Ferrymead Heritage Park (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Ferrymead Heritage Park?
What makes it 87% Kids-Friendly: Kids up to 12 enjoy the steam train, weekend tram loops, role-play schoolhouse, and a fenced playground; flat paths and picnic lawns aid supervision, though no on-site café limits snacks.
Positives:
- Pram-Friendly Paths: Wide, level walkways make it easy to navigate strollers across most of the park.
- Free Exhibits: Static buildings, playground and picnic lawns are included in general admission at no extra cost.
Challenges:
- Limited Food Options: No full café on site; only basic coffee and snacks at the entrance.
- Ride Schedules: Steam trains only run on select Sundays and special events, plan ahead.
What is Ferrymead Heritage Park?
- An open-air heritage park that re-creates a New Zealand colonial township of the early 20th century through meticulously restored buildings and period streetscapes
- A curated ensemble of Edwardian-era structures including churches, barber shops, railway stations and civic buildings arranged along a vintage-style main street
- A hub for heritage transport preservation featuring operational steam trains, historic trams and period machinery maintained by volunteer societies
What is so special about Ferrymead Heritage Park for with kids?
- Ride heritage steam trains and vintage trams across restored colonial streets.
- Hands-on role-play inside a 1900s schoolhouse and lock-up cell.
- Playground and open lawns offer safe breaks for younger kids.
- Paths are stroller-friendly, making it easy to move as a family.
- Special event days add themed activities like Victorian Christmas and ANZAC commemorations.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for train and tram rides, playground break, and exploring key exhibits without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Ferrymead Heritage Park
Steam Train Ride:
Take a 1.5 km heritage steam train loop around the park.
Tip: Runs first Sunday monthly and special event days; book family tickets in advance.
Heritage Tram Ride:
Board a restored electric tram for a gentle circuit through the colonial street.
Tip: Operates weekends, public and school holidays; bring small change for tickets.
Playground Break:
Let kids burn off energy at the fenced play area near the general store.
Tip: Supervise young children; plan this stop as a rest break.
Schoolhouse & Jail Role-Play:
Step into a 1900s schoolroom or lock-up cell for hands-on history play.
Tip: Visit when volunteer guides are on duty to hear stories and instructions.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Ferrymead Heritage Park
- Buy Combo Ride Tickets: Purchase a family tram and train combo to save time and money.
- Pack a Picnic: Bring your own lunch and snacks as dining options are very limited.
Reviews of Ferrymead Heritage Park
Anna
The most underrated Heritage Park. It is only NZD 20 per adult and NZD 60 fo r family package (2 adults 2 children), to visit such a huge park. It is very well maintained and run by volunteer. You can literally spend a whole day in here and still might not able to complete the tour. Only NZD 5 per tram ride, better than the hop-on tram daily ticket in Christchurch city center NZD 40.
r k
Ferrymead Heritage Park was a high-quality place that I couldn't have imagined from the outside. But it wasn't easy to get there by public transport. It is quite a walk from the nearest bus stop — that's why there were only a few tourists, despite the amazingly impressive exhibits. Moreover, there were also only a few staff members, so the back of the park felt like a ghost town, even though it wa...
Alison Ayrton
We had a wonderful day with the family. So much to see and do and such friendly and helpful volunteers who work here. Mr Black was suitably somber and authoritative as the school master, the printery staff were wonderful helping the grandies make their notebooks, the food trucks/ tent had a nice range of food, the 'Picture' Theatre and movie was fantastic and of course all the museums, train and t...
Harry Lucas
This heritage museum at Ferrymead was operated by many enthusiastic elders whom want to share their memories to all of us. You can find so many unbelievable collections that some of them were donated from different people. They paid a lot efforts to maintain it and provided a very fantastic place to let us enjoy! I really appreciated their attitudes as we shall be recall some memories from their ...
Bernard Savage
Great place with lots to do and see. Parking was relatively easy since we arrived early entrance by the "old post office". Lots of old shops and houses to visit set out in an easily navigable layout. There is also a heritage tram and a heritage steam railway ride. The rain didn't dampen our spirits and we could have stayed longer. This was definitely worth a visit
When is the best time to visit Ferrymead Heritage Park (Christchurch, New Zealand)?
Visit during school holidays or weekends when both trains and trams run. In summer, bring sunscreen and hats. At Christmas and ANZAC themed weekends, enjoy costumed characters and crafts.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult admission (2×NZD20) | NZD 40 |
| Child admission (12 y/o) | NZD 10 |
| Steam train ride (family ticket) | NZD 22 |
| Tram ride (family ticket) | NZD 15 |
| Total Estimated | NZD 87 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Ferrymead Heritage Park
Address: 50 Ferrymead Park Drive, Ferrymead, Christchurch 8022, New Zealand
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About Ferrymead Heritage Park
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+64 3 384 197010 BEST nearby Activities
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