All-Weather and Indoor Activities in Christchurch – Perfect for a Rainy Day!
While Christchurch is one of the driest cities in New Zealand, it still has plenty of rainy days. No worries, however, as the museums, art galleries, boutique cinemas, cafes, train excursions, wine tours, etc. will keep you dry while still allowing you to make the most of your trip to the big city. Discover a range of all-weather and indoor activities with this list of things to do in Christchurch on a rainy day.
For more weather advice, as well as things to do once the rain clears up, check out the 15 Best Things to Do in Christchurch and What is the Weather Like in Christchurch?
1. Keep Out of the Rain at the Canterbury Museum
While the Botanic Gardens might not be ideal for a rainy day, at least the neighbouring Canterbury Museum is! This free city-centre attraction offers a fascinating insight into the natural and cultural history of the Canterbury region (the region surrounding Christchurch), as well as ever-changing temporary exhibitions. See intricate Maori carvings, learn about Christchurch’s connection to the Antarctic and much more. Check out more activities like this in the 14 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Christchurch.
Location: 11 Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Central.
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Do Some Sightseeing on the Christchurch City Tramway
Step back in time and enjoy this old-worldly transport method of getting around the inner-city. The beautifully restored Christchurch Tramway (more info on Viator, Tripadvisor and Klook) is a fun way to explore the city where you can hop-on and hop-off as much as you like. What’s more, families will be pleased to find that kids get to ride for free! Check out more experiences like this in the 10 Things to Do in Christchurch with Kids.
Location: You can get on the tram at any of its 17 stops. The easiest to find is along Rolleston Avenue near the Canterbury Museum.
© ChristchurchNZ3. Experience the Polar Regions at the International Antarctic Centre
As Christchurch is one of the main launch points for travel to the Antarctic, it’s only fitting that it’s home to the International Antarctic Centre (get tickets on Viator, Tripadvisor or Klook). The indoor attraction is full of interactive activities, such as weathering out an Antarctic storm, meeting huskies, watching a 4D show, riding on an all-terrain Hagglund vehicle, learning about the remote life at the Scott Base as it snows, and the list goes on!
Location: 38 Orchard Road, Harewood, approximately 11km (7 miles) from Christchurch city centre.
© NZPocketGuide.com4. Visit the Christchurch Art Gallery
A rainy day can easily put us in a grumpy mood, so lighten your spirits with the inspiring art showcased in the Christchurch Art Gallery. The art gallery houses some of the most important art in New Zealand that’s ever-changing making it a worthy rainy day experience for locals and visitors alike. There are free guided tours of the art gallery available daily at 11am and 2pm. The gallery is also open until 9pm on a Wednesday and offers a late-night tour for the occasion. Find out more in the 10 Things to Do in Christchurch at Night.
Location: Corner of Worcester Boulevard and Montreal Street, Christchurch Central.
© NZPocketGuide.com5. Enjoy a Scenic Train Journey on the TranzAlpine
Watching the weather from the cosy comforts of an enclosed train carriage is all part of the fun on the TranzAlpine. Often ranked as one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, the TranzAlpine train journey makes a picturesque transition from the lush Canterbury Plains to the mountainous Southern Alps.
Either get off for a few hours in Arthur’s Pass in the heart of the Alps (tickets for Christchurch-Arthur’s Pass are available on Klook) or journey all the way to Greymouth for the full experience (tickets available on Viator, Tripadvisor and Klook).
Activities like guided hikes in the Arthur’s Pass National Park or sheep farm visits can be organised through Canterbury Trails (Viator and Tripadvisor) and Leisure Tours (Viator and Tripadvisor).
Location: Christchurch Railway Station, Troup Drive, approximately 5km (3 miles) from Christchurch city centre.
© NZPocketGuide.com6. Take a Tour of the Waipara Wine Region
Who cares what the weather is doing when you’re inside a winery with a glass in your hand?! With that in mind, why not explore one of the South Island’s most underrated wine regions, the Waipara Valley, with one of the wine tours from Christchurch? You’ll be picked up from your accommodation and enjoy a 45-minute journey to the Waipara wine region. Wine tours typically stop by around four specially-selected boutique wineries, either your guide’s favourites or ones curated to fit your group’s taste.
Small-group wine tours are available with Leisure Tours (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor), Giles Tours (Viator and Tripadvisor), Canterbury Trails (Viator and Tripadvisor) and Cheeky Wine Tours (Viator and Tripadvisor), while NZSI Tours & Travel (Viator and Tripadvisor) offers private wine tours.
Location: Christchurch accommodation pick-ups available.
© Cheeky Wine Tours7. Visit Quake City
Another museum in Christchurch, Quake City aims to give visitors a deeper understanding of Christchurch’s recent history of the 2010/11 Canterbury earthquakes. We recommend visiting Quake City early in your visit to Christchurch in order to get some perspective of the city and learn about New Zealand’s relationship with earthquakes. Note that there is an admission fee for this museum.
Location: 299 Durham Street North, corner Armagh Street, Christchurch Central.
© NZPocketGuide.com8. Enjoy Good Food While Watching a Movie at a Boutique Cinema
While going to the cinema doesn’t sound like the most imaginative thing to do on a rainy day, the boutique cinemas in Christchurch offer something different. For instance, Lumière Cinema sits in the grand building of the Christchurch Arts Centre where picking up a cocktail, wine or craft beer from the Bijou Bar with some gourmet chocolates, cheese platter or gelato is all part of the experience. Alternatively, Alice in Videoland not only has a boutique cinema but also has a DVD rental store (yes, really) stocking an unusual range of foreign and art house films to take back to your accommodation in Christchurch. See more experiences like this in the 10 Romantic Activities in Christchurch for Couples.
Location: Lumière Cinema – 26 Rolleston Avenue. Alice in Videoland – 209 Tuam Street.
© Pixabay9. Take a Timeout at a Day Spa
A rainy day in Christchurch might be a good excuse to hit the pause button and relax with a spa treatment. You have some spectacular day spas to choose from, including Lotus Day Spa amidst the picturesque Swan Lake Gardens. Alternatively, Moss Spa is conveniently located in the city centre and offers an array of spa and beauty treatments in a contemporary yet elegant setting. Or experience the historic charm of the Champs-Élyées Beauty Day Spa providing indulgent treatments in a beautifully resorted 1891 Victorian manor. See more experiences like this in the 10 Luxury Activities in Christchurch.
Location: Lotus Day Spa – 9 Ernlea Terrace, Cashmere, approximately 4km (3 miles) from Christchurch city centre. Moss Spa – 49A Salisbury Street. Champs-Élyées Beauty Day Spa – 110 Papanui Road, Strowan, Merivale, approximately 3km (2 miles) from Christchurch city centre.
© Pixabay10. Check Out the Warplanes at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand
A free attraction that also makes an excellent rainy-day activity, the Air Force Museum of New Zealand amazes all ages with its display of warplanes. Aside from awesome aircraft displays, the museum often hosts events, such as museum hunts ideal for kids to get them more involved. Get more tips for travelling with kids from The Travel Guide to Christchurch for Families.
Location: 45 Harvard Avenue, Wigram, approximately 10km (6 miles) from Christchurch city centre.
© PocketGuide.com11. Treat the Kids to Jumping and Ice Skating at an Indoor Trampoline Park
If you have little ones to entertain, then don’t miss the indoor trampoline parks. You have two to choose from, starting with Launch Pad, which boasts trampolines for all ages (even toddlers), foam pits, a bouncy dodgeball arena, basketball hoops and a scooter race track. Alternatively, head to MoveX not only for their exciting trampoline park but to skate around the ice rink.
Location: Launch Pad – 43 Langdons Road, Papanui, approximately 5km (3 miles) from Christchurch city centre. MoveX – 230 Maces Road, Bromley, approximately 6km (4 miles) from Christchurch city centre.
© Unsplash12. Test Your Skills at an Indoor Climbing Wall
If you’ve come to the South Island to experience its adventurous side, then let the adventure continue even on a rainy day at one of Christchurch’s indoor climbing walls. The YMCA has challenging walls with the classic ropes, harness and shoes, as well as a Clip ‘n Climb which is ideal for kids and beginners. Alternatively, try bouldering at the dedicated bouldering centre, Uprising.
Location: YMCA – 12 Hereford Street, Christchurch Central. Uprising – 199 Ferry Road, Waltham, approximately 3km (2 miles) from Christchurch city centre.
© NZPocketGuide.com13. Solve Christchurch’s Escape Rooms
Travelling as a couple, group or a family? One of the best things to do in Christchurch on a rainy day is to hit the escape rooms. See if you can find the clues, solve the puzzles and crack the codes all before the time runs out! You have two escape rooms to choose from, Codebreakers with our favourite being the blindfolded challenge, and Escape Artists which is a top choice for families.
Location: Codebreakers – 166 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch Central. Escape Artists – 7/120 Hereford Street, Five Lanes BNZ Centre, Christchurch Central.
© NZPocketGuide.com14. Shop and Delight the Senses at the Riverside Market
Get the street food and laneway shopping experience at the Riverside Market. There are more than 75 vendors to try their fare, browse their eco-products, try on their attire, sample their cosmetics and even get a tattoo if you really want. What’s more, it’s all undercover, so it’s ideal for a rainy day in Christchurch.
Location: 96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central.
© ChristchurchNZ15. Bargain-Hunt at The Tannery
Another must-do indoor shopping experience in Christchurch is within the striking architecture of a restored Victorian Tannery, affectionately known as The Tannery. It’s a place for bargain-hunters, fashionistas and eco-warriors alike with around 60 enticing fashion stores, bookshops, secondhand shops, homeware and fabric vendors, health and beauty stores and, of course, cafes.
Location: 3 Garlands Road, Woolston, approximately 6km (4 miles) from Christchurch city centre.
© ChristchurchNZ16. Check Out New Zealand’s Coolest Library
We know what you’re thinking; The library? Seriously? But wait, Christchurch’s library is pretty damn cool and an ideal getaway on a rainy day. Tūranga has so much going on between its Production Studio with 3D printers to try, as well as sewing and embroidery machines! Or if you’re into a different type of crafting, see their Audio/Video Studio or Creative Space for the latest art workshops. There’s a cafe on-site and, oh yeah, there are books too.
Location: 60 Cathedral Square, Christchurch Central.
© ChristchurchNZ17. Join a Craft Beer Tour
Christchurch is home to several craft breweries, which can’t help but call for beer tours to help you visit them all while not having to worry about finding a designated driver! Scoff & Quaff Tours offers tours for the serious beer connoisseur, taking you to several breweries for tastings, a tour of a working brewery, as well as treat you to plates of local artisan fare.
Location: Christchurch accommodation pick-ups available.
© NZPocketGuide.com18. Play Tenpin Bowling, Indoor Mini Golf, Laser Tag and More
A rainy day calls for the arcade, of which you have a few exciting options in Christchurch. Head to one of the Timezone complexes either in Riccarton or Hornby, complete with arcade games, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, bumper cars, laser tag and bowling lanes. Speaking of bowling, Zone Bowling also has a cool bowling alley, as well as its own laser tag arena and arcade games.
Location: Timezone Riccarton – Rotherham Street, Riccarton, approximately 5km (3 miles) from Christchurch Central. Timezone Hornby – 13 Chalmers Street, Hornby, approximately 10km (6 miles) from Christchurch Central. Zone Bowling – 5-21 Iversen Terrace, Waltham, approximately 3km (2 miles) from Christchurch Central.
© Pexels19. Have a Coffee or a Bite to Eat at Christchurch’s Cosy Cafes
And, if all else fails, you can always wait out the rain in one of Christchurch’s cafes. Some noteworthy mentions include Little Pom’s for its brunch staples with a creative twist, Black Betty Cafe for its array of coffee brew methods, and Unknown Chapter Coffee Roasters for its stylish light-filled space and in-house roasted coffee. Outside of the city centre, Hello Sunday has one of the most unique and diverse brunch menus in the city, while Addington Coffee Co-op roasts its own fairtrade coffee and offers ethically-minded eating. For evening restaurant recommendations, refer to The Foodie Guide to Christchurch.
Location: Little Pom’s – 294 Kilmore Street. Black Betty Cafe – 165 Madras Street. Unknown Chapter Coffee Roasters – 254 Saint Asaph Street. Hello Sunday – 6 Elgin Street, Sydenham. Addington Coffee Co-op – 297 Lincoln Road, Addington.
© Nancy Zhou - ChristchurchNZ20. Binge-Watch 365 Days, 365 Activities in New Zealand
If all else fails, you can always get some inspiration for your next epic New Zealand activity by watching New Zealand’s Biggest Gap Year on YouTube. Watch as the team behind NZ Pocket Guide take on 365 Days: 365 Activities in New Zealand! Make sure to subscribe.
More Things to Do in Christchurch
That’s it for our list of things to do in Christchurch on a rainy day. For more activity inspiration, check out the following guides:
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2024])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2024])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
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