20 Things to Do in Christchurch on a Rainy Day

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!

Although the Rolleston Avenue building is currently closed for redevelopment, the museum has reopened in a sleek pop-up space at CoCA on Gloucester Street. This free city-centre attraction offers a fascinating insight into Canterbury’s natural and cultural history, as well as ever-changing temporary exhibitions.

Explore permanent collection highlights like the classic Christchurch Street horse, Ivan Mauger’s gold bike, moa bones, Antarctic artefacts, Māori and Pasifika taonga, and exotic taxidermy.

The pop-up also hosts rotating temporary shows that change several times a year. It’s a perfect indoor experience for families, culture lovers or anyone wanting to dive deep into Canterbury heritage without braving the rain.

Check out more activities like this in the 30 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Christchurch.

Location: 11 Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Central. Pop-up: 66 Gloucester Street, Christchurch Central City, Canterbury.

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2. Do Some Sightseeing on the Christchurch City Tramway

Step back in time and enjoy this old-world transport method of getting around the inner-city. The beautifully restored Christchurch Tramway offers a fun, all-day hop-on, hop-off ticket.

The full circuit takes about 50 minutes, with trams running every 10-20 minutes from 9 am to 5 pm (last tram departs an hour before closing).

A knowledgeable driver provides engaging live commentary, bringing Christchurch’s post-quake rebuild, heritage sights and evolving cityscape to life.

It’s especially ideal on rainy days: stay mostly dry while popping off at nearby indoor landmarks like the Canterbury Museum, Riverside Market, Margaret Mahy Playground, The Terrace and New Regent Street cafés and shops.

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.

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3. 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. This immersive indoor attraction offers a bold slice of the frozen continent, perfect for a rainy day adventure.

Brave the Storm Dome, where temperatures plunge to −18°C with fierce winds (don’t worry, they provide jackets and overshoes). For a thrilling experience, hop aboard an authentic Hägglund all-terrain vehicle and tackle crevasses and hills.

The 4D Extreme Theatre brings an Antarctic cruise to life with multi-sensory effects. Be sure to meet the rescued little blue penguins and learn about the conservation efforts being made to protect them.

Location: 38 Orchard Road, Harewood, approximately 11km (7 miles) from Christchurch city centre.

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4. 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.

This free-to-enter gallery houses one of New Zealand’s most significant public art collections, featuring works that reflect regional history, indigenous perspectives and contemporary explorations.

Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm (with late hours until 9 pm on Wednesdays), it’s a perfect indoor escape. We love the kid-friendly features, including a cloakroom for strollers and a parenting room.

After wandering thoughtfully through the gallery spaces, pop into the onboard café, The Thirsty Peacock, or browse the design store for locally crafted gifts.

Find out more in the 10 Things to Do in Christchurch at Night.

Location: Corner of Worcester Boulevard and Montreal Street, Christchurch Central.

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5. 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 or journey all the way to Greymouth for the full experience.

Activities like guided hikes in the Arthur’s Pass National Park or sheep farm visits can be organised through Canterbury Trails and Leisure Tours.

Location: Christchurch Railway Station, Troup Drive, approximately 5km (3 miles) from Christchurch city centre.

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6. 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 , Giles Tours, Canterbury Trails and Kiwi Horizons Travel, while NZSI Tours & Travel.

Location: Christchurch accommodation pick-ups available.

© Leisure Tours

7. 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 to gain perspective on the city’s resilience.

This impactful exhibition from Canterbury Museum immerses guests in stories of loss, resilience and recovery.

Walk among real artefacts, including the fallen ChristChurch Cathedral spire and everyday objects like portaloos sent to residents after the quakes. Interactive stations let you test liquefaction simulations and build structures in Lego.

Short films feature locals and rescue teams, offering a poignant insight into the city’s recent past. Note that there is an admission fee for this museum.

Location: 299 Durham Street North (corner Armagh Street), Christchurch Central.

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8. 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 20 Romantic Activities in Christchurch for Couples.

Location: Lumière Cinema – 26 Rolleston Avenue. Alice in Videoland – 209 Tuam Street.

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9. 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.

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10. 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.

Located just 15 minutes from Christchurch’s city centre, this historic former RNZAF base in Wigram houses an impressive national collection in its Aircraft Hall. From early biplanes and Spitfires to modern jets and helicopters, there’s something for everyone.

Families will love picking up a themed Museum Hunt to explore together, while thrill-seekers can try the Mosquito Mission flight simulator or interactive experiences like “Balloon Busters” and “Drop Zone”.

Open daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, the museum offers free onsite parking, a café, and a gift shop for aviation enthusiasts.

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.

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11. Treat the Kids to Jumping and Ice Skating at an Indoor Trampoline Park

If you have little ones to entertain, don’t miss Christchurch’s indoor trampoline parks for a rainy day adventure.

Launch Pad in Papanui offers interconnected trampolines, foam pits (including a toddler-only area), dodgeball, basketball hoops, and even an indoor scooter racetrack. Their toddler sessions make it ideal for younger children.

Meanwhile, MoveX Trampoline & Ninja Park in Bromley combines trampolines with a 12-obstacle ninja course, featuring warped walls and parkour setups. As a bonus, MoveX also houses a real ice-skating rink, so kids can glide after jumping.

Both venues offer a perfect combination of fun and activity to keep children entertained on a wet Christchurch day.

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.

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12. 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 Adventure Centre / Clip ‘n Climb offers 38 colourful, themed climbs with automatic belay systems, perfect for beginners and younger children.

For more experienced climbers, there are over 100 top-rope routes and leadable climbs.

Alternatively, challenge yourself at Uprising Boulder Gym, Christchurch’s premier bouldering facility. With high walls sans ropes, it’s ideal for those seeking a mix of strength and mental challenge.

Location: YMCA – 12 Hereford Street, Christchurch Central. Uprising – 199 Ferry Road, Waltham, approximately 3km (2 miles) from Christchurch city centre.

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13. 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. Put your problem-solving skills to the test at Codebreakers, where immersive themed rooms await.

We love the blindfolded tactile challenge, “Into the Dark,” but creative scenarios like “The Time Machine” and “Art Heist” are equally captivating.

For families with kids aged 11 and up, Escape Artists offers six diverse rooms. Groups of two to six have 60 minutes to crack codes, solve puzzles and make their great escape.

Location: Codebreakers – 166 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch Central. Escape Artists – 7/120 Hereford Street, Five Lanes BNZ Centre, Christchurch Central.

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14. Shop and Delight the Senses at the Riverside Market

Get the street food and laneway shopping experience at the Riverside Market. There are over 60 stalls and food outlets to explore in this lively undercover food hall, making it perfect for a rainy day in Christchurch.

From fresh produce and speciality cheeses to global street-food vendors like Roti Joes and Base Woodfired Pizza, there’s something to satisfy every craving. The surrounding Riverside Lanes offer boutique retail shops, local designers, and cosy cafés.

We love the market’s lively atmosphere, often enhanced by events like cocktail tastings or music performances. Whether you’re after a quick bite, a caffeine fix, or unique local goods, everything is indoors and sheltered from the drizzle.

Location: 96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central, overlooking the Avon River.

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15. 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.

This boutique emporium houses more than 50 owner-operated boutiques spanning fashion, homewares, books, beauty services, craft, fabric, and wellness.

From recycled-clothing treasures to indie labels and specialised bookshops, there’s something for every bargain-hunter and fashionista.

But the Tannery isn’t just about shopping. You’ll also find cafés, bars, a cinema, live-music venue, barber, florist, and even a yoga studio.

Locals agree that it’s an ideal destination for rainy days, allowing visitors to spend hours browsing, dining, or simply enjoying the ambience of its beautifully restored 19th-century brick buildings.

Location: 3 Garlands Road, Woolston, Christchurch, South Island. Approximately 10 minutes’ drive or local bus ride from the city centre.

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16. 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, the five-storey central library, is a hub of creativity and technology.

The Production Studio on Level 4 is equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, and sewing machines, perfect for unleashing your inner maker. For the tech-savvy, there’s an Audio/Video Studio where you can record, mix and edit to your heart’s content.

Kids will love the giant Discovery Wall and interactive play areas. And yes, there are books too, along with cosy reading nooks and a café for that much-needed caffeine fix.

Location: 60 Cathedral Square, Christchurch Central.

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17. 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 an awesome experience for the serious beer connoisseur, taking you to multiple breweries for tastings and a tour of a working brewery.

You’ll get to sample locally produced food, including cheeses and preserved meats, while learning about the pasture-to-plate story behind these products.

According to our very own travel manager, Robin, it’s a perfect way to spend a rainy day in Christchurch, combining delicious beers, tasty food and interesting insights into brewing and its key local ingredients.

Location: Christchurch accommodation pick-ups available.

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18. 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.

We love Timezone Riccarton at Westfield Riccarton, a massive 2,200 m² entertainment complex. It features arcade games, the only glow-in-the-dark mini golf in Christchurch, bumper cars, laser tag and full- or half-length tenpin bowling.

Another excellent venue is Zone Bowling Garden City in Waltham, offering 18 bowling lanes, Laser Tag arenas and a Timezone arcade all under one roof. Their family-friendly packages combine bowling, laser tag and arcade play, with the added bonus of gourmet café service.

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.

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19. 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 - ChristchurchNZ

20. 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.