7 Best Easter Activities in Christchurch

If you’re looking for a list of Easter activities, Christchurch, look no further. We’ve made a list of the best activities on offer this Easter weekend in the idyllic city. There are plenty of fun games and events happening across the long weekend that are suitable for the whole family.

So take a dive into what’s happening in this area of New Zealand, and discover what you want to do this year for your Christchurch Easter.

Say ‘Hi!’ to the Tram Easter Bunny

The Christchurch tram system is a popular mode of public transport any day of the week, but this Easter Saturday your trip might come with a surprise. The Easter bunny will be found hopping on and off the trams between 10am and 1pm, surprising the kids with all sorts of Easter treats.

Easter Bunny Hunt at the Gondola

The Easter bunny won’t just be found on Christchurch’s tram system over the long weekend. If you head on over to the Gondola on any day between Friday and Monday, you can join in on the Easter Bunny Hunt. Just grab your ticket and head on out to hunt down the bunnies. Whenever you spot one, answering their questions will grant you Easter treats.

Hot Cross Buns

This Easter, you can get creative in the kitchen with your choice of hot cross buns recipes. There are so many to choose from, it seems almost impossible to pick what flavours are the best to make. The recipes are simple enough you can even get the kids involved in this baking frenzy.

While making hot cross buns with your family is a great Easter tradition, you know what’s even better? Getting to taste the pros’ own work! Christchurch is home to some of the best hot cross buns in the country, with 6 of the local bakeries making it to the top 10 in the Great NZ Hot Cross Bun Competition. If baking isn’t your thing, or you’re just hopping at the chance to taste the best of the best, head on over to one of Christchurch’s famous bakeries for a taste.

Quail Island Easter Egg Hunt

Looking for some adventure this Easter long weekend? Head on across the waves to Quail Island for Christchurch’s very own Easter Egg Hunt. There’s plenty to explore on the beautiful island, and you might even find some coloured tokens that can be exchanged for some delicious Easter treats.

This trip is highly sought after for visitors and locals alike, so be sure to book early. You don’t want to miss out on the chance to explore old shipwrecks, volcanic cliffs, and hidden caves, as well as discover the native flora and fauna New Zealand has to offer.

NSHRA Street Rod Nationals Show Day

The New Zealand Hot Rod Association is celebrating 50 years this Easter and wants everyone to come out and join the festivities. The show is hosted on Easter Sunday, with a range of food vendors and activities available on the day for everyone to enjoy, regardless of age. See hotrods and street machines from across New Zealand visit Christchurch for the chance to grab the top awards. Whether you’re a hot rod maniac, or just down for a different kind of day out this Easter, the Riccarton Racecourse is the place to be.

Canterbury Folk Festival

If you’re willing to head out of the main city centre, Canterbury boasts a range of Easter activities for the whole family to enjoy. While the little ones are sure to enjoy The Great Museum Egg Hunt at Canterbury museum, the town has more to offer.

Across four days, the Canterbury Folk Festival is sure to captivate your sight and your senses. The festival boasts an eclectic mix of folk music across cultures, including contemporary, traditional, bluegrass or even Irish. For folk fans, you can rock on to the whole four days, but for those looking for a night or two of fun, you can grab a day pass or buy tickets to the barn dance or evening concert.

Sip & Paint Classes

While the kids are having fun with Easter egg hunts and the Easter bunny, you can enjoy your long weekend at the Christchurch Pinot & Picasso studio. Prop up an easel and grab a brush in one of our sip & paint classes. Our artists will instruct you on how to create your own masterpiece, so no need to worry about finding your own artistic inspiration. However, you can probably find inspiration in our BYO policy, which allows you to sip at your favourite drink as you make art all on your own.

FAQ’s

Do you need experience for a sip and paint class?

We don’t look for experience when you walk through our doors, only an enthusiasm to learn! You’ll be carefully guided by a trained artist, so anyone, regardless of their painting experience, can make art with us.

Can we bring food?

We encourage participants to bring food, especially when they’re a delicious Easter treat of their own making.

How long does a sip and paint class last?

You get 3 glorious hours of painting whenever you book into one of our sip & paint classes.