Christchurch News Archives - Airport Gateway Motel

What’s Happening for Autumn 2020 in Christchurch

As the summer months start to wind down, and Autumn is on the horizon, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy around the garden city – at what tends to be a very popular time of year for visitors.

The weather is lovely most of the time, and as we head towards Easter, the autumn colours start to kick in, adding a beautiful dimension to our tree filled city centre.

Holi Festival of Colours, February 29 2020, 10am – 4pm

This annual event is held in Hagley Park and brings a vibrant, colour filled occasion to Christchurch.

Celebrated worldwide, the traditional Indian holiday is known for its vibrant powder colours that blanket people in the streets.

As one of the major Indian festivals, wherever Holi is celebrated, the spirit of the event remains the same. It’s a day to forgive, forget, reconnect, and enjoy time with family and friends.

Organisers invite festival goers to wear white clothing, and provide them with packets of colour powders which are liberally thrown into the air resulting in rainbow coloured people all around!

Anyone is fair game – it’s an all-out colour war. The powder colours used at Holi will wash off skin with soap and water but it’s best to wear old clothes. Wearing white makes the colours really stand-out.

The Festival also includes food stalls and entertainment and generally provides a carefree day of music, games, food and fun.

Check the Facebook Event page for updates and tips for the day.

Selwyn Sounds, 15 Meijer Drive, Lincoln, March 7 2020

This live music event will be a full on day to remember, with international and New Zealand music acts including Australian band Icehouse, 10cc from the UK, Midge Ure (the voice of Ultravox) also from the UK, Kiwi band Zed who have reunited after 15 years for this event, The Mockers, Jed Parsons and the Automatic 80s.

As well as an impressive lineup of musicians, Selwyn Sounds also has a great range of local food trucks, two well stocked bars and great security on site to make sure everyone has a good time all day.

Find out more about what’s on offer right here.

Tickets can be purchased online, along with transport from the city.

Aldous Harding, Christchurch Town Hall Auditorium, 15 March 2020

Celebrated New Zealand singer-songwriter Aldous Harding returns home for a unique and special handful of NZ shows this March, including this performance at the Christchurch Town Hall.

Joined by two of the most compelling artists of the indie world today, Weyes Blood and Purple Pilgrims, this is a triple billing not to be missed.

Experience Aldous Harding live, joined by Weyes Blood and Purple Pilgrims.

Book tickets here.

Russell Brand: Recovery Live, Isaac Theatre Royal, 17 March 2020

A funny and profane exploration into personal development and wellness from a comedian who has dedicated himself to spirituality to avoid self-destruction.

This 90-minute experience will introduce you to the system that saved his life, continues to save his sanity and will work for anyone who is willing to commit to it.

Book tickets online.

Grow Ō Tautahi Garden Festival, 20 March 2020

Grow Ō Tautahi 2020 is a FREE vibrant, contemporary garden festival showcasing creativity, innovation & the region’s love of gardens, design & outdoor living.

The festival will take place in the heart of the city in our beautiful Botanic Gardens in Rolleston Avenue, with pop up events at Christchurch Art Gallery.

The GROW programme will include practical workshops, panel discussions, cooking demonstrations and entertainment all in the spectacular Christchurch Botanic Gardens.

New Brighton Outdoor Art Festival, March 28 2020, 10am – 8pm

New Brighton is known for its surf beach, pier, ‘Seaside Market’, the waterfront children’s playground, and will soon be home to the ‘He Puna Taimoana’ hot salt water pools.

The New Brighton Outdoor Art Festival (NBOAF) aims to transform some of the most prominent vacant and derelict sites in New Brighton into vibrant, creative, spaces through the use of street art during a one day event to be held in central New Brighton.

30 talented artists will take to the streets to paint murals and artworks, plus a Welcome to New Brighton wall designed by professional artists will be painted by volunteers and locals – you are welcome to participate.

Find out more right here.

Christchurch Food Show, Horncastle Arena, 3-5 April 2020

If you are passionate about food and wine, the Christchurch Food Show is an event not to miss.

Discover recipes and hot tips from top celebrity chefs in the NEFF Cooking Theatre or if you’re looking to find the best deals, don’t look past the show-only deals from over 125 exhibitors.

There’s something for all tastes in the brand new Deli Collective, New New New Street Food Alley, Brewers’ Lane, Artisan Village and the Ceres Organics Healthy Hub Kitchen. All demonstrations and feature zones are included free with your entry ticket.

Tickets are $20 for adults, and $18 for seniors and children (6-12).

Forest Run Fest Autumn, April 11 2020

This is a morning for all levels of walkers and runners to get out there, compete and breathe in the fresh forest air with your family and friends.

The big one: A 21km half marathon. This is the longest course on the event. Challenge yourself!
The middle one: Confident but not too confident? Give the 10km a go, you’ll surprise yourself.
The little one: Just starting out and want to try a race? Do the 5km and see what it’s all about.
The tiny one: This 2km course is for tiny legs – kids 10 years and under.

Date: Saturday 11th April 2020
Start Time: From 8am
Start Location: Bottle Lake Forest Park (100 Waitikiri Drive, Parklands).
Cost: $60 per person for the big one, $50 per person for the middle one, $30 per person for the little one and $10 per person for the tiny one.

Registrations close at midnight on Thursday 9th April 2020. Find out more and register here.

When you register you will receive access to a training plan, and all finishers get a medal. The course will be mostly flat, with clean air, lots of trees and plenty of space.

What’s New in Christchurch City?

The summer months are the perfect time to visit and explore Christchurch, and as the central city fills up with more and more new places to eat, drink, shop, relax and be entertained, it is certainly worth a visit.

Riverside Market, Avon River, Cashel Mall

Perhaps the most significant (and long awaited) addition to the central city is the freshly opened Riverside Markets.

Riverside Market outdoor seatingThis is a custom built indoor food market space, located at the end of Cashel Mall near the Bridge of Remembrance, filled with local food vendors, restaurants and bars.

Cluck Cluck Slurp, RiversideAmong the already very popular dining options are Castro’s tapas restaurant upstairs, Shaka Bros (from the popular Bacon Bros), Ben and Jerry’s, Cluck Cluck Slurp (roast chicken), Fritz’s Weiners, Costa’s Souvlaki and many more.

You can also do your produce shopping with everything from wholefoods to bakery goods, locally made cheeses, Mediterranean goodies, fresh fish and vegan desserts. It can get quite busy from mid morning onwards, so if you prefer not to be jostling the crowds, plan your visit a little earlier or later in the day.

Since opening it has been consistently popular with locals and tourists, and brings a great influx of people to this part of the city to then enjoy the sunshine along the riverbank sitting on the steps, jump on the tram for a circuit of the city, or wander down Cashel Mall to enjoy the many options for shopping.

Parking is available in the Lichfield Street carpark, which is a one minute walk from Riverside.

The City Promenade, along the Avon, Central City

Along the Avon River from the Hospital right through to the Margaret Mahy Playground, runs the City Promenade, which is designed to enable a leisurely walk, cycle or scooter ride through some of the most attractive parts of the city, as well as seeing some of the changes in progress (like the construction of the Convention Centre which is heading towards the final phases).

City Promenade starting point on Manchester Street

In the process of walking or scootering along the promenade, you will see the wall of remembrance for those lives lost in the earthquakes, wander past the Riverside Market, see the Convention Centre in progress, head through Victoria Square past the Town Hall and then in the final section head towards the award winning Margaret Mahy Playground past New Regent Street.

Beside that last section of the Promenade, you might also notice a white fenced area with many seagulls flying in and out. This is a nesting colony of the highly endangered black billed seagulls, who have chosen to breed in this former office tower site for the last two seasons. There are mesh windows along the fences so you can see what is happening inside the colony without disturbing the birds unecessarily.

Manchester Street, One Central

Manchester Street has undergone many changes in the last few years, and is now one of the main bus routes into and out of the central city, including many mega bus stops.

Along one side of Manchester Street we have the normal cityscape, while on the other, land that was bought by the government post quake is now being used for inner city apartments, along with innovative uses of green space including food trucks, a heritage themed mini-golf course featuring items from pre-quake Christchurch on each hole, the giant #chchswing (for adults and children), giant spray cans and half basketball court, two community owned parking areas called the Good Spot, grassed areas for events to be held, and the ‘detour snake run’ which provides a different surface for cyclists, skateboarders and scooter riders to enjoy.

You will also find plenty of e-scooters waiting to be used in this area, either Lime or Beam or Flamingo (the three options available in Christchurch).

This part of the city particularly comes alive in the weekends when families are enjoying the neighbouring playground, but is also a relaxing space to enjoy during the week.

Welder, Welles Street

Welder is a new inner city initiative bringing businesses with a focus on health and wellbeing together into one precinct, in amongst inner city apartments and businesses.

The development has repurposed six authentic, character buildings dating back as far as 1880. These industrial workshops share in their unique mix of materials and eccentric features that today are irreplaceable.

Businesses inside the Welder include Bar Yoku. Sake and Yakitori, Barefoot Eatery, Salut Salut.Vino and Tapas, O-Studio, Two Raw Sisters, Great Pastry Shop and more.

Check out the Welder website for the full list and head down for a relaxing day of exploring (perhaps with some yoga or a float tank session thrown in!)

Upper High Street and St Asaph

If you have been enjoying the Manchester Street area and want to keep exploring, head on up to High Street past the Dux Dine, Smash Palace and C1Espresso.

You’ll see Little High Eatery, the free larger than life video game on the Vodafone building, then the new Lanes and businesses open in the last block of High Street in the historic Duncan building.

Grab a coffee at Black and White Coffee Cartel or a delicious gelato from Utopia Ice.

Or head right up to the corner of High and St Asaph and explore all the food options in the Boxed Quarter.

What’s happening in Christchurch, November 2019

As we rocket towards Summer and the holiday season, events and activities are rapidly increasing in number around Christchurch.

We’ve included some ‘don’t miss’ events in this blog.

SCAPE, Central Christchurch, 5 October – 20 November 2019

If you arrive in the city in the next few weeks, you will notice new public art works around the city centre.

These are part of the SCAPE Public Art exhibition and some will remain as permanent installations.

The SCAPE Public Art Season 2019 responds to the theme of Rock : Paper : Scissors. Local and internationally renowned artists will bring a sense of solidity and location during the six-week season in central Christchurch from 5 October – 20 November 2019.

The SCAPE Public Art Walkway allows visitors to explore temporary and permanent artworks around our central city. Weaving a trail around historic and natural landmarks, guided walks start from Worcester Boulevard passing Canterbury Museum, looping around Hagley Park, meandering to Ōtākaro-Avon River and finishing back at the Arts Centre. Visit the Scape website for maps of the art installations and the link to download their app.

BLACKCAPS v England T20, Hagley Oval, 1 November at 2pm

Don’t miss out on the action on Friday 1 November as the BLACKCAPS take on England at Hagley Oval.

This is the first time the two teams have met since the Cricket World Cup finals, and a chance to put the record straight between the two teams!

This T20 is a Charity Match in which all funds generated from ticket sales (net of Ticketek fees) will be donated to the Christchurch Foundation to assist the local community in the wake of the 15 March 2019 terror attack.

Book your tickets here if you don’t already have them.

Swan Lake – The Imperial Russian Ballet Company, Isaac Theatre Royal, 16 November

This classic ballet has two performances in Christchurch on Saturday November 16 and there are still some tickets available.

Swan Lake is presented in two acts and follows the original storyline. Subtle revisions and variations have been introduced by Gediminas Taranda, Artistic Director of the Imperial Russian Ballet Company.

Swan Lake crosses the world of magic and mystical creatures with that of the real world. It is a story where the virtues of love and forgiveness in the end conquer evil and betrayal.

Christchurch Airport Art Trail

Not just a Summer exhibition, the Art Trail around Christchurch Airport features a range of installations throughout the buildings and parking areas, including some that will come to life with the Plain Sight augmented reality app.

Download the Art Trail map here and spot as many works as you can when you are flying in or out of the Airport.

Cup Week Events, 9 – 16 November 2019

The week leading into Show Weekend is always busy in Christchurch, with lots of visitors in town for race events, Fashion in the Field and of course the Annual A and P Show.

Check out all the places to be and be seen, via the christchurchnz.com site.

The New Zealand Agricultural Show, Canterbury Agricultural Park, 13 – 15 November 2019

With over 156 years of history, the New Zealand Agricultural Show celebrates all that is great about rural life.

Featuring a packed schedule of top livestock and equestrian events, live music, Endurocross, fun-filled family entertainment, an indulgent Food & Wine Village and so much more, you and your family will have plenty to keep you entertained during your day at the Show.

This is truly the time when country comes to town, and a wonderful experience for visitors to New Zealand to sample the best rural Kiwis have to offer.

Spring Gardens in Christchurch

Spring is one of the most beautiful times of year in Christchurch, from the avenue of cherry blossoms around Hagley Park, to the wonderful Botanic Garden flower beds and many other gardens open to the public around the city and nearby.

Check out some of the most popular gardens to visit when you are staying in Christchurch with us.

Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Rolleston Avenue

Notable at this time of year for the beds of yellow daffodils alongside the Avon River, and the multi-coloured beds of annuals, the Botanic Gardens stretch for 30 hectares in the centre of the city and are a very popular destination for visitors and locals alike, any day of the week. Entrance is free, and they close at 6.30pm daily.

While you are visiting the gardens, why not also take a wander through the Canterbury Museum, located in the Gardens with access from Rolleston Avenue. The Arts Centre is also just over the road, so you can enjoy several of the city’s visitor attractions all in one day without having to leave this precinct.

The tramway also goes right past this area, so you can incorporate a tram ride around the city at the same time.

Mona Vale Homestead and Gardens, Fendalton Road

One of the city’s historic homesteads, and just a short walk from Hagley Park, Mona Vale features rose and iris gardens, woodland plantings along the river and colour-themed borders.

More recently, magnolias, many Ericaceae, herbaceous perennials and beds of annuals have been added.

The homestead itself is hired out for functions and has a cafe where you can order coffee and cake while you enjoy the surroundings.

Entrance to Mona Vale is free and closing time varies depending on the time of year. Check the City Council website for more information and opening hours.

Riccarton Bush, 16 Kahu Road

Located just off Riccarton Road, Riccarton Bush – also known as Deans Bush, is the last remaining remnant of virgin native bush left in the city.

Boardwalks take visitors through the bush itself, to ensure the tree roots are not damaged and you can also enjoy the historic Riccarton House with its restaurant and the original Deans cottage which has been preserved to provide an insight into the life of the first English settlers in the Christchurch area.

On Saturday mornings, the whole site is alive with the local farmer’s market, which is very popular and provides a great opportunity to browse, shop for locally grown and made produce, enjoy a coffee and go for a wander through the gardens and the bush.

Entry to Deans Bush is free and open year round.

Edmonds Factory Garden, 357 Ferry Road

The garden and factory, which feature on the cover of the best-selling Edmonds Cookery Book, have been a horticultural delight for generations of visitors and residents.

The Edmonds gardens have won many awards in civic beautifying competitions, and, until the late 1980s, a succession of gardeners were employed full-time to maintain and develop the formal geometric beds, lawns and plantings of annuals.

Christchurch City Council acquired a major portion of the original Edmonds Factory Garden in 1991 after the building had been demolished and the property sub-divided.

Since then, a rose garden and an oval garden have been added. Recently new, enclosed areas of a more natural style have been developed, with an emphasis on low maintenance, featuring permanent plantings of evergreen shrubs and dwarf conifers.

Entry to the gardens is free and you can use the parking up the long driveway. A children’s playground is included along with the large parkland area adjoining the gardens, so this a perfect spot to take the family. Dogs are also welcome as long as they are on a leash.

The original Edmonds cookbook featuring the “Sure to Rise” slogan and the garden.

Christchurch Arts Festival 2019

The Christchurch Arts Festival is another great reason to visit the Garden City, running from July 26 – August 4.

This event happens every second year, and this year gets to take advantage of the increased number of venues around the city as locations like our beautiful Christchurch Town Hall have re-opened.

Experience art, music, light, food and performance, as these extraordinary artists ‘return home’ to honour their connections to this unique place, and inspire us to explore who we are, where we have come from and our bold new path as a city of transformation and change.

From the free opening extravaganza, to shows, talks, workshops and performances, there’s something for everyone… so don’t miss the chance to find out what’s on and get amongst it!

Tickets for some events have already sold out, so we have included below some of the Festival highlights that still have tickets remaining or don’t require tickets.

Opening Event – Free! A Winter’s Tale and Powhiri

Running across two nights, on Friday July 26 and Saturday July 27, this will be an event not to miss.

From 5pm on Friday 26th the opening pōwhiri (welcoming ceremony), features the traditional call of a kaikaranga – the first voice to be heard will be Matapopore’s very own Aroha Reriti-Crofts – followed by kapa haka group Te Pao a Tahu, who will explore traditional Ngāi Tahu narratives through song.

Then from 6pm on both nights, Oxford Terrace will be transformed as lively Shakespearean scenes are presented by giant puppets, against a backdrop of colour, movement and skyscraping video projections.

The event will be book-ended by two stages, one near the Bridge of Remembrance and the other by the new Riverside complex where six different musical acts will perform throughout the evening.

Along the riverside, roaming amongst the audience and from the balconies of the bars and restaurants lining The Terrace, masked NASDA actors and over-sized puppets will parody scenes from the classic Shakespearean films being projected onto the former Rydges Hotel.

Find out more about this free event via the Facebook Event page.

Below is a map of the Avon Promenade which is the location for this event. to work out places to park, we suggest you visit the dynamic map on the City Council website here.

Wild Dogs Under my Skirt, Tusiata Avia, July 25 – 27

The first night of this compelling show by Christchurch based poet Tusiata Avia is being held at Haeata Community Campus in Aranui, with the remaining two performances at The Piano which is located in Armagh Street (very close to the New Regent Street corner).

This deeply personal, multi-award winning work has delighted, shocked and seduced audiences all around the world.

Based on Avia’s provocative and unapologetic poetry, Wild Dogs is a play that explores power, politics, racism, love, sex, abuse and life between cultures. It’s a celebration of island life, the femininity of a Samoan woman and all its wonderful complexities.

With the support of NZ theatre taonga Victor Rodger as producer and award-winning director Anapela Polata’ivao, this stunning piece has transformed into an all-powerful six-woman show, winning Best Director, Best Production and Best Lighting Design at the recent Wellington Theatre Awards.

Tusiata Avia is a poet, performer and children’s book writer. She has held prestigious writers residencies both here and abroad, and was the 2013 recipient of the Janet Frame Literary Trust Award.

Tickets are $45 (concession) or $50 full price. Book online.

Manaaki Marketplace, Town Hall Foyer, August 3, free admission

From 10:00am, stalls will offer locally made toi Māori (Māori arts and crafts) including woven kete, pounamu pendants, jewellery and poi. Locally made preserves and delicacies will also be available for purchase – not to mention traditional Māori kai!

Another highlight will be the rongoā (traditional Māori healing) area where two practitioners will be offering mirimiri (traditional Māori massage) and rongoā cosmetics such as balms, creams and oils, crafted from extracts from native plants.

In the rear of the foyer, you’ll find an exhibition of Ngāi Tahu artworks, which includes raranga, jewellery, paintings, carving, prints and sculpture.

The market day will be followed by a hangi which will be cooked through the day and served at 5.30pm and 6.00pm.

Wonderful Indoor Winter Activities in Christchurch

We are heading into the winter months, so what is there to do in Christchurch with your family (or without) when the days are shorter and the weather cooler?

Turns out, the answer is plenty!

Movies

Whether you are a local or visiting the city, movies are always a classic for cooler (or wetter days) and the city has some great options. If you are in the central city, head to the mega theatre at EntX (right opposite the Bus Exchange so you can grab a bus right outside the motel and head right into the city without having to find a park). The bottom floor is full of great eateries, so plan to grab lunch or dinner with your movie. See some pics and find out more about this great complex here.

And of course there are other options for movies too – Northlands Mall, Riccarton Mall, Palms Shopping Centre, Alice’s, The Colombo, The Tannery and Sumner all have options to choose from.

If you are visiting NZ in the winter months, it is worth downloading the Flicks app for your phone and then you can see all the cinemas and movies currently running, plus book online.

Turanga/Imagination Station

Christchurch’s new public library is a place to not only make sure you visit, but also somewhere you can return to over and over again with your kids. If they love Lego, they will love the Imagination Station area that will keep them occupied for hours. Plus there’s a giant electronic gaming wall, computers, 3D printing facilities, music recording studios – and of course, books! And onsite are a couple of cafes to keep everyone going while they are full immersed.

Swimming and Gymming

The city has plenty of options to take the kids swimming including the brand new, rebuilt Taiora QEII pool. Currently under construction is the new Metro Sports Facility in the central city which will have full size pool options, but you can also choose from Jellie Park (just down the road from us at Airport Gateway), Pioneer Stadium which has both gym and pool facilities, and the Graham Condon Pool and recreation complex in Papanui (near Northlands Mall).

Bouldering aka Indoor Rock Climbing

One of the popular indoor activities for locals and visitors alike, is indoor rock climbing and these days the two best places in town to get your bouldering skills on are the YMCA and Uprise aka the Bouldering Gym in Woolston.

At the Y you can choose between Clip n Climb and their Climbing Wall – either way its a lot of fun and a great way to spend your time.

You can even book the space for a birthday party. Make sure you book ahead.

Trampolining

Trampolining is a great way to get the blood pumping and tire out the kids while having lots of fun and Christchurch now has a couple of options to choose from.

Check out Mega Air trampolining arena in Carmen Road and Flip Out Christchurch in Maces Road.

Shopping

The city is full of great places to shop, from the suburban malls (which are all linked by the Orbiter bus route in case you want to visit a few) and the many new shopping locations and brand stores that are springing up within the Christchurch CBD.

The malls closest to us at Airport Gateway are Riccarton’s Westfield Mall in Riccarton Road, and Northlands Mall on Papanui Road (as you head towards the Main North Road).

For more boutique options, check out the Tannery in Woolston – worth a visit and you can do lunch and a movie while you are there; Merivale – not just the Mall but up to about 50 shops within easy reach of the mall itself including lots of fashion and a great recycled boutique; Sumner – a pretty seaside suburb with great cafes and bars and an eclectic range of shops to enjoy browsing.

Autumn and Winter 2019 Events in Christchurch

As the weather is starting to cool down and a few more rainy days appear on the radar, its time to look ahead at what’s happening in the Garden City over the next few months.

While the recent tragedy has had a serious impact on locals and visitors alike, the Christchurch community is still finding ways to come together and enjoy each other’s company and forms of entertainment that lift spirits all around.

We Will Rock You, 29 March 2019 to 7 April 2019, Isaac Theatre Royal

In the last few decades there has been a trend towards movies and stage musicals based around some of our favourite rock bands and performers, linked into a narrative – Mama Mia, Across the Universe (the Beatles) and mostly recently, NZ’s own Daffodil all come to mind.

And We Will Rock You is of course based on the music of rock super band, Queen.

Imagine a world without rock music under the control of an all-powerful global company and its tyrannical boss, Killer Queen.

Scaramouche and Galileo, two young outsiders, cannot come to terms with this bleak conformist reality. They join rock rebels the Bohemians and embark on the search to find the unlimited power and freedom of rock music.

Since 2002 over 16 million theatre-goers in 28 countries have rocked out to this unique musical based on the songs of Queen. Written by Ben Elton (The Young Ones, Blackadder) this futuristic comedy is based around more than 24 of Queen’s biggest hits including:

We Are The Champions, Radio Ga Ga, I Want To Break Free, Somebody To Love, Killer Queen, Don’t Stop Me Now, Under Pressure, Bohemian Rhapsody and We Will Rock You. This is a night to remember, performed by the talented cast of Showbiz Christchurch. Book your tickets here.

The Christchurch Food Show, 05 – 07 April 2019, Horncastle Arena

The perfect venue for all Christchurch food lovers, The Food Show is where you can try and buy the very best local and international food, wine, beer and so much more! If you love to cook and entertain, The Food Show is the perfect spot to gather inspiration.

Discover recipes and hot tips from top celebrity chefs in the NEFF Cooking Theatre or if you’re looking to find the best deals, don’t look past the incredible show only offers from over 120 exhibitors.

Don’t miss show features, with something for everyone including Street Food Alley, Cheese Alley, Artisan Village and the Healthy Hub. All demonstrations and feature zones are included free with your entry ticket.

Culinary guest speakers this year include all the favourites – Annabel Langbein and Annabel White, Josh Emmett, Jax Hamilton, Giulio Sturla and Luke Hines.

You can book tickets online right here. And while you’re booking you can also contribute $2 to this year’s charity which is the Christchurch City Mission.

You Are Us Concert, Christchurch Stadium, April 17th

On Wednesday April 17 in Christchurch the New Zealand music industry comes together to present YOU ARE US/AROHA NUI to raise funds and donate all proceeds from ticket sales to the Our People, Our City fund which was set up by the Christchurch Foundation helping those affected by the Christchurch mosque attacks.

Performers include Lorde, Anika Moa, The Adults, Bailey Wiley, Bic Runga, Dave Dobbyn, The Exponents, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Hollie Smith, Marlon Williams, Shihad, Shapeshifter and Stan Walker, along with many more.

Ticket prices are Adults $79.00 Children (12 years old and under) $39.00.

Tickets are available from Ticketek.

Norah Jones in Concert, April 29, Christchurch Town Hall Auditorium

The ‘Come Away With Me’ singer will perform in Christchurch on April 29. This tour will be the pianist/vocalist’s first performances in New Zealand in 14 years.

Jones’ 2002 debut album, Come Away With Me, was a massive global phenomenon, selling over one million copies in Australia alone and 27 million globally.

To date, she has sold over 50 million albums worldwide. From jazz to country, folk, rock and soul, Jones is a singular talent whose work crosses all the boundaries of American music – as evidenced on her chart-topping solo releases.

Tickets to the Christchurch concert are still available here.

Christchurch Marathon, Queen’s Birthday Weekend, Sunday 2nd June 2019, Christchurch Town Hall

2019 marks the 39th running of the South Island’s favourite foot race.

Inspired by the 1974 Commonwealth Games marathon, the Christchurch Marathon event is renowned as one of the fastest courses in the world and for the first time since 2010, it will be returning to the Town Hall as the location the Start/Finish line, prizegiving and venue for picking up race packs and more.

The Christchurch Marathon is also one of the most scenic and supportive, welcoming all age & ability for a flat, fast and scenic tour around iconic Christchurch landmarks such as Cathedral Square, Hagley Park, the Avon River & the Red Zone.

With a Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k & Kids’ Mara’Fun available, there is something for everyone.

You can now submit your race entry online here, and find out more about the event and the course through the website here.

Rewind the Future, Dr Jane Goodall, May 30, Christchurch Town Hall

The Jane Goodall Institute New Zealand & Loop welcome Dr. Jane Goodall back to New Zealand to help us Rewind The Future. Discover how Dr. Goodall and her Institute are helping to rewind the future for planet earth.

Dr. Goodall will speak about devoting her life to making a difference for all, and the power of individual action to enable us to change the course of time.

Through her work and that of her Institute, Dr. Goodall has seen the mounting global crises that we currently face first hand, such as climate change, environmental degradation, poverty, and global conflict. These talks will touch on Dr. Goodall’s incredible life story, along with solutions to these problems to help turn back the clock and create a future where people, animals and the environment live in balance.

Dr. Goodall will be joined by very special guests to be announced, and a presentation from Dr. Goodall herself. Proceeds from each event will go directly to the Jane Goodall Institute New Zealand, assisting the important work they do to help create a better world for people, other animals and our shared planet.

Buy tickets for Dr Goodall talk here.

Discovering The Terrace, Christchurch Central

Pre-2011, one of the most popular socialising locations in the inner city was known as The Strip, the row of restaurants, bars and nightclubs that fronted onto the Avon River between Hereford and Cashel Streets.

Then of course, the earthquakes happened, and the rebuild of this city block took some time to get underway, based on the vision of local developer Anthony Gough, who was inspired by Melbourne’s laneways to build something more than just a row of concrete boxes.

Fast forward to 2019 and the replacement for The Strip, known as The Terrace is pumping every weekend and evenings throughout the week.

One of the best additions to this riverfront spot post-quake are the deep and wide steps down in front of the The Terrace so people can grab lunch and sit watching the river – and the punts, going by.

On the far side of the river, a perfect location has been created for bands to play, using the river bank as a mini-ampitheatre, and also providing a great hub for the Busker’s Festival currently on in the city.

So what’s on The Terrace?

Kong bar

Claiming to be the best place in Christchurch for cocktails, Kong is on the ground floor in the same building as Fat Eddies on the corner of Oxford Terrace and Hereford St. And alongside the extensive cocktail menu, of course there are plenty of delicious bites to keep you going.

This opulent bar has been designed to reflect the glamour of the 1930’s. They open daily at 5:00pm and stay open till 3:00am.

Terrace Tavern

Another outstanding restaurant/bar from the owners of former Christchurch institution, the Dux De Lux, The Terrace Tavern is the latest Dux adventure on The Terrace – Christchurch’s most exciting hospitality strip.

Terrace Tavern is a relaxed, casual place where you can come to meet your friends, family and colleagues to enjoy drinks and eat together.

As you would expect from any good Taven that lives up to its name, the Terrace Tavern menu includes many robust meals for meat eaters – which is a step outside the norm given the vegetarian/seafood only menus of the old Dux and the Dux Dine restaurant in Riccarton Road.

Like Dux Central and Dux Dine, Terrace Tavern features the Dux beers alongside some more well-known options, while the wine list has a proudly biased Kiwi line-up.

Fat Eddies

Fat Eddies is Christchurch’s premiere jazz club with a mighty proud history – and one of the few spots on The Terraces offering live music on a regular basis.

Plus a menu of pizza and bar snacks and an extensive wine list, beer options and a selection of cocktails to keep you going through the night.

This place really gets busy, so get in early to claim your spot if you are planning to spend some time, or simply add it to the list of places to check out in an evening spent on The Terrace.

The Craft Embassy

The Craft Embassy is an award winning bar and restaurant situated on level one of The Terrace at the heart of Christchurch’s hospitality precinct. Their specialty is thirty taps of independent craft beer, plus a wine list including local, New Zealand and international wines and an plenty of food options.

Botanic

Botanic’s unique space brings groups together – a warm balcony overlooking the Avon, a long, clean interior with pockets of bench seating, and a rear rooftop garden bar sheltered by a modern glasshouse.

The menu was inspired by an escape from the heavy pub-fare of yesterday to a selection that is light and healthy yet provides plenty of flavour options.

Botanic’s menu is complemented by the list of refreshing summer cocktails developed by renowned mixologist James Crinson. Or you can pick a glass of vino from their wine list curated by Australian winemaker, David Messum.

The diverse menu and beverages provide the perfect setting for business lunches that could continue into post-work drinks.

Original Sin

Original Sin is a premium restaurant in the heart of Christchurch City. Guests are invited to indulge in a unique dining experience surrounded by decor designed to capture the Adam and Eve era.

With dark woods, velvet seating and lush interiors this is the perfect venue for dinner bookings, large or small.

What’s New on the Streets of Christchurch?

Electric Scooters (download the iOS app here)

Over the next three months, anyone moving around Christchurch will have the chance to pick up an electric scooter from Lime and use it to ride to their next destination.

The location of individual scooter is easy to find on the Lime app, and once you have used the scooter you can take a photo of it at the location you have parked and upload back to the app again, ready for the next user. there are hundreds of scooters all over the city during the trial, so look out for them and enjoy a trying a different way to get around the city for a change! They are for use on footpaths only at this stage, so keep a good eye out for pedestrians and ride safely.

Giant Video Games

space raiders arcade game chch — Space Raiders arcade game High Street Christchurch

One of many awesome Gapfiller initiatives around the central city, the Street Arcade on the corner of High Street and Tuam Street (just across the street from Little High Eatery) has been a highlight for many visitors to the city – and locals alike. For a totally unique experience, head on down for a game with a friend or two – use the human size controllers to play a game of Space Raiders, inspired by the original Space Invaders video arcade game.

Gapfiller say this installation won’t be here for ever, so make sure you get down to High Street and try it out – you won’t regret it!

Kahikatea Common

One of the very newest space filler initiatives to open in the city is Kahikatea Common, part of the South Frame and located between the one way streets of Durham and Montreal. The site includes a roofed area, a community pizza oven available for anyone to use, and a Monarch butterfly hatchery.

Creators of this space hope it will encourage groups to use the area and that the community in general will find it somewhere they can connect with others in the central city. And of course, visitors to the city are most welcome!

Good Spot car parking

If you are planning to drive into the CBD, you might want to try out a different sort of car parking for your visit. You can of course use any of the brand new parking buildings, or you can support the “good sort” car parks run by the Gapfiller team which has their own volunteer parking attendants happy to hold an umbrella while you pay for your parking, always has a happy greeting to share, and you also know that your parking fees go directly towards supporting community group initiatives.

You can find the two car parks right here (set your GPS):

GOOD SPOT Bedford – 107 Lichfield St, Christchurch
GOOD SPOT Civic – 192 Gloucester St, Christchurch

Events in Christchurch November and December 2018

As we head into the warmer months, the events and activities on around Christchurch start to rapidly grow in number, kicking off with the upcoming Labour Weekend festivities.

FESTA events, Labour Weekend

This year will be the third FESTA event and the focus this year is on food and family.

Architecture and design students from around New Zealand and Australia have been working on interactive installations that will be located around the central city and there’s also a programme of events running from Friday October 19th through to Monday 22nd (Labour Day).

The highlight of the event will be held on Saturday night (postponed to Sunday if it rains) and is called FEASTA! A giant free street party for people of all ages including the lit up installations, food stalls, entertainment and much more.

Check out the FESTA website for more details about the Saturday night event and the other 50+ events and activities happening over the long weekend.

Guy Fawkes, 2 November, New Brighton

Produced by the Christchurch City Council, this year’s event will deliver a pyrotechnic display set to Anthems of Rock.

So make tracks with your whole family to New Brighton Mall from 6pm for local food options and then to your choice of viewing location. Most of all, open your eyes and look up to the skies from 9pm for a spectacular fireworks finale on the Pier!

This is always a busy event so plan your travel in advance – parking options are limited so if aim to share a ride, use public transport, or park at a friend’s place. Road closure information is right here on the CCC website.

Viewing locations

Central New Brighton either side of the Pier through our sound system.
North Beach Surf Life Saving Club.
South Beach Surf Life Saving Club.
The hills around Pegasus Bay. Don’t forget to listen to the More FM broadcast by Lana and JMac on 92.1FM!

Note that this event is an alcohol-free zone.

SCAPE Public Art 20 Years, ending November 17

It’s been 20 years since SCAPE Public Art began to revolutionise the open spaces of Ōtautahi Christchurch.

The Season 2018 is a chance to celebrate the 216 temporary artworks that have popped up during our Seasons and the 14 permanent artworks contributed to Christchurch over the years.

Managing Curator, Heather Galbraith has developed a programme that draws together different strands from SCAPE’s history, integrating past works, and looks toward the future with new and existing works contemplating our relationships to land, sea, language, cultural and political agency and expression, how histories are told and retold, the built environment, and even the cosmos – Our Braided Future being the theme for the Season.

If you’re interested in checking out what the SCAPE event has in store for 2018, check out the programme here.

Cup and Show Week, 10 – 17 November

Running from 10-17 November 2018, this popular annual event brings together Addington Raceway’s Christchurch Casino New Zealand Trotting Cup Day, the New Zealand Cup Meeting at Riccarton Park and the New Zealand Agricultural Show.

Highlights this year will include a new spring garden experience in the surrounds of Riccarton Park, fashion and entertainment at Addington Raceway and the opportunity to combine family fun with innovative agribusiness at the NZ Agricultural Show.

And if all of the above isn’t enough inspiration – check out these incredible sheep that will be on show for the first time! the Valais Blacknose will be a highlight for lots of families at this year’s event.

South Island Wine and Food Festival, Hagley Park, 1 December 2018

Celebrate with 80 of the South Island’s leading winemakers and food producers in the picturesque North Hagley Park.

40 wineries are joined by the region’s biggest names in food – local restaurateurs, gourmet food producers and street food stalls complement the range of wines on show.

This popular annual Festival includes interactive wine seminars & workshops hosted by Masters of Wine and sommeliers from New Zealand and overseas.

Don’t miss the Cooking Theatre, where you’ll be treated to live demonstrations from Kiwi chefs – or kick back and enjoy live music talent onstage amongst the trees.

It’s usually a beautiful sunny day for this event, so be well prepared (and well hydrated) with hats, sunscreen and something to sit and relax on.

Tickets are still available for the various options and start from $53 per person plus booking fees for entry. General Admission on the day at the gate is $55.00 but numbers may be limited depending on pre-sales.