Christchurch – 5 Free Things to Do in 2011

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Last year, Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism brought you the Top 10 Free Things to do in Christchurch.

This year, it’s time to update the list with five new FREE favourites – and remind Christchurch visitors and locals alike, how many exciting ways there are to spend each weekend – on a shoestring budget.

1. Local Events

Christchurch is known for hosting some of the most exciting events in the country. We actually don’t know anywhere in the entire southern hemisphere that has the range of festivals and free performances on offer – year round and catering to all ages and interests.

Annual Christchurch events create a buzz throughout the city year round.

In January we love World Buskers Festival and Brighton Beach Kite Day, in March the Chinese Lantern Festival is a favourite, and every March we head to Ray Blank Park for Culture Galore. Right throughout the summer months Christchurch City Council sponsors cycling, family and fine arts events. The only trick is to find a calendar to keep track of them all.

2. Farmers Markets

Our favourite way to spend a weekend is market-hopping – and there’s probably no better place in the world to start than Christchurch, New Zealand. The surrounding region of Canterbury has so many market choices, the freshest local produce and most appealing (and creative, and healthy) range of goods, from blackcurrant honey to kumara hummus and beetroot truffles.

Christchurch Farmers Markets feature a great range of fresh produce - from chillis to chorizo.

3. Godley Head

Godley Head Scenic Reser

Godley Head Scenic Reserve offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, Lyttelton Harbour and stunning Taylor’s Mistake beach, dotted with keen surfers and picnicking families on any Saturday in summertime. It’s a dramatic landscape of tussock-clad hills, dotted with historic sites, walkers, bikers and winding tracks like the aptly-named “Anaconda.”

4. Little River Rail Trail

If you’re inspired (and at this point picturing yourself on your bike), carry on toward Banks Peninsula and follow the historic Little River Rail Trail. It’s a cruisey and highly scenic route linking Motukarara to Little River following the edge of Lake Ellesmere, the largest lake in the Canterbury Plains.

5. The Avon River

While you save up for a special punting occasion (this is New Zealand’s most romantic mode of transport, and fully booked every Valentine’s Day!), take a walk along the river and enjoy the tranquility of willow trees and park views – equally rewarding on a crisp winter morning or balmy summer’s night.