29 Sep 2023

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Rain or shine, there's plenty of activities to enjoy in Christchurch this weekend.

Governors Bay Jetty grand opening

After twelve long years, the highly anticipated grand opening of the Governors Bay Jetty will take place this Saturday! This is a free event to celebrate the official opening and a community’s mahi to rebuild the much loved Jetty.

Bring your friends and family and come and join us for this history-making event at Jetty Road in the stunning setting of Governors Bay. Come along from 3:30pm with the official ceremony starting at 4pm, and bar and food available until 6:30pm.

Pump Track National Championships

Cycling New Zealand have partnered with Velosolutions to host the 2023 Pump Track National Championships at Bexley reserve on the Velosolutions Asphalt Pump Track this Saturday. Plus, Bexley reserve will be holding the UCI Pump Track World Championships Qualifier on Sunday! Register for the nationals here, and register for the World Champs Qualifier here. 

The Christchurch pump track in Bexley reserve is the biggest pump track in the South Island, and one of the biggest in New Zealand! It was built in early 2023 and has a 180m long pump track, a kids track for the wee ones and the whole thing is surrounded by a 135m long jump track around the outside. 

The Arts Centre Market

The Arts Centre Market is back, every Sunday 10am to 3pm, rain or shine. Come and experience the beauty and quality of local, artisan-made goods and treasures. Come and meet the markets and explore what Christchurch craftspeople have to offer.

Expect a range of delicious foods, treats and drinks, alongside our vintage clothes, handmade products and unique crafts and treasures. The market will be on at The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora, 2 Worcester Boulevard.

Time Detectives Spring Holiday Trail

Travel back in time and solve puzzles at five of the city’s favourite places this spring! Dinosaurs, tuatara, ancient Greek heroes and Egyptian hieroglyphics are just some of the amazing things you’ll discover as you journey through time to discover the past.

Collect a free trial from any of the locations where there are activities on offer (Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Christchurch Art Gallery, Canterbury Museum, Teece Museum and Tūranga). You can do all five in one day or spread the fun over the whole holidays! More here.

Biketober is back

The annual festival of cycling, Biketober, is kicking into gear this Sunday. Hop on your bike and explore the fantastic network of cycleways throughout Christchurch and Banks Peninsula.

Enjoy an easy ride for you and your family through Hagley Park in the morning celebrating the beautiful paths through the park. Get a head-start collection stamps for the Biketober Passport with a one hour guided ride through central city, ending at Rollickin’ Gelato! Training sessions for adults who want to refresh their skills and build confidence will take place at the South Hagley netball courts from 2pm. For Biketober’s opening evening, watch a documentary following six people from different continents who have devoted themselves to the bicycle – titled The Engine Inside. View all the Biketober events here.

Misfits X Soled Out Market

As part of Christchurch Hip-Hop Summit, Misfits and Soled Out are collaborating for an epic pop-up market with sneaker trading this Saturday at Tūranga. Prepare for an epic day of style, music and urban culture where the TSB Area will be turned into a vibrant hub of creativity, fashion and entertainment.

Trade sneakers with fellow sneaker enthusiasts and expand your collection, explore a curated selection of merchandise and upgrade your wardrobe with the latest trends and styles, take a look at flash tattoos by MKEL Tattoos, get a free haircut from a barber and boogie to a live DJ! The market will be on from 11am – 3pm.

Shabby Chic Market Day

Join in this Sunday at the Shabby Chic Market for vintage adventures at the Historic Rochester Villa, 21 Connal Street Woolston. The day will be on from 11am – 3pm with over 40 stallholders, offering curations of vintage fancies, collectables, kitchenalia, books, jewels, artisanal baking, coffee and more.

The market day is just across the road from Christchurch’s oldest dog exercise park, located in a magnificent green space that is Radley Park. This is a cash only event so raid your money box, grab a shopping bag and have fun!

Alpaca National Show 2023

Head down to the Canterbury Agricultural Park this weekend from 9am – 5pm for the National Alpaca Show! This event is open to the public, free of charge, providing an opportunity for people to witness New Zealand’s top alpacas competing for prestigious awards in both breed and fleece categories.

The show features over 200 alpacas, and is a great opportunity for alpaca enthusiasts, farmers and anyone interested to see a unique experience in the world of alpacas.