Things to Do in Christchurch in April

April Weather in Christchurch

16°C (62°F) High Temp

6°C (43°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Autumn colors peak in botanical gardens and Hagley Park - golden willows and red maples create Instagram-perfect backdrops without the crowds of peak season
Clear, crisp air with excellent visibility for Banks Peninsula drives and Port Hills walks - you can see the Southern Alps on most days at 10-15°C (50-59°F)
School holidays ended, so attractions like Canterbury Museum and Christchurch Gondola have 40-50% fewer visitors than March
Perfect hiking weather with minimal rainfall - tracks like Godley Head and Summit Road are dry and comfortable at midday temperatures of 14-16°C (57-61°F)

Considerations

Daylight hours shrinking rapidly - sunset at 6:30pm early April, 5:45pm by month's end, limiting afternoon outdoor activities
Unpredictable weather swings from 6°C (43°F) mornings to 16°C (62°F) afternoons require constant layering and wardrobe changes
Many coastal activities like Akaroa dolphin tours operate reduced schedules due to shoulder season demand

Best Activities in April

Banks Peninsula Scenic Drives and Akaroa Exploration

April's clear, stable weather provides perfect conditions for the winding Summit Road drive with unobstructed Canterbury Plains views. Morning temperatures of 8-10°C (46-50°F) create crisp visibility, while afternoon warmth of 15-16°C (59-61°F) makes Akaroa village walks comfortable. Fewer tour buses mean easier parking at scenic lookouts.

Booking Tip: Self-drive is ideal in April with minimal weather disruptions. Dolphin watching tours operate reduced schedules, so book 7-10 days ahead. Day trips typically cost NZ$180-250 including transport from Christchurch. Check current tour availability in booking options below.

Port Hills and Godley Head Hiking

Cool, dry conditions make April perfect for moderate hiking without summer heat or winter mud. The 4.5 km (2.8 mile) Godley Head track offers spectacular harbor views in crisp air, while Sign of the Kiwi walks showcase autumn foliage. UV index of 8 requires sun protection despite cool temperatures.

Booking Tip: Self-guided hiking is straightforward with well-marked tracks. Guided nature walks cost NZ$45-75 per person and provide geological insights. Bring layers for temperature swings between 6-16°C (43-61°F). Current guided options available in booking section.

Christchurch Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park Cycling

Autumn's peak foliage period coincides with April's comfortable cycling weather. The 30 hectare gardens showcase golden deciduous trees, while Hagley Park's 165 hectare network offers car-free paths. Mornings start cool at 6-8°C (43-46°F) but warm to perfect cycling temperatures by 10am.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals typically cost NZ$35-50 per day. Book electric bikes 2-3 days ahead during school holidays. Garden entry is free, making this budget-friendly. Guided cycling tours cost NZ$85-120 and include botanical commentary.

Christchurch Gondola and Scenic Helicopter Flights

April's stable weather patterns and clear skies create optimal conditions for aerial sightseeing. The gondola operates smoothly without summer wind disruptions, while helicopter tours enjoy excellent visibility to the Southern Alps 150 km (93 miles) west. Reduced tourist numbers mean shorter queue times.

Booking Tip: Gondola tickets cost NZ$30-35 adults, helicopter flights NZ$220-450 depending on duration. Book helicopter tours 5-7 days ahead as weather windows fill quickly. Morning flights 9-11am offer best visibility before afternoon cloud build-up.

Canterbury Museum and Central City Walking Tours

Shoulder season means comfortable indoor exploration during cool mornings, then outdoor discovery walks in warmer afternoons. The rebuild district showcases new architecture best appreciated in April's clear, stable weather. Variable conditions make indoor/outdoor combinations ideal.

Booking Tip: Museum entry is by donation, making it budget-friendly. Walking tours cost NZ$25-40 per person and run 2-2.5 hours. Book 2-3 days ahead for earthquake recovery tours focusing on city regeneration. Check current tour schedules in booking options.

Wine Tours and Craft Beer Experiences

April harvest season means wineries operate at peak activity, offering crush viewing and fresh vintage tastings. Cool weather makes indoor/outdoor venue combinations comfortable, while reduced tourist numbers allow more personalized experiences at Waipara Valley wineries 65 km (40 miles) north.

Booking Tip: Wine tours typically cost NZ$145-185 including transport and tastings. Book 7-10 days ahead for weekend tours. Brewery tours in central Christchurch cost NZ$65-85 and work well as afternoon activities when temperatures peak at 15-16°C (59-61°F).

April Events & Festivals

Mid April

Heritage Week Canterbury

Annual celebration of Canterbury's historic buildings and sites with special access tours, archaeological walks, and cultural demonstrations. Many earthquake-damaged heritage sites offer rare behind-scenes access during restoration phases.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Merino wool base layers - temperature swings from 6°C (43°F) to 16°C (62°F) require adaptable clothing that works in humidity levels up to 70%

Waterproof jacket with breathable membrane - 10 rainy days with short, intense showers rather than all-day drizzle

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even on cool days due to New Zealand's thin ozone layer and clear autumn air

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - morning dew and occasional showers create slippery conditions on wooden boardwalks and metal sculptures

Lightweight fleece or wool sweater - essential for early morning activities starting at 6°C (43°F) before midday warmth

Packable down jacket - evenings drop quickly after 6pm, especially on harbor and hill locations exposed to cooling winds

Quick-dry pants and jeans - versatile for temperature changes and occasional shower protection during outdoor activities

Warm hat and gloves - early morning starts for sunrise photography or hiking begin at near-freezing temperatures

Daypack with waterproof cover - April's variable conditions require carrying layers and protection for electronics during outdoor exploration

Polarized sunglasses - intense UV and reflection off wet surfaces during and after April's frequent light showers

Insider Knowledge

April is harvest season at Canterbury wineries - many offer 'crush experiences' where you can participate in grape processing, available only during this 3-week window

Local cafes switch to winter hours in late April - many close at 4pm instead of 6pm, so plan lunch stops early during day trips to Banks Peninsula

The Port Hills tracks are at their driest in April before winter rains begin - locals consider this the best hiking month with minimal mud and maximum visibility

Christchurch's new metro system offers free travel zones covering most tourist attractions, but April schedule changes aren't updated in most tourist guides - check real-time apps rather than printed schedules

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating morning cold - tourists dress for afternoon highs of 16°C (61°F) but shiver through 6°C (43°F) morning activities like sunrise gondola rides

Assuming constant rain due to 10 rainy days - April showers are brief and intense, lasting 15-30 minutes, not all-day cancellations

Booking summer-schedule tours - many operators reduce frequency in April without updating online schedules, leading to disappointment at departure points