Christchurch things to do Archives - Page 2 of 3

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.

Tips for Travelling with Children

Travel is an exciting experience for most of us, but it can also be tiring and challenging for many, especially if you are travelling with children.

We’ve put together a few tips to make things a little easier and help you with your planning.

1. Book Ahead

Being spontaneous and just deciding to pick up and go, and stay wherever the urge takes you on your trip isn’t something that works well when you have young children.

Being stuck in a location where you can’t get suitable accommodation for the night and the children are tired and cranky is not something that makes for an enjoyable holiday. But doing some planning and booking suitable accommodation in the main places you intend to stay can definitely help things run more smoothly.

2. Late Check-ins

Find out if the places you are booking have the option for late checkins. If you are flying long distance, often you might be landing in Christchurch for example, in the middle of the night. That means you want to make sure you can quickly get to your accommodation and checkin without drama and get those children (and yourselves) into warm beds as painlessly as possible.

At Airport Gateway we have 24/7 mobile checkins and free transfers for our guests from the airport to the motel, so you can be picked up by our shuttle, do your check-on onboard with the driver and go straight to your room when you arrive a few minutes later.

3. Turndown Service

Also make sure to ask if your accommodation offers a turndown service, especially in the middle of winter when a warm room and a warm bed makes all the difference. Again this is something we pride ourselves on offering our guests. All you need to do is let us know your planned arrival time and we will make sure your room is ready for you all.

4. Room Service or Onsite Restaurant

Arriving late with a hungry family is no fun, so make sure your choice of accommodation has either a room service menu you can get after hours, or an onsite restaurant. We offer both of these, but our Restaurant closes at 9pm so from that time you are welcome to order from the room service menu.

5. Full kitchen facilities.

When you are travelling with children, it is helpful to have your own kitchen facilities in your unit. Of course this is one of the benefits of booking a motel unit vs a hotel room.

All of our rooms offer full kitchen facilities, including stove top elements, microwave oven or traditional electric oven, along with a full set of kitchen crockery, cutlery and glassware. You also have a mini fridge in each unit.

6. Supermarkets Nearby

Once you have booked your room with a kitchen, it helps to know if you can buy suitable food for the family nearby. At Airport Gateway we are five minutes drive from a large Countdown supermarket that is on the Christchurch Airport site. Opening hours are 7:00am – 10pm daily.

So you can either do your shopping before we pick you up in the shuttle, or the next day once you are settled and have had a good night’s sleep. If you don’t have a rental car, ask at reception if the shuttle is heading back to the Airport soon, or else you can catch the bus from outside the motel and be down at the airport in a few minutes.

(Note that if you book your accommodation with us directly through this website or over the phone, you are entitled to breakfast in our restaurant for just NZD$15 per per person. Just call our 0800 number to book your room and ask for the breakfast offer.)

6. Portacot Hire or Single Beds

When you book ahead, make sure you are clear about the number of people you are booking into a unit and how many children. In New Zealand we usually cater for additional children or babies with rollaway single beds or portacots. We have portacots available for a small additional fee, so please check with us when you book. Some of our units also have several single beds already set up.

7. Multi Room Options

If your family is larger than 3-4 people, look for places to stay where the option to book a multi room unit, or two adjoining units is possible.

We have several larger units that can accommodate up to seven people with a mixture of single and queen or king size beds. These units are great for bigger groups or if you are planning to stay in Christchurch for more than a few nights. Enquire when you book what options are available.

8. Room to Play Outdoors

Picking somewhere to stay that has room for your children to stretch their legs and burn off a bit of energy is also a great idea. Look for accommodation that has a playground and other facilities suitable for children. Or locations that aren’t far from a park or reserve where they can really have a good run around.

We have a small playground onsite and just a few minutes walk down the road is Burnside Park, which has plenty of open space to play.

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.

Summer 2019 Christchurch Events

Summer in Christchurch so far has been hot and full of things to do and get involved in.

The Bread and Circus Buskers Festival has the city buzzing for the next few weeks, and there are plenty more events to look forward to. We’ve listed just a few of them below.

Nigella Lawson, January 25 2019, Isaac Theatre Royal

if you love Nigella’s recipes and tv shows, this is your chance to book an evening with the queen of cuisine herself! She will be onstage at the Isaac Theatre Royal talking about life, food and so much more.

Even better, you have the chance to ask her questions through the tour website here. Make the most of a night out in the beautiful Theatre Royal.

Night Noodle Markets, February 6th -17th February 2019, Hagley Park

Returning for the third year, the Night Noodle Markets are back for 12 days/nights kicking off on our national day, Waitangi Day.

Treat yourself to delicious dumplings, BBQ skewers, eastern desserts, oodles of noodles and more.

Dates: 6th -17th February (12 nights)
North Hagley Park – 14 Riccarton Ave, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8011
Trading Hours: 4 pm to 10 pm daily (Closes early at 9 pm Sunday 17th)
*Early opening of 1pm on Saturday 16th Feb for SPARKS!*

Entry is FREE! (Dogs are welcome on a leash)
Prices range from $5 – $20
Cashless event – EFTPOS/Credit Card/Apple Pay facilities available – just tap or swipe

Sparks in the Park, February 16th, Hagley Park

Sparks is one of the most popular events on the Summertimes calendar and wraps up the programme for the season.

Head to Hagley Park with your picnic rug or chairs and settle in for an evening of orchestral entertainment, choreographed to spectacular fireworks. The CSO plays a great selection of popular music, so there is something for everyone.

Anthony Harper Summer Theatre, 27 Feb – 17 March, Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Anthony Harper Summer Theatre presents King Arthur in association with Rollicking Entertainment.

An epic tail retold and reinvigorated with a fresh, diverse and cheeky rendition that will entertain all, while enjoying food and beverages in the Botanic Gardens.

This is a free event but koha donations would be gratefully accepted – so make sure to bring a little cash with you.

The location in the Garden is the Murray Aynsley Lawn, which is near the back of Christchurch Hospital and best accessed from the Riccarton Avenue entrance to the Park. Check out the Facebook event page for more details.

Inner City Entertainment – Hoyts Movies and More!

The new innercity entertainment complex on the cnr of Lichfield and Colombo Streets is perfectly located to bring locals and tourists alike into the centre of Christchurch.

Right across from the Bus Interchange, and just a few minutes from inner city parking buildings on Lichfield Street, the Entx building is home to a diverse range of bars and eateries downstairs, with the theatre offering on the floor above.

The cinema complex includes two huge Xtreme screens and every seat in the house includes recliners with plenty of room to get comfy to watch your movie!

There are 13 different places to eat and drink downstairs, plus a self service selection of Ben and Jerry’s icecream and other treats upstairs as you head in towards the theatres.

The range of eateries includes a number of different Asian favourites from Pad Thai and Dumplings through to Sushi and streefood, plus there’s pizza, raw food treats from Nourish, Two Fat Indians and much more.

Christchurch favourite eatery Joe’s Garage also has a great spot on the corner by the entrance, and provides their usual range of reliably great food and service.

So its the perfect place to take a break from the summer shopping, as well as a great destination for a day or a night of entertainment.

If you haven’t yet been in to check it all out yet, we highly recommend you do!

Summertimes Events in Christchurch 2018/2019

Christchurch’s Summertime programme, organised by the City Council’s events team is the envy of other New Zealand cities and filled with events that have become annual favourites.

We’ve included some of the most popular events below so you can add them to your calendar. You can also RSVP to the Facebook events through the Summertimes FB page here.

City Sounds on Fridays, The Terrace

We’re bringing the good vibes over summer with City Sounds, from 12:00pm – 1.30pm most Fridays through the summer.

Come and see talented local musicians performing live in the central city most Friday lunchtimes.

City Sounds schedule:

Friday 14 December: Lil Chuck (blues/skiffle)
Friday 21 December: Kids in Town – Cathedral Choristers (Christmas special)
Friday 11 January: Katie Thompson (folk/pop/country)
Friday 18 January: Blues Professor (blues)
Friday 25 January: Dean Eggleston Duo (indie/folk)
Friday 1 February: Frankie Daly Duo (pop/jazz)
Friday 8 February: Lloyd and Doublet (blues/Americana)
Friday 15 February: Turner Sisters (pop, country, jazz & blues)

New Year’s Eve – welcome in 2019! North Hagley Park

The place to be this New Year’s Eve! The night will kick off with family entertainment from 6pm with Mullet Man, free activities, fairies and a special kids countdown at 8pm.

Then the party continues with DJ’s and live bands DJ Spinal, Deep Water Creek and Dillastrate, and don’t miss our headline act The Jordan Luck Band who will rock you into the New Year with a midnight fireworks display.

This is an alcohol free event and bags may be searched on entry.

Note that parking will not be available on the grass in Hagley Park – so make your plans to park elsewhere or find other modes of transport.

Deep South Lazy Sundays, Botanic Gardens

Sun 20 Jan 2019, 3:00pm–4:30pm

Sun 27 Jan 2019, 3:00pm–4:30pm

Sun 3 Feb 2019, 3:00pm–4:30pm

Sun 10 Feb 2019, 3:00pm–4:30pm

Sun 17 Feb 2019, 3:00pm–4:30pm

Put summer into your Sundays with free live music in the Botanic Gardens.

Bring a picnic, kick back and spend the end of your weekend relaxing on the lawn with good food, music and friends.

Leighs Construction Outdoor Cinema, Arts Centre

Friday 25 and Saturday 26 January 2019

Friday 8 and Saturday 9 February 2019

The beloved summer tradition of Leighs Construction Outdoor Cinema returns to the Arts Centre te Matatiki Toi Ora for another season.

Films for all ages will be screened on two dates each summer month in the picturesque North Quad – immersing cinemagoers in one of New Zealand’s landmark locations surrounded by stunning heritage buildings.

Child-friendly family films start at 5.30pm followed by grown-up movies at 8pm.

The movie line-up is announced two weeks in advance on the Arts Centre website.

Entry is by a gold coin donation, which goes towards the Arts Centre’s ongoing restoration programme.

As an independent charitable trust, the earthquake-damaged centre relies upon donations, gifts and sponsorship to complete the enormous heritage project.

Space is limited, so cinemagoers are advised to arrive early to secure a spot and avoid disappointment. (Or pre-book at $7.00 per person).

Food and drinks will be available to buy, but that note that alcohol is not permitted in the quadrangle.

Please bring something to sit on – rugs for the grassy areas, and chairs can be used on paved surfaces.

Deep South Kite Day, New Brighton Beach

Saturday, January 26, 2019 at 1 PM – 4 PM

Sun, sand, sea and kites! Pack a picnic, grab a kite and enjoy a great day out at the beach. Join in the beach dig, try some fun beach sports with Sport Canterbury and watch the kites soar on the sea breeze.

Remember to be sun smart and slip, slop, slap and wrap!

Night Noodle Markets, Hagley Park

February 6, 2019 – February 17, 2019

Get excited noodle lovers because the ever popular Night Noodle Markets is returning to Christchurch for an extended 12 Nights in 2019!

We’re kicking off on Waitangi Day at North Hagley Park and this year, the markets coincide with the UB40 concert and the much-loved Sparks event.

So, prepare your senses as a fusion of Eastern flavours and Chinese lanterns will transform North Hagley Park into the ultimate Asian pop-up market experience!

Sparks in the Park, Hagley Park

Saturday, February 16, 2019 7:30 PM – 10 PM

A Christchurch tradition! Get the family together and enjoy one of the city’s most iconic fireworks events. Featuring the spectacular Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, the programme will range from traditional classics to modern day favourites and a few surprises in between.

Sparks pre-show entertainment starts from 6pm. Pack a picnic or grab dinner from one of the food trucks at the event, plus the Night Noodle Markets will be open from 1pm on the day.

If wet, Sparks will be postponed to Sunday 17 February in North Hagley Park.

Christchurch Holi – Festival of Colours

Saturday February 2, 10am – 4pm, Hagley Park

Holi is all about celebrating the people of New Zealand. Cultural-fusion performances will showcase the many different cultures in our community, joining together for one big party. Entry to this festival is free*! Watch this space for exciting updates and the new theme for 2019.

Holi is a day to forget your worries and connect with family and friends. Throw colours and dance to music from various DJs. Enjoy traditional Indian games, cultural performances and festive Holi delicacies.

This traditional Indian holiday originates from folk stories, passed down through generations. Each region in India celebrates in its own way but Holi is widely recognised as a day to forgive, look ahead and celebrate with colours as a community.

Tips for the day:
Wear old clothes as the colour may not wash out.
Wear comfortable flat shoes that you don’t mind getting stained.
Bring cash to buy colour and enjoy delicious Holi food.
Parking is limited so plan your trip before the day.
*Please do not bring your own colours. Our colours are corn-flour based, non-toxic and cosmetic grade. They are safe for children and adults.

Entry to this festival is free* and Holi is strictly an alcohol and drug free event!

Nostalgia Festival 2019, Ferrymead Heritage Park

Saturday, February 16, 2019, 12:30 PM – 8 PM

Nostalgia Festival is unique summer experience held within the 1900s replica township of Ferrymead Heritage Park.

Nestled in the heart of Heathcote Valley, Nostalgia unites the community through the magic of music, showcasing a curated selection of feel-good New Zealand and international artists. Wind through the vintage festival streets to discover incredible local food, craft drinks, roving theatre, markets and more.

Find out more and buy tickets from the Nostalgia website.

Christmas 2018 in Christchurch

It’s that time of year again when not only are Christchurch locals gearing up for the season of festivities, but also when we have lots of visitors coming to the city for their summer holidays.

So if you are not used to having Christmas in the summertime, you might be curious to know what events are on around Christchurch over the next month or so. And if you are used to a Southern Hemisphere Christmas, you are also likely looking for where you can shop and get truly into the festive spirit.

Santa Parades in the region

Highlights around the city include the Annual Santa Parades in Christchurch, New Brighton and Rangiora – the dates range from December 2nd to December 9th, so get right on top of this one! For the first time in many years (since the quakes) the Christchurch parade will be back in the city centre, so don’t miss it.

Light Displays

The annual Christmas Lightshow put on by a local couple with a lot of energy and commitment to making each year’s display bigger and better than the year before is another highlight – along with the many suburbs which also like to get dressed up with Christmas lights for visitors to enjoy.

The Christmas lights list has just gone live for 2018 so check back as more streets are added – and add your own if you have made an effort this year and want some visitors!

Carols by Candlelight, Christmas Eve 2018

Perhaps one of the most Christmassy events of all, to really get you in the spirit (and away from the shopping malls!) is the annual YMCA Carols by Candlelight, which this year will be back in beautiful Victoria Square – again, the first time in many years it has been back in the central city. This is truly a special evening and a beautiful one to bring the children along to.

Christmas Markets

There are a multitude of special Christmas markets happening over the next month – once again giving you the chance to buy locally made products to make your Christmas a little more special and individually tailored, while at the same time supporting small local businesses.

Check out the Night Markets at Ferrymead, the Christmas Makete in the Arts Centre, and the Tannery Christmas Market just to get you started!

Christmas Village, 6-8 December

For the first time this year, Ferrymead and Plunket are working together to create a special Christmas themed experience for families, including their very own version of the Polar Express!

You can buy tickets online for the Ferrymead Christmas Village and find out more information.

Summer Things to Do in Christchurch

The summer weather is definitely happening – hot days are becoming more frequent and those beautiful Christchurch blue skies are making everyone smile.

With the temperatures rising, it is always good to know where to go and how to make the most of the warmer weather.

City Council Swimming Pools

From November 17th 2018, the first of the City Council swimming pools and paddling pools will be open for the season with the rest not far behind. You can take the family along to your choice of pools from Halswell to New Brighton!

Three of the Christchurch City Council’s five outdoor pools and all eight paddling pools will reopen on Saturday, 17 November, with the first pool party set for Sunday, 25 November at Te Hāpua Halswell.

Along with Waltham Pool and Lyttelton’s Norman Kirk Memorial Pool, Te Hāpua Halswell is ready to kick off the pre-summer fun, followed by the opening of Templeton Pool on 1 December.

The outdoor pools at Jellie Park (just a 10 minute drive from the Motel) will open on Monday, 3 December following an upgrade.

Both Waltham Pool and Te Hāpua Halswell will host “Tots and Toddlers” events on Sunday, 9 December and Saturday, 9 February, respectively.

Waltham will also celebrate the season with the “Big Xmas Party” on Sunday, 23 December.

Jellie Park will hold school holiday fun days on Saturday, 15 December, and Saturday, 19 January before wrapping up with an “Autumn Pool Party” on Saturday, 2 March.

Lyttelton will host a special “Summer Chill Out” on Sunday, 13 January.

From the Botanic Gardens to New Brighton, the city’s paddling pools are also spruced up and ready for action.

Eight Council-controlled paddling pools in Abberley Park, Avebury Park, Edgar MacIntosh Park, Spencer Park and Woodham Park, along with the very popular Botanic Gardens, Scarborough Park and New Brighton foreshore sites will be open till the end of March 2019.

Beaches

If you prefer your water to come with plenty of sand to relax on and build sand castles and mud pies with, you will want to make note of the city’s best beaches too.

Waimairi Beach, Sumner Beach and Taylor’s Mistake are three of the most popular options and easiest to get to, while over on Banks Peninsula (head through the Lyttelton Tunnel), you can discover Cass Bay, Purau, Corsair Bay, Governor’s Bay and if you have a little more time, you can catch the ferry or drive around to Diamond Harbour.

You might even want to make the most of the good weather and visit Quail Island for something a little different. Check out the Black Cat site to see when their summer trips are on.

Water Adventures

If you are a bit more adventurous around water, you might want to take some surfing lessons at Sumner.

Or head to the Estuary for some windsurfing or Lyttelton and the bays for paddleboarding options.

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.