Things to do  |  19 Apr 2024

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The opening of Matatiki Hornby Centre, an autumn nature trail and a vintage market - here's five free or low-cost activities in Christchurch this weekend.

Matatiki Hornby Centre – Community Day

Hornby’s new pool, library and service centre, Matatiki Hornby Centre, is officially open from 3pm Friday 19 April – so celebrate with us on Saturday 20 April with a fun-filled Community Day. Jump, rush and bash your way through the inflatable obstacle course in the pool or chillax in the library and check out the huge range of books on offer.

The Hits will also be broadcasting live on site and doing giveaways throughout the day while offering on-air opportunities to tamariki. Other activities include virtual reality sessions, bookmark making with our in-house laser cutter, scavenger hunts, boards games and arts and crafts. Come along from 10am to 4pm 20 April to get involved.

Āta Titiro. What can you find?

Nature is all around us, sometimes in surprising places. Take part in Āta Titiro these school holidays and explore six of Ōtautahi Christchurch’s favourite places; Te Māra Huaota Christchurch Botanic Gardens, The Teece Museum, The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora, Te Puna o Waiwhetū Christchurch Art Gallery, Canterbury Museum and Tūranga.

Pick up a booklet from any of the destinations and follow the nature trail throughout the autumn school holidays. Find more information here.

Pick up your trail booklet from any of the destinations above.

Share Kai and Kōrero Mt Pleasant

Come along to the Mount pleasant Community Centre on Friday evening to connect with others over tasty food and share in the cultures and cuisines of communities that call Ōtautahi Christchurch home. Share Kai is about creating spaces where we can come together and connect meaningfully over a meal.

Share Kai and Kōrero Mt Pleasant will be offering kai (food) from Nepal, Eritrea, Afghanistan and Palestine over its autumn series. This Friday’s free meal will be held at the Community Centre at 3 McCormacks Bay Road from 6 – 8pm.

Vintage Market Avebury House

Head down to the historic Avebury House this weekend for a vintage market packed with great stalls, delicious food and awesome live music. Stallholders will have a fabulous selection of quality vintage items for you to search through, including jewellery, books, crystals, clothing, vinyl records, antiques and collectables.

Grab a bite to eat from one of our food vendors, relax and soak up the sounds of local busker, Jerry. Avebury House is located at 9 Eveleyn Couzins Avenue and the market will be open Sunday from 10am – 2pm.

The Most Haunted Comedian in New Zealand

From the Tim Burton of Taranaki and Comedy Hub's reigning Best Comedian comes a spooky-themed stand-up comedy show for odd people and their friends. Join Callum Wagstaff in a colourful nightmare land of everyday horrors and see the world through his glassy, lash-ridden eyeballs.

Callum will be bringing his award-winning standup comedy to Christchurch from 6 – 7pm Friday evening at Good Times Comedy Club. Tickets are $15, more information here.