Things to Do in Christchurch in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Christchurch
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Summer season means long daylight hours - sunrise around 5:45am, sunset after 9pm, giving you genuinely extended time for outdoor activities without rushing through your day
- December sits right in the middle of festival season - the city comes alive with outdoor concerts, Christmas markets in Cathedral Square, and the World Buskers Festival typically starting late December, meaning free entertainment almost daily
- School holidays haven't peaked yet in early December - international crowds are lighter before Christmas week, so you'll find better availability at mid-range accommodations and shorter queues at popular spots like the Gondola or Botanic Gardens
- The Port Hills are at their greenest after spring growth, making hiking and mountain biking genuinely spectacular with that characteristic Canterbury golden-brown landscape still weeks away from summer drying
Considerations
- Weather is genuinely unpredictable - that 10-20°C (50-69°F) range means you might need a fleece in the morning and be in shorts by 2pm, and the 10 rainy days scattered through the month means you can't count on perfect conditions for any specific day you've planned
- The nor'west wind is a real factor in December - when it hits, temperatures can spike to 25°C (77°F) but the wind makes outdoor dining miserable and can ground activities like hot air ballooning or create challenging conditions for coastal activities
- Christmas week (December 20-31) sees prices jump 30-50% at accommodations and many locals leave town for beach holidays, meaning some favorite local spots close temporarily and the city feels quieter than you might expect for peak season
Best Activities in December
Port Hills Mountain Biking and Hiking Trails
December is actually ideal for the Port Hills because the trails have dried out from spring rains but haven't yet turned dusty and hard-packed like they will in January-February. The Sign of the Kiwi and Sign of the Takahe make perfect mid-hike stops, and that 10-20°C (50-69°F) range is comfortable for exertion without overheating. The nor'west wind can be intense up there, but it typically arrives afternoon, so morning sessions work best. Views across to the Southern Alps are clearest in summer months before autumn haze sets in.
Akaroa Harbor Wildlife Cruises
December is peak season for Hector's dolphins in Akaroa Harbor - these are the world's smallest and rarest dolphins, found only in New Zealand waters. The 90-minute drive from Christchurch takes you over the Port Hills with stunning views, and December weather makes the harbor crossing comfortable rather than the choppy winter conditions. Water temperature reaches around 15°C (59°F), so swimming with dolphins is actually feasible if you're keen. The French-influenced town itself is worth 2-3 hours of wandering, with outdoor cafe seating actually pleasant in December sun.
Christchurch Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park Cycling
The gardens are genuinely at their best in December - roses are in full bloom, the herbaceous borders are peak color, and the extended daylight means you can visit until 8:30pm and still have good light. The flat 5 km (3.1 miles) loop around Hagley Park is perfect for casual cycling, and the Avon River trail extends this to 15 km (9.3 miles) if you want a longer ride through the city. That variable December weather actually works in your favor here - if morning looks drizzly, you can easily shift to an afternoon visit. The UV index of 8 is serious though, so sunscreen matters even on partly cloudy days.
Canterbury Wine Region Tours
Waipara Valley sits about 65 km (40 miles) north of Christchurch and December is actually perfect timing - the vines are in full leaf, temperatures are warm enough for pleasant outdoor tastings, but harvest hasn't started so winemakers have time to chat. The region specializes in Pinot Noir and Riesling, and most cellar doors have outdoor seating with views across to the Southern Alps. The microclimate here is noticeably warmer than Christchurch itself, so expect 22-25°C (72-77°F) on a good December day. Designated driver sorted or book a tour - the roads are rural and winding.
Sumner Beach and Coastal Walking
Sumner is Christchurch's beach suburb, about 20 minutes from the city center, and December means the water temperature has climbed to around 15°C (59°F) - still bracing but swimmable for hardy types. The Scarborough coastal walk offers spectacular cliff-top views and takes about 90 minutes one-way, with that December UV index of 8 making sun protection essential. The beach itself gets genuinely busy on hot weekends (20°C/68°F plus days), but weekday mornings are quieter. The Cave Rock formation is worth exploring at low tide, and the village has decent fish and chips spots for post-beach eating.
International Antarctic Centre Experience
This is genuinely useful for those variable December weather days when outdoor plans get rained out - it's entirely indoors and gives you the Antarctic storm chamber experience (minus 18°C/0°F with wind chill) which is oddly refreshing after humid Christchurch weather. The Hagglund ride and penguin feeding are highlights, and the 4D theater is better than expected. It's particularly good if you're flying in or out of Christchurch as it's right next to the airport, making it perfect for a first or last day activity when you don't want to commit to something distant.
December Events & Festivals
World Buskers Festival
This typically kicks off in late December and runs into January, bringing street performers from around the globe to Christchurch. Performances happen throughout the city center, mostly outdoors in squares and parks, with that extended December daylight meaning shows run until 9pm or later. It's free to watch (though performers pass the hat), and the variety ranges from comedy to acrobatics to music. The festival atmosphere genuinely transforms the city center and is worth planning around if your dates align.
Cathedral Square Christmas Market
Running through most of December, this market brings European-style Christmas stalls to the temporary Cathedral Square setup. It's smaller than you might expect given the name, but the outdoor setting works well in December weather and there's usually mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and local craft vendors. Evening visits (6-9pm) have better atmosphere than midday heat. Worth noting this is still a rebuilding city post-earthquakes, so the scale is more intimate than pre-2011.