Christchurch rebuilt itself with a genuine sense of fun in how you get around it, and none of the best options here involve a hire car. A heritage Tram loops the inner city, a punter poles you down the Avon River past the Botanic Gardens, and a gondola hauls the family up Mount Cavendish for views over the Canterbury Plains. Here is what is actually running around the Garden City, and how families are using it to get between the sights.
Christchurch Tram All Day Pass
The Christchurch Tram All Day Pass covers a 50 minute hop on hop off circuit through 18 stops in the central city, passing the Gothic Revival Christchurch Cathedral, the Botanic Gardens and the Canterbury Museum. Trams run every 10 to 15 minutes in summer and every 15 to 25 minutes in winter, so there is rarely a long wait with restless kids in tow. Children travel free, up to three per paying adult, and tickets are collected from the booking office at Tram Stop 1 in Cathedral Junction.
Punting on the Avon River
The Punting on the Avon River experience has been a Christchurch fixture since 1986, an Edwardian dressed punter in a striped blazer and straw hat poling your low, velvet cushioned boat 30 minutes down the river from the historic Antigua Boat Sheds. It suits families just as well as couples, with blankets, umbrellas and hot water bottles supplied to keep everyone comfortable whatever the weather. Child rates apply from 5 to 15, with infants under 5 free.
Christchurch Gondola
The Christchurch Gondola climbs Mount Cavendish for panoramic views over the city, Lyttelton Harbour and the Southern Alps, a genuine highlight for kids who love a view with a bit of height to it. At the top there is an observation deck and a licensed cafe, a good spot to let the kids stretch their legs before the ride back down.
Christchurch 3 Attractions Combo Pass
The Christchurch 3 Attractions Combo Pass bundles the Tram, Punting on the Avon and the Gondola into one booking, and none of the three need to be used on the same day, handy if the weather turns. A Family option covers 2 adults and 3 kids, making it one of the simplest ways to cover Christchurch's best sightseeing transport without juggling three separate bookings. Child rates apply from 5 to 15, with infants free.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best value way to see Christchurch as a family?
The Christchurch 3 Attractions Combo Pass covers the Tram, Punting on the Avon and the Gondola in one booking, with a Family option for 2 adults and 3 kids.
Do we need to use all three attractions on the same day?
No, the combo pass can be used across one day or spread over several days of your trip, so a rainy morning does not derail the whole itinerary.
Is punting on the Avon suitable for young kids?
Yes, it is a gentle, seated 30 minute ride, and blankets and hot water bottles are supplied to keep everyone warm through the cooler months.
How many stops does the Christchurch Tram cover?
The Tram loops through 18 stops across the central city on a 50 minute circuit, so families can hop off at any attraction and rejoin later.
What can we do at the top of the Gondola?
There is an observation deck with views over Lyttelton Harbour and the Southern Alps, plus a licensed cafe if the kids need a break before heading back down.
Locals know to save the Gondola for a clear day, the views over the Port Hills and Southern Alps are the entire point, so a cloudy morning is better spent on the Tram or out on the Avon instead.
Book your Christchurch transport and sightseeing pass above and get the family moving around the Garden City the easy way.