Things to do  |  31 May 2023

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For those who are willing to brave the cold, check out the sights to see and enjoy around the city this winter.

He Puna Taimoana – New Brighton Hot Pools

Relax and unwind at the New Brighton Hot Pools! Located just 15 minutes from central city, there’s something for everyone at He Puna Taimoana – from family fun to full relaxation and rejuvenation.

Enjoy the stunning ocean views while soaking in five luxurious hot pools. Step into the sauna or steam room for total relaxation before cooling off in the plunge pool, and finish with a coffee or a bite to eat at the café.

He Puna Taimoana are located at 195 Marine Parade, New Brighton, and are open from 10am – 7:30pm, 7 days a week (late night Friday). There are four sessions daily, and bookings are essential. Read more here.

New Brighton Pier

Leave He Puna Taimoana feeling relaxed and take a stroll down the New Brighton Pier! Gaze out across the vast ocean views, and even take a brisk dip in the waves if you’re feeling brave.

The pier was officially opened on 1 November 1997, on the site of the original New Brighton Pier which had been demolished more than 30 years previously. The pier spans 300m, making it the biggest ocean pier in Australasia!

Enjoy a sunrise, sunset, or even just a daytime walk down the pier with family and friends.

Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū

Step inside to one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most important public art collections! Take a free guided tour of the exhibition highlights and gain an introduction to the gallery. Browse a range of exhibitions and events, including everything from an immersive dance club video installation, to the exploration of cultural identity and dislocated indigeneity.

Check out the Design Store for an every-changing range of creative products inspired by the Gallery’s collection and exhibition – from thoughtful books to gorgeous jewellery. Quench your thirst at the Thirsty Peacock café, open from 10am – late daily.

The Christchurch Art Gallery is open 10am – 5pm daily, located on the corner of Worcester Boulevard and Montreal Street. Get away from the winter chill and come on in.

Travis Wetland Walk

Stride along Travis Wetland, the last large freshwater wetland in Christchurch – an important habitat for native wetland plants and birds. Travis Wetland covers 116 hectares of previously farmed and drained natural wetland, now managed as a Nature Heritage Park.

The circuit track is 1 hour return and 4km long. Enjoy sweeping views of the wetland and wind through the groves of trees to reach the observation tower. Make time for the large children’s playground, and end back at the starting point.

Travis Wetland is located at 280 Beach Road, Burwood. The main car park and access point is at the end of Beach Road, where it intersects with Mairehau and Frosts Road. Please note that dogs, bikes, scooters (electric or manual) and skateboards are prohibited from Travis Wetland.  

Tūranga - Christchurch Central Library

Located in the city centre, Tūranga has something for everyone this winter. Whether you're wanting to snuggle up with a book, peruse displays and exhibitions, or escape the cold at the Foundation Café, Christchurch's Central Library has it all. 

Let the kids explore the play and craft areas on Hapori | Community, Level 1, or attend an event in the community arena. Delve into your identity, ancestors and whakapapa on Tuakiri | Identity, Level 2. Borrow non-fiction books and chill out on Tūhuratanga | Discovery, Level 3, and check out the computer labs, ESOL collections, fiction books and more on Auahatanga | Creativity, Level 4. 

In June alone you can hear Matariki Bilingual Storytimes, see the behind-the-scenes of claymation series Kiri and Lou, explore Amnesty International's Finding Hope exhibition, listen to Dr Olive Webb's book launch and more! Find the extensive list of Tūranga events on the Christchurch City Libraries website. Tūranga is open 9am - 8pm Monday - Friday, and 10am - 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.

International Antarctic Centre

Feel like embracing the cold this winter? Pop into the International Antarctic Centre! Located next to Christchurch International Airport, the centre has a huge range of experiences guaranteed to entertain the whole family. There's everything from the Antarctic storm room and the big screen ice tour, to making friends with penguins and huskies!

Visit the storm dome, check out the behind-the-scenes tours, explore Antarctica's history and more. With a goal of inspiring the next generation of scientific explorers, the centre delivers a range of education programmes to spark your interest. 

The Antarctic Centre is open 7 days a week from 9am - 4:30pm, with a gift store packed with treasures and a café with handcrafted baked goods open daily.