Homeschool Christchurch · Canterbury
Homeschooling in Christchurch
8 local places and programs we've checked for homeschool families in Christchurch — museums, libraries, nature programs, excursions and local groups. Programs, dates and prices change, so check each provider's site before you plan a visit.
New to homeschooling in Canterbury? Start with our guide to the rules, browse the full New Zealand resource directory, or read about finding groups and co-ops.
Reading activities
- FreeAll ages
Christchurch City Libraries programmes and learning
Free programmes, events and Learning Centre sessions across Christchurch's libraries, plus eResources such as eBooks and learning databases that members can use from home. Check the site for current events.
Visit christchurchcitylibraries.com ↗ (opens in a new tab) - FreeAges 6–18
National Library lending for home educators
Home educators with a current exemption certificate can borrow from the National Library's schools lending service, whose main collection is held in Christchurch and Auckland. The page explains what can be borrowed and how.
Visit natlib.govt.nz ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Science experiments
- PaidAges 3–18
International Antarctic Centre education programmes
Antarctic education programmes at the centre beside Christchurch Airport for early childhood, school, community and holiday groups, including entry to the exhibits. A minimum number of students applies for the education rate; check the site for current prices.
Visit iceberg.co.nz ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Educational excursions
- Free + paid optionsAges 5–18
Canterbury Museum education programmes
Hands-on programmes delivered by museum educators, including Quake City sessions on the Canterbury earthquakes, and free self-guided visits to the Pop-Up Museum while the main building is redeveloped. Programmes are written for schools, so ask whether a home-education group can book.
Visit canterburymuseum.com ↗ (opens in a new tab) - PaidAges 5–15
Orana Wildlife Park education
Zoo School programmes for Years 1–10 and a paid school holiday programme for ages 7–12 at Orana's open-range wildlife park. Programmes are written for schools, so ask the education team whether a home-education group can book; check the site for current prices.
Visit oranawildlifepark.co.nz ↗ (opens in a new tab) - PaidAges 3–13
Ferrymead Heritage Park learning and groups
History programmes in a recreated Edwardian township, including Stepping Back in Time and a World War One module, plus outreach sessions and an early childhood programme. Programmes are written for schools and groups, so ask whether a home-education group can book; check the site for current prices.
Visit ferrymead.org.nz ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Outdoor learning
- FreeAges 8–16
Christchurch Botanic Gardens learning programmes
Free council-run programmes at the Botanic Gardens on biodiversity, native plants, ecosystems and sustainability, part of the Learning Through Action programme. Programmes are booked by schools, so ask whether a home-education group can book.
Visit ccc.govt.nz ↗ (opens in a new tab) - FreeAges 5–18
Learning Through Action programmes (Christchurch City Council)
A searchable list of free council education programmes on biodiversity, waste, water, coastal management and the city, filtered by year level and site. Programmes are written for schools and need several weeks' notice, so ask whether a home-education group can book.
Visit ccc.govt.nz ↗ (opens in a new tab)
How homeschooling works in Christchurch
Homeschooling is legal in New Zealand when your child holds an exemption from enrolment from the Ministry of Education.
Homeschooling in Christchurch: common questions
Is homeschooling legal in Christchurch?
Yes. Homeschooling is legal in New Zealand when your child holds an exemption from enrolment from the Ministry of Education.
Where can homeschoolers go for excursions in Christchurch?
Options we've checked include Canterbury Museum education programmes, Orana Wildlife Park education and Christchurch Botanic Gardens learning programmes. Many programs are designed for school groups, so ask whether homeschool families or groups can book, and check current dates and prices.
Do libraries in Christchurch help homeschoolers?
Libraries we've listed for Christchurch include Christchurch City Libraries programmes and learning and National Library lending for home educators. Check each library's site for membership, programs and online learning resources that homeschool families can use.
Can I get homeschool tutoring in Christchurch?
Many families use a tutor for a tricky subject, senior study or test preparation. Our homeschool tutoring guide explains when it helps and what to ask. Success Tutoring runs learning centres around New Zealand — check successtutoring.com for a centre near Christchurch.
Extra help in Christchurch
If your child needs support in a particular subject, our homeschool tutoring guide explains when a tutor helps and what to ask before you sign up.