History & heritage, Things to do  |  3 Oct 2022

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Take a trip down memory lane as Christchurch Heritage Festival 2022 throws open the doors to some of our most cherished historical landmarks.

As well as our built heritage the festival, which runs from 7 – 24 October, is a chance to learn about places and events that have helped shape the diverse communities here in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

The theme this year is Our Stories - Milestones and Moments and provides an opportunity to celebrate and remember the moments - large and small, public and private - that link our past to our present.

“The festival offers a rich programme of events for people to learn from and enjoy,” says John Higgins, Christchurch City Council Head of Planning and Consents.

  • One of the first events is a celebration of 160 years of flower shows with the Canterbury Horticultural Society. This takes place over the weekend of 8-9 October at the historic Kiosk building in the Botanic Gardens and features floral displays, images and memorabilia.
  • Join four archaeologists for an evening of talks about some of the less salubrious aspects of our history as revealed by the city’s archaeology with Explore the Underworld: Tales of Christchurch’s Dark Side at Kate Sheppard House, 12 October. Bookings are required.
  • Notable buildings opening their doors over the weekend of 15-16 October include the Old Stone House in Cashmere, St Paul’s in Papanui, Avebury House in Richmond, Knox Church in central Christchurch, St Simon and St Jude in Ashley and the Rose Historic Chapel on Colombo Street. 
  • For an entertaining insight into what life was like for women in Kate Sheppard’s day, join an all-day bus tour on 16 October. Visit Kate Sheppard House, Seddon bell-tower, Addington Cemetery and the Kate Sheppard Memorial. Bookings are required.
  • Hear from the winning writers at the NZSA New Zealand Heritage Literary Awards 2022 at St Michael and All Angels Church, 20 October.
  • Join founding members of Pacific Underground, New Zealand’s longest running Pacific performing arts group as they reflect on life at The Arts Centre in the 1990’s, at The Arts Centre, 21 October. Bookings are required.
  • Festival events over Labour Weekend include the popular Spring Fair at Orton Bradley Park on Sunday 23 October and the Ferrymead Heritage Park Labour Weekend Extravaganza also on Sunday.

For more information on the Christchurch Heritage Festival, check out the online programme or pick up a guide from local libraries, service centres or cafes.

*The image above shows the Canterbury Horticultural Society Spring Show, Caledonian Hall, Kilmore Street, 1938.