What’s on in Christchurch
Posted on Apr 14, 2008 under South Island | No CommentChristchurch is a vibrant and lively city with activities to suit a variety of interests and budgets. From cultural festivals such as the recent Festival of Dance and the Bookfest to “The festival of Romance”, the city lays on an abundance of events that capture the imagination of both locals and travelers. During such events the city takes on a carnival atmosphere , especially when the Local Heroes, The Canterbury Crusaders, meet their current adversaries on the Rugby field.
Christchurch has an ongoing nightlife of cafés and bars, predominantly located on what we locals affectionately or scathingly refer to as “The Strip” aka Oxford Terrace, with various pockets scattered elsewhere around the city.
Other attractions around the city centre are the art centre which is a bustle of craft stalls, live music and international food and my all time favourite, and the place that probably conjures up the most nostalgia for Cantabrians, Hagley Park which is exceptionally beautiful at the moment with its carpets of bluebells, and daffodils dusted with the snow flake like petals from the ornamental cherry blossom that frame the roads that border the park.
While seasonally there is variety in the natural beauty to behold in Christchurch there is also a constantly changing repertoire of things to do:
The Robert McDougall Art Gallery & Annex.
Christchurch’s main public art museum exhibits contemporary and historical New Zealand and international art. The main gallery is located in the Botanic Gardens near the Canterbury Museum off Rolleston Avenue. The Annex, in the nearby Arts Centre, displays contemporary art.
Summer 10am to 5:30pm.
Winter 10am to 4:30pm.
Tel (+64 3) 365-0915.
The Arts Centre of Christchurch
Originally the home to Canterbury Cathedral, the Arts centre is now a cultural hub containing galleries, a cinema, cafés, bars and restaurants. It is also the site of a popular weekend craft and art fair, and of live music performances every Friday lunchtime and weekend during the summer. One notable attraction of the old University is the den where Ernest Lord Rutherford did his early work in physics. The centre is open every day. Tours are available at 1am and 2pm on weekdays.
The center is at 2 Worcester Boulevard.
Tel. (+64 3) 366-0989.
Bone Carving
If you’ve got a few hours to spare, you might like to try bone carving. The Bone Dude’s Bone Carving Studio will show you how to make a great pendant, for a few dollars and about three hours. I did this recently and greatly enjoyed it. Call +64 3 379 7530 to make an appointment. The studio is at 229B Fitzgerald Ave, Christchurch.
Other things to do in Christchurch
- Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
- Christchurch Gondola
- Canterbury Museum
- Aquarium
- Botanic Gardens
- Orana Park
- Nga Hau E Wha Marae
- Centre of Contemporary Art
Where To Stay
Affordable Christchurch accommodation is available if your are looking to stay in Christchurch.