Looking for ideas on how to spend your weekend in Canterbury? Whether you’re a lifelong Christchurch local or visiting the Garden City for a weekend escape, here is our weekly roundup of the best happenings across Ōtautahi.
Saturday Morning: Riccarton Bush Farmers’ Market
Start your Saturday at the picturesque historic grounds of Riccarton House. Surrounded by ancient 600-year-old native kahikatea forest, local Canterbury producers gather to sell freshly roasted artisan coffee, French croissants, organic cheeses, smoked salmon, and local seasonal berries. Arrive early for the best selection.
Afternoon Culture: Christchurch Art Gallery & Arts Centre
Spend a relaxing afternoon browsing contemporary exhibitions at the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, then wander through the restored stone quadrangles of the Arts Centre to check out boutique artisan studios, craft jewellers, and vintage bookshops.
Evening Entertainment: Open-Air Cinema Under the Stars
As twilight settles over the Canterbury Plains, head over to the A&P Showgrounds for a classic drive-in movie night with Firefly Cinemas. Pack your pillows, order hot popcorn from our food trucks, and catch Hollywood blockbusters and retro cult classics on our giant 12-metre screen.
Check the full schedule of upcoming films and grab tickets on our What’s On Schedule page.
Sunday Reset: Sumner to Taylors Mistake Coastal Walk
Finish your weekend by blowing away the cobwebs along the dramatic Scarborough cliffs. The walking track from Sumner Beach around to Taylors Mistake offers sweeping ocean views, surfers catching breakers below, and plenty of fresh salt air before heading back to work on Monday.
Add a drive-in night to your weekend
See what's screening in Christchurch this week — vehicle bays from a straightforward price, no surprises.
