What’s Happening in Christchurch Spring 2018?

With the next set of school holidays not much more than a month away, Spring weather inspiring us to get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine and spring blossoms, what’s in store around Christchurch in terms of events and happenings over the next two or three months?

Plenty it seems! We’ve included a selection of events in this blog for you to mark in your calendar and plan a trip to the city around, or simply enjoy attending if you happen to already be living in Christchurch.

Bill Bailey, Horncastle Arena, Addington Saturday 22 September

After his 2016 sell-out tour, Larks in Transit, the UK’s very own straggle-haired polymath, Bill Bailey, returns to New Zealand with his new comedy and music extravaganza, Earl of Whimsy.

It has Bill’s trademark blend of satire and surrealism, stories and dismantled jokes, crowd sing-alongs, weird instruments and musical showstoppers.

But there’s a distinctly historical feel to this show. With its tales of Britain’s fortunes past and present, of ancient Viking battles, of Shakespeare’s contribution to comedy, and Bill’s own ancestry, this is both a mockery and a celebration of national identity.

If you are a Bill Bailey fan and you haven’t already booked for this show, there are still tickets left so it’s not too late!

bill bailey tour

New Zealand Theatre Month – September 2018

New Zealand Theatre Month is for everyone who loves theatre, for audiences and supporters as well as theatre makers, educators and other creatives.

With the generous support of both Christchurch City Council and ASB the Isaac Theatre Royal has put together a full programme of events within the festival, as well as developing a city-wide brochure highlighting the multitude of NZ Theatre Month shows and events being presented throughout Christchurch.

Check out the Isaac Theatre Royal website for information about the shows and events that are happening across September as part of NZ Theatre Month.

nz theatre month

Les Miserables, Isaac Theatre Royal, September 14 – October 6 2018

This is a new production of Boublil and Schönberg’s Les Misérables at the Isaac Theatre Royal – the perfect setting for this classic musical based on the book by Victor Hugo.

The epic tale of broken dreams, passion and redemption set against a nation in the throes of revolution.

Winner of over 100 international awards and seen by over 65 million people worldwide, Les Misérables is an epic and uplifting story about the survival of the human spirit.

This Showbiz production will be directed by Stephen Robertson with musical direction by Richard Marrett.

Tickets start from $60 (includes GST, Ticketek Service Fee and a $2.50 ITR Heritage Levy)

Ferrymead Heritage Park Night Market, October 6, 5pm – 9pm

This night market runs monthly on the first Saturday of each month and is a great evening for all ages. Entry is by a gold coin at the door.

Take the night off cooking and come a get something delicious to eat at one of the food vendors. Craft stalls, bouncy castle – candy floss and snow cones, face painting and music.

Have a Twilight ride on the Vulcan railcar or a ride on the tram – only $2 a ride. It will run from 5pm to 9pm October to May and 4pm to 8pm April to September.

Check out the Ferrymead Night Market Facebook page for updates.

Ferrymead night market

FESTA 2018: A Public Festival of Architecture, Design and Food, Labour Weekend (October 19 – 22), Central City, St Asaph Street

The biennial FESTA event has been happening since post quake Christchurch started getting back on its feet and brings life into the central city, intertwining entertainment with art and interactive architectural installations.

This year’s theme explores the connections between food and the city through workshops, talks, pop-up projects, meals, family events, tours, live performance, artworks and more.

These take place at various venues across the city over the course of the weekend, beginning on Friday morning (19 October) and ending Monday night (22 October).

FEASTA! is this year’s headline event – Christchurch’s biggest and brightest street party. This public feast of architecture, community and food is free and open to all.

On Saturday 20 October artists, musicians, community groups, businesses, over one hundred architecture students from across Australasia, and design and architecture professionals will come together to create a spectacular celebration of food and city-making, live for one night only (rain date 21 October).

Check the festa website for more information on all the events and activities happening across Labour Weekend. This event is really worth planning a trip to Christchurch around!

Festa 2014

Cup and Show Week, 10 – 17 November 2018

Of course one of the big drawcards bringing people to Christchurch is the annual Cup and Show week, which is focused around Canterbury’s Show Weekend public holiday.

If you are planning to get into the city to enjoy the events from the annual New Zealand Agricultural Show (formerly the A & P Show), through to the horse and greyhound races at Addington and Riccarton Racecourse, and Fashion in the Field, check out what’s in store this year right here.

We recommend you get onto our site to book your accommodation well ahead of time, as Cup and Show Week is always very busy.

cup and show week 2018

 

Things to Do with Kids in Christchurch

Finding affordable ways to keep your family entertained during a trip to Christchurch can make or break a holiday to the Garden City, so we have put together some of the things we recommend you do with your children around Christchurch.

We also love having families come to stay with us at the Airport Gateway, so don’t hesitate to talk to our friendly reception team about the best options for your stay – we have spacious rooms and plenty of multi bedroom options with self-catering kitchens to fit the whole gang.

Christchurch City Library, aka Turanga

Due to open on October 19, 2018 this is going to be a pretty extraordinary library. Of course it will be the most modern in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the largest in the country as well. Lots of things to do and explore in addition to the books.

The entire library is a digital hub supported by a variety of high-tech features including virtual reality headsets, gaming consoles, laser cutters, digital walls, 3D printers and an interactive touchscreen sharing the history of Canterbury.

Taiora QEII Pool and Hydroslide

(backed up by Pioneer Stadium and Jellie Park if you want something on our side of town)

If your family enjoy spending time in the water, check out the brand new QEII pool and hydroslide built on the old site on Travis Road out towards New Brighton. Not quite as big as its predecessor, this is still a great place to spend time with the family. Note the hydroslide is only open for children over 5 years and taller than 107cm.

The complex includes –

  • 25×25 metre lap pool, two-metre deep with movable floor
  • 25×10 metre learn to swim pool
  • 130-metre-long hydroslide, suitable for double and single rafts
  • Leisure pool including a lazy river
  • Splash deck with water adventure playground
  • Spa pool, sauna and steam room (access only for ages 16+)
  • 8×8 metre toddler pool
  • 19×6.5 metre hydrotherapy pool.
Imagination Station

This is always a great option if your kids (and you) enjoy Lego. You can make any kind of creation you can imagine at the Imagination Station, which is located behind Christchurch Cathedral in Cathedral Junction. Which is right alongside the Tram Track, so for a double whammy catch the tram and do a few circuits around the city, then jump off at Imagination Station for some fun.

They have some classes coming up just in time for the October School Holidays too, so get online and book if you are planning to be in the city.

Nearby there are plenty of places to eat and drink in case the team gets hungry.

Margaret Mahy Playground

margaret mahy playground christchurch nz

The Margaret Mahy Family playground is proving popular with kids of all ages – and at all times of day and night it seems, with plenty of the activities suitable for anyone from the very small to the fully grown!

Again this is free and you can stay and play as long as you like. There are usually several food and drink vendors located at the side of the park, and  you are also an easy walk from New Regent Street which has a number of great cafes and restaurants if you want to sit down and enjoy a meal or a coffee (or some Rollicking Gelato!)

New Brighton Beach Pier and Playground

The Pier has recently been fully restored following the earthquakes so is a great place to go for a wander to enjoy the views or take your kids fishing if they are keen.

The New Brighton Library building is your entry point so you can always combine a library visit with a walk on the pier, and there are cafes built into the Library as well, so all your needs are covered.

Nearby is the Brighton Playground which has also been given a new lease of life, including the famous whale paddling pool. There’s a large carpark right next door and of course you can also get access to Brighton Beach to go exploring or enjoy a swim when the weather is warmer.

If you are around the city over the summer months, look out for the Kite Day down at New Brighton Beach as this is always worth heading along to. Some amazing kites of all sizes will be flying, plus there is food and entertainment on offer.

Bike Riding Parks for Kids

These are a cool creation and a wonderful safe way to take your children out riding their bikes and learning some onroad skills – without actually being on the road. Even better, these parks are completely free!

Westburn Reserve is just a few blocks away from us in Burnside and the new Knights Stream bike skills park is in Richmond Ave, Halswell.

Right next to the bike area in Knight’s Stream is a skate park, and a half basketball court, so there are lots of options to keep the family occupied.

Roll With It Pump Track, and the Kyle Park BMX Track

For more skateboarding and biking fun, check out the Roll with It pump track in the centre of Christchurch, which is perfect for younger kids who want a manageable amount of adventure. This is a GapFiller project and is right in the heart of the city. Head to Mollet Street, between St Asaph and Tuam (just a block away from the bus exchange). And did we mention it is free?

Kyle Park is a bigger BMX track located in Hornby, with all the facilities you would expect from a city BMX club. There is a membership fee to join and use the track, although the first few visits are usually free. Get in touch with the club through their website to find out more.