Things to do  |  4 Feb 2021

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A long weekend promises special commemorations, the most popular band in the land, a lazy Sunday, sports stars and classic cars.

Celebrate Waitangi Day

If you are looking for a memorable day out on Saturday, head over to Okains Bay for its Waitangi Day commemorations, which are the longest running in the South Island.

The Okains Bay Museum Waitangi Day Commemorations have been a signature event on the New Zealand calendar since 1977. The event is attended by local and national dignitaries, including the Governor General’s Representative, and is followed by family activities, demonstrations and workshops.

A highlight of the day is the paddling of the magnificent Ngāi Tahu waka, Kōtukumairangi, on the Ōpara River.

The museum grounds, the Ngāi Tahu reserve opposite the museum, and the entire Okains Bay heritage precinct are given over to the commemorations, which typically attract several thousand visitors.

The entrance charge for the Okains Bay Museum Waitangi Day Commemorations is $10 for adults. Children under 13 are admitted for free, provided they are accompanied by an adult. Make sure you bring cash because there is no ATM on site.

Rāpaki Marae is hosting a special citizenship ceremony on Waitangi Day, which the public are welcome to attend.

Fifty-one people from 24 countries will become New Zealand citizens at the ceremony led by Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel. If you want to attend, you need to be at the marae at 10am for the powhiri.

After the formalities are finished, there will be fun family activities and kai.

Waitangi Day celebrations are also taking place in Victoria Square. There will be arts and craft stalls, kai stalls, waka rides, hāngī meals, activities for the children, and live entertainment, including kapa haka performances.

On Saturday, Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū will host a free workshop where anyone can learn raranga weaving from 11am. 

Six60 in North Hagley Park

Kiwi band Six60 will be centre stage in North Hagley Park on Saturday, powering up with standout songs and new tracks.

Special guests Drax Project, Dave Dobbyn, BROODS and Maimoa Music will also take the stage, with the sounds under way from 5pm. Book tickets online.

Lazy Sundays

One of Christchurch’s most-loved musical events – Ben & Jerry’s Lazy Sundays – sets the summer scene in the Botanic Gardens on Sunday afternoon.

The first of the free concert series features King Tubbs and Boogie House from 2pm on the Archery Lawn.

International Track Meet

Head out to Ngã Puna Wai on Saturday evening for the International Track Meet featuring New Zealand’s fastest man and woman, Eddie Osei-Nketia and Zoe Hobbs, world-class shot put trio Dame Valerie Adams, Tom Walsh and Jacko Gill, and Oceania hammer record-holder Lauren Bruce.

The action gets under way at 5.45pm and entry is free.

I Love Brighton 2021

Wander into Thomson Park on Monday to enjoy a whānau-friendly Waitangi Day event to celebrate living in New Brighton.

There will be a range of local clubs, market stalls, food, stage acts and activities from 11am to 3pm, including live music, archery tag, pedalmania, an obstacle course, football, rugby, cricket, tennis, face painting, bumper boats and pony rides. 

Skope Classic

Gear up for the Skope Classic at Mike Pero Motorsport Park in Templeton from Friday until Sunday.

Headlined by the historic touring car group, the event also features Formula 5000, classic saloons, and racing, sports and vintage cars. Entry ranges from $20 (Friday) to $35 (Saturday and Sunday), or $50 for a three-day pass, with free entry for the under-16s (when accompanied by an adult). The gates open at 8am each day.

New Zealand Solo Bike Championship 

Head out to Moorepark Speedway in West Melton on Saturday from 4pm for the 2021 New Zealand Solo Bike Championship. Entry costs $20 for adults, $15 (seniors), $10 (under-10s) and under-fives free.