Christchurch and the surrounding Canterbury plains offer families an easy escape into the countryside. Farm parks in the area give children the chance to wander through paddocks, spot rural life up close, and enjoy open-air space away from the city. Whether you’re heading out for a morning or making a full day of it, this is a relaxed way to enjoy the Canterbury countryside together.
Before you go, check the individual farm’s website for opening times and any seasonal changes, as these can vary. Wear sturdy shoes suited to muddy or uneven ground, and dress for changeable Canterbury weather. Booking ahead is worth considering during school holidays and weekends, when popular spots can fill up quickly.
Distances are measured in a straight line from Christchurch city centre, so allow extra time by road.
Farm parks near Christchurch
Otakaro Orchard
Christchurch · under 3 km from the city centre
Ōtākaro Orchard is a community garden that provides environmental education and facilitates food growing and social connection.
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Chipmunks Playland & Café Wigram
Christchurch · about 7 km from the city centre
Chipmunks is an indoor play facility where children ages 0-11 can engage in running, jumping, sliding, and climbing activities.
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Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Christchurch · about 8 km from the city centre
A wildlife facility featuring native New Zealand species including kiwis, with on-site dining and guided tour options available.
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South Island Wildlife Hospital
Christchurch · about 8 km from the city centre
A wildlife hospital in the South Island of New Zealand treats and rehabilitates injured birds and other wildlife.
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Living Springs Farm Parks
Allandale · about 12 km from the city centre
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Living Springs Camp & Conference Centre
Allandale · about 13 km from the city centre
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Godley Head Farm Park
Christchurch · about 15 km from the city centre
A former military site features walking paths with scenic harbor views and historic structures situated near cliffs.
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Orana Wildlife Park
Christchurch · about 16 km from the city centre
A zoo featuring giraffes, gorillas, lions, white rhinos, and kiwi birds in open-range exhibits.
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Orana Wildlife Trust
Christchurch · about 16 km from the city centre
Orana Wildlife Trust is a Christchurch-based wildlife attraction with wheelchair-accessible facilities where visitors can observe animals.
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Arion Farm Education Park
Christchurch · about 18 km from the city centre
Arion Farm Education Park is a children's farm in Christchurch, New Zealand, with wheelchair-accessible facilities including a car park and entrance.
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Glenlothian Farm
West Melton · about 18 km from the city centre
This animal farm park in West Melton offers visitors the opportunity to see, pet, and feed over 20 rare animal breeds, including wallabies.
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Chipmunks Playland & Café Rolleston
Rolleston · about 21 km from the city centre
Chipmunks provides indoor play activities including running, jumping, sliding, and climbing for children ages 0-11.
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Scottville Farm
Swannanoa · about 24 km from the city centre
Scottville Farm is a crop farm on the Canterbury Plains that grows wheat, ryegrass, and clover.
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Southern Alpacas Stud
West Melton · about 26 km from the city centre
Southern Alpacas Stud is a farm in West Melton, New Zealand, offering a wheelchair-accessible car park for visitors.
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Waikuku Beach Holiday Park
Waikuku Beach · about 28 km from the city centre
Waikuku Beach Holiday Park is a family-focused accommodation situated north of Christchurch with beach access and camping facilities.
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Akaroa Lavender
Duvauchelle · about 34 km from the city centre
Akaroa Lavender is a lavender farm in Duvauchelle offering tours and farmstay accommodation, with an on-site supplier of lavender-based fragrances and aromatics.
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Shamarra Alpacas
Akaroa · about 36 km from the city centre
Visitors can interact with and observe alpacas at this farm attraction.
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Wainui Park Camp
Christchurch · about 37 km from the city centre
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Waikara Park Alpacas
Loburn · about 38 km from the city centre
Waikara Park Alpacas is a farm in Loburn, New Zealand, with alpacas and a wheelchair-accessible car park.
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Childrens Bay Farm Walkway / Rhino Walk
Takamatua · about 40 km from the city centre
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