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The 10 Largest Aquarium in Christchurch, New Zealand

4 min read February 2, 2024

Dive into the captivating world of marine life at the top 10 aquariums in Christchurch, New Zealand. These mesmerizing underwater havens offer a fascinating journey through the depths of the ocean, showcasing a diverse array of aquatic creatures and marine habitats.

Discover the wonders of the underwater world as you encounter captivating marine life up close. Explore the depths of the ocean and learn about the importance of marine conservation while immersing yourself in the beauty of aquatic ecosystems.

Top Aquarium in Christchurch, New Zealand

Christchurch (; Māori: Ōtautahi) is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand and the seat of the Canterbury Region. Christchurch lies on the South Island's east coast, just north of Banks Peninsula on Pegasus Bay. The Avon River (Ōtākaro) flows through the centre of the city, with an urban park along its banks. The city's territorial authority population is 396,200 people, and includes a number of smaller urban areas as well as rural areas. The population of the urban area is 384,800 people. Christchurch is the second-largest city by urban area population in New Zealand, after Auckland. It is the major urban area of an emerging sub-region known as Greater Christchurch. Notable smaller urban areas within this sub-region include Rangiora and Kaiapoi in Waimakariri District, north of the Waimakariri River, and Rolleston and Lincoln in Selwyn District to the south. The first inhabitants migrated to the area sometime between 1000 and 1250 AD. They hunted moa, which led to the birds' extinction by 1450, and destroyed much of the mataī and tōtara forest. The first iwi to settle the area that would later become known as Christchurch were the Waitaha, who migrated to the area in the 16th century. They were followed later by the Kāti Māmoe, who conquered the Waitaha. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the Ngāi Tahu migrated to the area and subjugated the Kāti Māmoe. Over time the Ngāi Tahu tribe would develop a large pā based around Kaiapoi, which was a major centre for the trade of pounamu.Christchurch became a city by Royal Charter on 31 July 1856, making it officially the oldest established city in New Zealand. The Canterbury Association, which settled the Canterbury Plains, named the city after Christ Church, Oxford. The new settlement was laid out in a grid pattern centred on Cathedral Square; during the 19th century there were few barriers to the rapid growth of the urban area, except for the Pacific to the east and the Port Hills to the south. Agriculture is the historic mainstay of Christchurch's economy. The early presence of the University of Canterbury and the heritage of the city's academic institutions in association with local businesses has fostered a number of technology-based industries. Christchurch is one of five Antarctic gateway cities, hosting Antarctic support bases for several nations.The city suffered a series of earthquakes between September 2010 and January 2012, with the most destructive occurring at 12.51 p.m. on 22 February 2011, in which 185 people were killed and thousands of buildings across the city suffered severe damage, with a few central city buildings collapsing. By late 2013, 1,500 buildings in the city had been demolished, leading to ongoing recovery and rebuilding projects. The city later became the site of a terrorist attack targeting two mosques on 15 March 2019, in which 51 people were killed, and which was described by the Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, as "one of New Zealand's darkest days".

Top Aquarium in Christchurch, New Zealand

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

  • Address: 60 Hussey Road, Northwood, Christchurch 8051, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.7 (4327)
  • Phone: +64 3 359 6226
  • Website:
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
    Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
    Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
    Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
    Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
    Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
    Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Living Reef in Christchurch, New Zealand
Living Reef in Christchurch, New Zealand

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Embark on a thrilling journey through the diverse array of Aquarium in cities like Wellington, Auckland and Wodonga across the Oceania continents, revealing hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a local business or a multinational company, these cities proudly display a rich tapestry of profesional services designed to cater to a wide array of preferences.

The 10 Best Aquarium near Christchurch, New Zealand

Living Reef in Christchurch, New Zealand
Living Reef in Christchurch, New Zealand

Orana Wildlife Park

  • Address: 793 McLeans Island Road, Harewood, Christchurch 8051, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.4 (3901)
  • Phone: +64 3 359 7109
  • Website:
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Reviews:
    Vasile Remus Coman✭✭✭✭
    3 weeks ago
    Beautiful place to spend half a day. It is a big zize zoo in natural habitat. There is a lot of walking to do if you want a close-up look at animals. The shuttle is nice, but you can’t see much from it. Will be nice if the stops are longer to allow you to jump off, see the animals for 5-10min, then jump on and go to the next stop. During the visit, it was impossible to spot some animals like the tiger or some big apes because the building door was locked or they were hiding somewhere. It will be nice to be possible to see them. Otherwise, it’s a great encounter, and if the weather is good, it will be a great day.
    Andrew Barch✭✭✭✭✭
    3 weeks ago
    Holy cow, my kids (and myself) absolutely loved this place. Lions and tigers and keas, OH MY! Seriously though it was great. We got there at around 2:30 on Sunday Dec 31 and had the place to ourselves it felt like. We fed the giraffes. Saw the kiwi. Had a blast. Obviously you didn’t come all the way to New Zealand for a zoo. However, we did this on our last day and thought it was wonderful.
    Rose Clark✭✭✭✭✭
    3 weeks ago
    Great Wildlife Centre with a really impressive variety of animals. The enclosures all look pretty good and the animals are healthy. I like the fact they offer an adoption box system to help contribute to the long term welfare of the animals and the upkeep of the grounds etc. Even though it was very busy when we visited it didn’t feel crowded at all, and it’s very cool that they offer a little hop on hop off cart that drives around the whole park for those who don’t want to walk far. Would happily visit again.
    Faye O✭✭✭✭✭
    4 weeks ago
    Its a huge zoo, great experience! Though it was hot at 26° today and was a long queue, it moves fast and feeding the giraffes is fun and exciting.. The lions are healthy, the gorillas are aloof and adorable, lol.. Plenty of parking and picnic tables. The toilets need frequent check as it was dirty on peak summer season.
    Vinay Karanam✭✭✭✭✭
    2 weeks ago
    Beautiful place to look for wonderful animals and birds. This is the only safari based zoo in NZ. You get to see lions, tigers, giraffe, gorilla and more. Nice Cafe and souvenir shop. Free parking at the premises. Family pass for 2 adults and 3 children for $91 is a good deal.

International Antarctic Centre

  • Address: Corner Roy Place and, Orchard Road, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch 8052, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.4 (3106)
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Redwood Aquatics Aquarium & Water Garden Centre

  • Address: 21 Hussey Road, Harewood, Christchurch 8051, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.5 (452)

Rodney’s Tropicals

  • Address: 16C Wickham Street, Bromley, Christchurch 8062, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.7 (219)

Living Reef

  • Address: 920 Colombo Street, St Albans, Christchurch 8014, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.7 (60)

Simply Fish

  • Address: 1/7 Peverel Street, Riccarton, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.8 (16)

Orana Wildlife Trust

  • Address: 743 McLeans Island Road, McLeans Island, Christchurch 8051, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.8 (11)
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AQUA HOUSE – Aquarium Hobby Supplies

  • Address: 419 Tuam Street, Phillipstown, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 5 (9)

Aynsley Aquatic Centre

  • Address: 25 Poynder Avenue, Merivale, Christchurch 8014, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 5 (3)

Live Environments Canterbury

  • Address: 23 Isabella Place, Waltham, Christchurch 8021, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 3.5 (2)

Thank you for reading! If you have any additional information on the best Aquarium in Christchurch, New Zealand, please leave a comment above. We would love to hear from you!

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5 Replies to The 10 Largest Aquarium in Christchurch, New Zealand

  1. Great experience to explore with your kids. There are many different kinds of animals which can be found in this zoo. They can be watched from close distance, and even you can buy food to feed them. There are 3 different types of food you can buy at the front desk, for eels, small animals, and big animals. All of them love food.
    It is a nocturnal house inside where you can find kiwis. It’s slightly dark, and you need to keep silent, but interestingly, you can find kiwis by your naked eyes; there are just right in front.
    There is a cafe inside with nice food you can order for adults and kids. Additionally, the car park is also quite spacy.

    Reply

  2. This is a brilliant nature reserve be prepared to spend a whole day and it’s particularly suited to kids with an interest in wildlife.
    The whole park is nicely landscaped and several areas are cleverly designed so that there are no cages and one can directly interact with the wildlife. The kiwi and kea stops are a must bit to get to meet these rare birds but also to understand more about their conservation.
    Theres a good cafe and large gift shop

    Reply

  3. Really nice, interesting wildlife reserve and nicely laid out in a great location. There is a pathway for people to walk on and signs all around the reserve showing the way to different kinds of animals.
    As kiwis are rare, they are in a very specific place where you can see some live kiwis.
    It is a great place for families and kids to enjoy and on occasions you can feed some animals.
    The reserve has many kinds of endangered animals and species and it is a really amazing and wonderful sight. Photos and videos are very popular and there are also guided tours and some programs organised for kids, but you will have to check the website for information.
    Prices for entry are quite affordable for singles or families with kids. I would recommend a visit to this wildlife reserve. You don’t have to book in advance.

    Reply

  4. a great combination of native and non-native wildlife plus a farmyard petting zoo, a perfect outing for the whole family. the kiwi house and wood pigeon area offer the closest encounters of anywhere I’ve ever been, and walking amongst the keas in their habitat was also a highlight. the whole area is set amongst lush forest and bush, which attracts various other visitors, so a good opportunity for birdwatching

    Reply

  5. The animals are so cute! I spent around 3 hours here with my partner and it was great to walk through all the paths and find more animals, the farmyard animals are very gentle with feeding & the geese surprisingly don’t go crazy!
    They have extras that I will go back to do at some point, but for now, it was definitely a great day out just walking around.

    Reply

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