Costs nothing · Christchurch, New Zealand
7 Free Things to Do in Christchurch
The best budget in travel is zero. These Christchurch spots have verified free entry.
Only places with a confirmed free-entry policy make this list. Ranked by traveler review volume. Updated monthly.
Margaret Mahy Family Playground
Park & natureThe Margaret Mahy Family Playground is a vibrant, award-winning playground located in the heart of Christchurch, New Zealand.
Read our full guide →Avon River
Park & natureThe Avon River flows gently through the heart of Christchurch, New Zealand, offering a tranquil escape in the city.
Read our full guide →New Regent Street
LandmarkNew Regent Street is a charming pedestrian mall in the heart of Christchurch, lined with brightly painted Spanish Mission-style buildings that house an eclectic mix of boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.
Read our full guide →Peacock Fountain
LandmarkThe Peacock Fountain is one of Christchurch Botanic Gardens' most photographed landmarks. Originally installed in 1911, this ornate cast-iron fountain features three tiers of basins adorned with intricate floral and bird motifs, including peacocks.
Read our full guide →Botanic Gardens Tour
Park & natureThe Botanic Gardens Tour in Christchurch offers a guided exploration of one of New Zealand's most beautiful public gardens.
Read our full guide →Rutherford's Den
MuseumRutherford's Den is a small museum located in the Arts Centre of Christchurch, New Zealand, commemorating the life and achievements of Ernest Rutherford, the Nobel Prize-winning physicist known as the father of nuclear physics.
Read our full guide →Imagination Station
Park & natureImagination Station is a vibrant, whimsical play space located right in Cathedral Square, the heart of Christchurch.
Read our full guide →
How we pick these
Every place here is genuinely free to enter. We filter the 24 Christchurch places we track down to those with no admission charge, then rank them by traveler reviews. Updated monthly.
Good to know
A few museums are free only on set days — check opening info before you go.
Entry is free, but transport, snacks and lockers in Christchurch still add up.
Free attractions draw crowds; mornings are usually the calmest.
Common questions
What can you do for free in Christchurch?+
This list ranks the best no-cost things to do in Christchurch, from parks and viewpoints to museums with free entry.
Are there free museums in Christchurch?+
Some museums are free all the time and others on specific days. The verified-free ones are included above.
Is Christchurch expensive to visit?+
You can see a lot of Christchurch on a tight budget by leaning on the free attractions here and eating where locals do.
Rather have a human do the planning? A Local Friend can build this day for you, at local prices.