Located right in the city, the Christchurch Botanic Gardens were founded in 1863, when an English oak was planted to commemorate the marriage solemnization between Britain's Prince Albert and Princess Alexandra of Denmark. Situated adjacent to the loop of the Avon river and the Hagley Park, the gardens are spread over some 21 hectares. Here you'll find one of the widest collections of New Zealand plant life, as well as exotic flora. Look out for the Herb Garden, the Rose Garden, the Rock Garden, the Heather Garden, and the Water Garden.

Dux de Lux is a family restaurant located in the center of the city, next to the historic buildings of the Art Center. Open since 1978, it is a long standing favorite among Christchurch families. Dux de Lux is a fine restaurant with the freshest food and great atmosphere. Its light cuisine of fresh sea food and vegetarian meals is very suitable for even the youngest visitors.

The best way to study New Zealand's unique fauna is to visit Southern Encounter and Kiwi House, conveniently located in the heart of Christchurch. In its huge aquarium you can see about 150 species of freshwater and saltwater fish and reptiles. Among them are sharks, octopus, seahorses, eels, as well as prehistoric tuatara. You can watch divers feeding the inhabitants of the aquarium and can even touch them in the Touch Tank. Also of interest is the Kiwi House, where you can see a real life example of New Zealand's symbol, now an endangered species.

The Inkwell Gift Shop has gifts and souvenirs of all kinds, but it is most famous for its great collection of handmade teddy bears. Take the delight of meeting all the bears at the shop window and inside - each one is individually designed. There's also a great range of silver and jade jewelry, ceramics, prints, frames, postcards, and carvings. The Inkwell is located on the tram route on Regent Street.

The Bead Shop is a wonderful place for creative families. Here you can buy beautiful handmade jewelry and accessories and even get the chance to make your own. The shop staff is on hand to help you make a magical gift for your loved one. Using greenstone, jade, paua, glass, various beads, wood and metal, you can create something really special.

Ironhorse Hobbies is a haven for those who are fond of collecting model cars. This store offers a large choice of models: trains, locomotives, slot cars, tracks, trams, buses, buildings, scale vehicles and scenes, and many more rare models. There's also a ton of great DVDs, books and magazines.

Science Alive is an independent science center that aims to educate the public, especially children and students, on the world of science. This interactive museum has loads of fascinating exhibits like a human gyroscope, a vertical slide, anti-gravity wheels, Jupiter boots, air mazes, and whispering dishes. There is also a special zone for kids under seven and a science shop with lots of great educational items to take home.

Lollipops is the best place in the city for kids under 11. It offers safe playgrounds, educational games and other activities. Parents can either take part or have a rest in the adult area's café, which has light meals and drinks. Open daily, the Lollipops Playland can sometimes get crowded, but it's a great place to make new friends.