Christchurch

(Updated in January 2012)

The facts

• population over 380,000
• largest city in the South Island
• important educational centre, with two universities and many other educational institutions
• spacious, green city, with lots of parks and gardens
• Christchurch's central city is currently being renewed following the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. The people of Christchurch have an exciting plan to build an environmentally friendly 21st century city.

Location, location

• situated between the ski fields of the Southern Alps and the beaches of the South Pacific
• gateway to the South Island
  

Climate

Things to do in Christchurch

Christchurch offers you

• an evolving city scene
• activities to suit all tastes from beaches to bowling, farmers’ markets to festivals and shopping to surfing
• a busy suburban nightlife close to student homestays
• festivals, shows and concerts
• homestay families ready to give students an unforgettable South Island welcome.

• International Antarctic Centre
• Adrenalin Forest
• Canterbury Museum
• a range of sports facilities including swimming pools, ice-skating and climbing
• Willowbank and Orana Wildlife Parks
• the funky “container mall” ReStart City Retail Centre

For more ideas on what to do in Christchurch including where to eat and nightlife options:

• see Lonely Planet's Christchurch tips
• download the Christchurch & Canterbury chapter (PDF) of the upcoming edition of their New Zealand guidebook.  It's free and up-to-date.  It was researched in December 2011. 
• visit the Pop Up City Christchurch website.  Pop Up City features and reviews Christchurch's new restaurants, cafés, bars and nightclubs as they open.  They also have a useful map showing where some of these new attractions are located.
  

Explore the South Island….We can help you organize trips around the South Island.  We offer great day and weekend tours with our local guides.  Christchurch is the gateway to the South Island and the ideal starting point for trips to….

Canterbury favourites (day trips)

• Hanmer hot pools
• the French settlement of Akaroa, home to the rare Hector’s dolphin
• trekking at Banks Peninsula
• wine tours

• Kaikoura for whale watching, seal encounters and scenic coastal walks
• Queenstown – the adventure capital of New Zealand
• Lake Tekapo
•  Dunedin, home to the little blue and yellow-eyed penguins, the mighty albatross and a lively music scene.  (Try to see some live music while you are there.)
• skiing and snowboarding trips
• the trans-alpine trip to the West Coast
• stunning national parks such as Abel Tasman, Milford Sound, Fjiordland, Fox and Frans Josef Glaciers and the Caitlins
• Malborough Wine Region

What's on in Christchurch?

• ASB Classical Sparks (Sunday 5th February 2012)

  Sunday 5th February 2012, in Major Events The ever-popular ASB Classical Sparks returns for another round of music, entertainment and fireworks, guaranteed to lift your spirits on a warm summer’s evening.   The extraordinary Christchurch Symphony Orchestra takes the stage from 8pm following performances by the talented Linwood College Orchestra from 6.45 to 7.15pm.   A musical kaleidoscope of top musicians, singers, dancers and artists will be guided by the baton of inspirational conductor Kenneth Young. Adding a truly international flavour will be opera singers Virgilio Marino and Jud Arthur.   Be ready for many added surprises which will make the evening a special family occasion. For those in a generous mood, keep an eye out for St...

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• Alpine Corral - St James MTB Race (Saturday 18th February 2012)

  Saturday 18th February 2012, in Sport Events The Alpine Corral is a premier 74 km eco mountainbike race along the St James cycleway. Framed by world-renowned surroundings and being the first event approved within the St James conservation area by the Department of Conservation, it will undoubtedly prove to be a highly memorable event! More Information.

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• Anthony Harper Summer Theatre presents: The Complete History of Christchurch (Abridged) (Wednesday 1st–Sunday 19th February 2012)

  Wednesday 1st–Sunday 19th February 2012, in Arts & Culture Events Those lunatics of historical hysteria are back with their final installment in their “COMPLETE HISTORY OF…” series. The Outwits take their final turn in the Daffodil Lawn with The Complete History of Christchurch (Abridged) .   From Ngāi Tahu to Ngaio Marsh , from the colonists to the Crusaders – The Outwits cover 4,500 years of history in just under 90 minutes.   Greg Cooper, Jared Corbin and Andrew Ford are back with yet another cheeky comic deconstruction and this time, the last time, they are looking at themselves as Christchurch locals... and if you live in Christchurch, you just might feature…   Come join them in...

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• Big Bike Fix-up (Sunday 12th February 2012)

  Sunday 12th February 2012, in Sport Events Flat tyre, squeaky chain or worn out brakes? Get your bike out of the shed and come to our FREE bike fix-up so you can ride safely this summer. Other bike fix-ups are being held at other venues during February and March. 3 March, 11am-2pm, Lyttleton Farmers Market 10 March, 1pm-4pm, Linwood Community Arts Centre   More Information.

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• Chinese Lantern Festival (Saturday 11th–Sunday 12th February 2012)

  Saturday 11th–Sunday 12th February 2012, in Arts & Culture Events Be sure to check out this fantastic cultural event! Delicous food stalls & crafts Overseas performers Free family entertainment Chinese New Year lanterns   More Information. Chinese Lantern Festival is on these dates: 11th February 2012 5pm - 10.30pm 11th February 2012 12th February 2012 12th February 2012 5pm - 10.30pm

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• Cycle Christchurch Events 2012 (Thursday 19th January–Monday 31st December 2012)

  Thursday 19th January–Monday 31st December 2012, in Sport Events This is your one-stop guide to all cycling events taking place in Christchurch and beyond. Each year, a great number of organisers upload their events on our BeThere page and give you the opportunity to find something that best fits your needs. So grab your bike, pump your tires, and get ready to  Cycle Christchurch ! Whether you’re looking to have some fun, challenge yourself, or compete with the best,  Cycle Christchurch  has you covered with a whole heap of events catering to people of all ages and grades. Did you know the Council has great resources for cyclists? Click to check these out... Cycle facilities and cycle updates Find out what mountain bike...

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• Frocks on Bikes - Heathcote River Ride (Sunday 5th February 2012)

  Sunday 5th February 2012, in Sport Events Frocks on Bikes are nation-wide events - sees fabuous women gathering with their bikes and style. Frocks on Bikes Christchurch offer regular Sunday rides. This Heathcote River ride will end at the Opawa Farmers Market, a perfect place to relax and stock up on some fresh yummies! More Information.

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• ISPS Handa NZ Women's Open (Friday 17th–Sunday 19th February 2012)

  Friday 17th–Sunday 19th February 2012, in Sport Events The New Zealand Women’s Open hosted by Christchurch will be held for the third time on the newly constructed Pegasus Golf Course.   The course is one of the many sporting and lifestyle attractions at Pegasus, the new town in coastal North Canterbury, which will eventually be home to 7,000 residents.   The NZ Women’s Open is set to attract top players from around the world, given its co-sanction status with the ALPG Tour.   The course offers one of the most memorable playing experiences in the country – not only due to the course’s many unique features, but also because it is surrounded by so many stunning views of the Peninsula, foothills and Southern Alps.   Pegasus Golf...

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• Kids Golf for ages 2-12 (Sunday 5th February–Sunday 2nd December 2012)

  Sunday 5th February–Sunday 2nd December 2012, in Sport Events This event happens once each month (on the first Sunday) and is designed to offer kids aged 2-12 years the basics of the game of golf... Not only do we have coaching, but afterwards we encourage the kids to go and play on the 4-hole KIDS-ONLY Golf Course! No need to book - just turn up at 11am and Toni Batey, Golf Pro, will provide you with some clubs for the day. When you arrive, walk straight ahead to the Kids Practice area...LOOK FOR THE EXTRA LARGE GOLF BALL! Cancelled if wet. To check cancellations, call tel. 359 7174 (Coringa Golf Club Pro Shop) from 9am. For more information, call Toni on mob. 027 438 2678 Toni Batey is a freelance golf professional based in Amberley, who travels...

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• Little River Music Festival (Friday 3rd–Monday 6th February 2012)

  Friday 3rd–Monday 6th February 2012, in Community Events After 11 years of festivals and events, the 20th and final Little River Music Festival run by the current owners is scheduled for Waitangi Weekend, 3 - 6 February 2012. This is a fun family weekend of camping, entertainment and activities for the whole family to enjoy... If you haven't been to a festival before, its an event not to be missed and for those that have, don't miss this last festival -  its sure to be a big one!!! The festival is set in the stunning rural property of 'La Casa Bella' amongst 100 year old walnut trees, rolling hillsides and the tranquil flow of the Okana stream in Cooptown, Little River. As with all Little River Festivals, expect a huge and diverse range of talented musicians and...

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• Little River Summer Festival (Saturday 21st January–Sunday 12th February 2012)

  Saturday 21st January–Sunday 12th February 2012, in Community Events Little River is the perfect summer destination and the gateway to Banks Peninsula! This festival gathers together a fantastic range of rural events including the last Little River Music Festival over Waitangi Weekend - check the schedule below for your perfect match!    Festival Website: www.biglittleriver.co.nz     Futher information: phone (03) 325 1014.   The 100th Little River A&P Show Saturday 21 January, 8am – 6pm Centennial Function 6pm – 12am Entry $8, Function $15, Dinner $35 Awa Iti Domain, Little River For more information phone 03 325 1259 or email: littlerivershow@clear.net.nz  ...

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• MV Tuhoe River Cruise (Sunday 25th September 2011–Sunday 17th June 2012)

  Sunday 25th September 2011–Sunday 17th June 2012, in Arts & Culture Events MV Tuhoe is an historic schooner that celebrated her 90th birthday in 2009 and regularly sails the Kaiapoi and Waimakariri rivers. Departing from Kaiapoi Wharf, you will cruise the lower Kaiapoi and Waimakariri Rivers for a relaxing and peaceful hour. There are lots of river activities and bird life to view along with stunning landscape scenes, from the mountains of the Southern Alps to Banks Peninsula and Pegasus Bay. Book your tickets with the Kaiapoi i-SITE Visitor Centre, located in Raven Quay beside the war memorial. Each cruise has limited numbers so bookings are essential. 2011 Sailings: (Note Boarding is half an hour prior to sailing) Sunday 25 September - 2pm Sunday 9 October -...

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• Scary Slippery Mud Slides (Saturday 29th October 2011–Monday 30th April 2012)

  Saturday 29th October 2011–Monday 30th April 2012, in Sport Events Take the kids for a fun day out and experience the scary slippery mud slides. Not for the faint hearted the slides are situated on the slopes of the Okuti Valley at the Little River Campground. Bring old clothing as this is all about getting dirty.  When you have had enough of the slides you can explore the native bush and discover the 450 year old tree! Bring a picnic and enjoy a day in the peace and quiet (except for the laughter). You can decide to stay and book a night in the tippee! More Information. Scary Slippery Mud Slides is on these dates: 29th October 2011 29th October 2011 10am 30th October 2011 31st October 2011 1st November 2011 2nd November 2011 3rd November 2011 4th...

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• Sunday Artisan Market (Sunday 15th January–Sunday 30th December 2012)

  Sunday 15th January–Sunday 30th December 2012, in Food & Wine Events Join us for a relaxing day, with ready to eat food stalls, art and crafts, live music and the fully licensed Riccarton House Bistro Beer Garden, all located in the beautiful grounds of Riccarton House and Bush. A great day out for all the family. If you are interested in becoming a stall holder please contact Taste Events on 03 348 6190 or info@tasteevents.co.nz More Information. Sunday Artisan Market is on these dates: 15th January 2012 15th January 2012 11am - 3pm 22nd January 2012 29th January 2012 5th February 2012 12th February 2012 19th February 2012 26th February 2012 4th March 2012 11th March 2012 18th March 2012 25th March 2012 1st April 2012 8th April 2012...

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• Sunday Bandstand (Sunday 5th February–Sunday 25th March 2012)

  Sunday 5th February–Sunday 25th March 2012, in Music Events Sunday Bandstand makes a triumphant return for SummerTimes 2012. On leave from its traditional post at the Band Rotunda, you will find the ever-present melodic sounds resonating through the Botanic Gardens from the Central Lawn near the Rose Garden and from afar at the Scarborough Reserve in Sumner.   Whether its pipe or brass bands that tickle your fancy, pack up your picnic, pick up your family and march on down for a wonderful Sunday’s entertainment around noon.   5 February Riccarton and Scottish Society Pipe Band - Central Lawn, Botanic Gardens New Brighton Silver - Scarborough Reserve, Sumner 12 February   Salvation Army Brass Band - Central...

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• The Breeze Lazy Sundays (Sunday 8th January–Sunday 4th March 2012)

  Sunday 8th January–Sunday 4th March 2012, in Music Events While-away your summer Sundays with a mix of great musical talent, outside in Christchurch. 8 January - Graham Wardrop, Archery Lawn, Botanic Gardens One of New Zealand's finest finger style guitarists, Graham, is a musician of great versatility. His love of beauty, harmony and precision culminates in a rich sound and unique performance. 15 January - Mundi, Archery Lawn, Botanic Gardens Prepare to be transported! With inspiration from as far afield as the deserts of North Africa to the Amazon basin and beyond, Mundi takes you on an unforgettable journey. 22 January - Ma Bell and The Blue Tones, Riccarton Bush Singer-songwriter Isabella Miller Bell, accompanied by iconic musicians from the jazz,...

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• The Court Theatre: Side by Side Sondheim (Saturday 11th February–Saturday 3rd March 2012)

  Saturday 11th February–Saturday 3rd March 2012, in Arts & Culture Events Join in the celebration of one of the most legendary songwriters of Broadway,  Stephen Sondheim , in this musical revue that romps through some of the greatest Broadway numbers of all time! Enjoy A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC with some FOLLIES and a WEST SIDE STORY thrown in for good measure. Filled with songs that ANYONE CAN WHISTLE, you'll be in good COMPANY - even if A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM. BRING ON THE GIRLS and SEND IN THE CLOWNS because LOVE IS IN THE AIR, and there'll be comedy tonight! Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Directed by Ross Gumbley Music Direction by Richard Marrett Featuring David McPhail Ali Harper Michael...

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• Twilight Orienteering in Cashmere (Wednesday 8th February 2012)

  Wednesday 8th February 2012, in Sport Events Twilight Score orienteering is a really fun way to enjoy an evening, whether walking or running. Participants are briefed at 6.50pm and set off at 7pm, making up their own routes to find 'controls' worth various points. The aim is to score as many points as you can, and get back to base without time penalties. Courses : There are two courses - the short course is approximately 45 minutes to complete, or the long course is approximately 75 minutes. Your answers are to be written on the Control description sheet, or you can use a clip card & pencil if it rains or you sweat a lot. Terrain : Hilly and flat, urban street running/walking. Take care: Please note there will be multiple busy road crossings. Please...

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• Yoga in the Park (Saturday 4th February 2012)

  Saturday 4th February 2012, in Community Events Yoga in the Park is a two and half hour inspiring yoga event for all levels and all ages. Join four local Christchurch teachers for a playful, dynamic, and FUN exploration of some of the many styles and approaches to yoga practice. In a positive environment and the energy of a large community group, experience the power of yoga to transform, empower, and uplift you! This event is FREE. Bring your own mat or beach towel.   More Information.

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