Free things to do in Christchurch

Some of Christchurch's best things cost nothing. All of these are a walk from our motel.

Free to visit

• Christchurch Botanic Gardens: free entry, open every day. A 17-minute walk. See our Botanic Gardens guide.
• Christchurch Art Gallery: free entry, open every day, and late on Wednesdays. A 14-minute walk. See our Art Gallery guide.
• Tūranga: the central library, with free Wi-Fi, a children's floor and roof gardens. A 9-minute walk. See our Tūranga guide.
• The Cardboard Cathedral: free entry, with donations welcome. An 18-minute walk. See our Cardboard Cathedral guide.
• New Regent Street: a 1932 street of pastel shops, with the tram running through. A 10-minute walk. See our New Regent Street guide.
• Margaret Mahy Family Playground: a big free playground beside the river. A 10-minute walk.
• Riverside Market: free to walk around, open every day. A 16-minute walk. See our Riverside Market guide.
• Hagley Park and the Avon River: walk the riverside paths through the city and the park.

Free events

• Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park: a free concert in North Hagley Park on Saturday 28 November 2026.

See all the Christchurch events.

Save on parking

Parking in the central city costs money, but our guests park free onsite and walk to all of these.

Questions

What can you do for free in Christchurch?

Visit the Botanic Gardens, the Art Gallery, Tūranga and the Cardboard Cathedral, walk New Regent Street and Riverside Market, and take children to Margaret Mahy Family Playground.

Is Christchurch Art Gallery free?

Yes. Entry is free.