower pace and plenty of charm. The jetty—lined with colourful dinghies—is a great spot for kids to try a bit of fishing, and there’s a small, basic playground nearby for some extra fun.

The rocky beach is perfect for low-key adventures, with shells, crabs, and driftwood waiting to be discovered. A shallow stream runs into the bay, ideal for throwing stones and exploring nature. However, due to current water quality concerns, swimming in the stream or the sea is not recommended (check LAWA or ECan for the latest updates).

Accessibility: The area is mostly flat with grass and gravel paths, and parking is available near the beach. While not fully wheelchair accessible, it is manageable with a sturdy pram.

Facilities: Basic toilets are available near the beach, and for food or coffee, you can stop in at Diamond Harbour just 5–10 minutes back along the road.

Location: Lyttelton Harbour, Banks Peninsula
Travel time from Christchurch CBD: ~50 minutes

Arthur’s Pass

Arthur’s Pass offers breathtaking alpine scenery just a couple of hours from Christchurch—right from the comfort of your car. After rainfall, the area transforms into a lush paradise of tumbling waterfalls and misty native bush.

The small village in the heart of Arthur’s Pass National Park has limited amenities, but it’s a great spot to stop for a picnic and explore some short family-friendly walks. One of our top recommendations is the Devils Punchbowl Walking Track—a well-formed 2 km return trail through native forest, leading to a spectacular waterfall viewpoint. Be prepared for lots of steps, but the view is well worth the climb. For something gentler, try the pram-friendly Millennium Walk or wander part of the Arthur’s Pass Historic Walk to stretch little legs.

Many other tracks in the area are suited only to experienced trampers—some involve navigation, river crossings, or carry avalanche risk during winter. The Devils Punchbowl track is generally considered safe, but always check conditions before you go. If unsure, stick to the easier walks, visit during late summer or early autumn, and check in at the Arthur’s Pass Visitor Centre for track and weather updates.

For a scenic bonus, continue a few minutes beyond the village to admire the dramatic Otira Viaduct and lookout.

Accessibility: The village has parking, public toilets, and a small café. The Devils Punchbowl track includes many stairs and is not pram-friendly. The Millennium Walk is suitable for prams.
Location: Arthur’s Pass National Park
Travel time from Christchurch CBD: ~2 hours

Ōtamahua / Quail Island

Quail Island is a classic outdoor escape close to Christchurch, made extra special by the fact that you need to catch a boat to get there. Black Cat Cruises operates a regular ferry service from Lyttelton, making it easy to plan a day trip. If you're experienced with waka or kayaks, paddling across is a beautiful and adventurous option—offering a unique view of the island’s edges, hidden caves, and historic shipwrecks. Just don’t get too close to the wrecks, or you might share their fate!

Once you arrive, head to Swimmer’s Beach for some beach-based nature play. While the harbour water quality is currently not considered safe for swimming (check LAWA for updates), it’s still a great place for sand play, rock hopping, and exploration.

Ōtamahua holds layers of cultural and historical significance, which curious kids and adults alike will enjoy discovering. There’s a 4.5 km loop track around the island’s perimeter, offering views across Lyttelton Harbour and passing historical sites like the quarantine barracks and ship graveyard.

Accessibility: The ferry is accessible for most prams, though some paths on the island are uneven and hilly. Composting toilets and picnic tables are available on the island, but bring all your own food and water—there are no shops or facilities.
Location: Lyttelton Harbour
Travel time from Christchurch CBD to Lyttelton: ~25 minutes, plus a short ferry ride

Orton Bradley Park

Orton Bradley Park is an autumn paradise with piles of golden leaves falling from the trees—but it’s equally stunning any time of the year. This working farm requires a small entry fee and visitors are asked to respect the land and its heritage.

A quaint café on-site serves delicious food, drinks, and ice creams and has historical vehicles on display. The park offers a variety of family-friendly walking trails, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging routes. For little bikers, there’s a basic dirt pump track, and for more adventurous riders, mountain bike trails await (our family hasn’t tried these yet, but they’re high on the list!).

The adventure playground is packed with fun, risky play opportunities that can keep kids entertained for hours. Nearby green spaces are ideal for spreading out a picnic blanket and exploring at your own pace. The serene stream running through the park is perfect for kids to turn over rocks, build dams, and race leaves down the current.

Located close to Christchurch, Orton Bradley Park is a fantastic day trip option that combines nature, adventure, and relaxation for the whole family.

Accessibility: The park has parking, toilets, and mostly well-maintained paths suitable for sturdy prams.
Location: Orton Bradley Park, near Christchurch
Travel time from Christchurch CBD: ~33 minutes

Little River

On your way to Little River, be sure to stop at Birdlings Flat to hunt for cool rocks, collect interesting driftwood, and enjoy a quick play on the small playground.

Once in Little River, explore the seasonal Sunday Market, take advantage of the rail trail for bikes or a walk, and enjoy nearby walking tracks. The Little River Café offers a cozy outdoor area with lawn games on a gentle gravel surface, plus you can grab a yummy ice cream at the nearby store.

Don’t miss the Little River Campground, a beautiful spot that’s open seasonally and has a day visit entry price of $5. Native bush walking trails, a basic playground, eco-friendly toilets, picnic and BBQ areas, and a river perfect for water play. You might even spot some eels in the water! A day pass allows you to fully enjoy this peaceful spot surrounded by nature.

Accessibility: The campground has basic facilities and gentle walking tracks suitable for families with kids, but not pram or wheelchair friendly.
Location: Little River, Banks Peninsula
Travel time from Christchurch CBD: ~1 hour

When heading out with kids, especially in bush or coastal areas around Christchurch, always take bug repellent with you to keep mozzies and sandflies at bay. It’s also a good idea to do your own extra research and risk assessment for each location—weather, track conditions, and access can change quickly, so staying informed helps keep your day safe and enjoyable.

Christchurch and its surrounding Canterbury region offer an incredible variety of outdoor day trips perfect for families with kids and babies. From scenic mountain walks to coastal escapes, playgrounds, and peaceful picnic spots, there’s something for every adventurer close to home. Whether you’re seeking easy stroller-friendly paths or wild river streams to explore, these local gems promise fresh air, fun, and memorable family moments. So pack your picnic, grab the bug spray, and get ready to discover the amazing outdoor playgrounds right on your doorstep!