Christchurch Events and Festivals

World Buskers Festival: a 10-day event characterised by street performances and carnival fun. Jugglers, unicyclists, acrobats and clowns fill the streets and Victoria square transforms into a three-ring circus, with audiences enjoying a string of exciting acts. This is one of Christchurch’s best-attended festivals, and it’s easy for visitors to see why.

Garden City Festival of Flowers: New Zealand’s Garden City doesn’t disappoint during its famous Festival of Flowers. Events include the Wearable Flowers Parade, tours of prize-winning gardens, and the unfurling of the Cathedral Floral Carpet. Plant sales and art classes are also held at this time.

Chinese New Year: joint-sponsored by the Christchurch City Council and the Asia New Zealand Foundation, the Chinese Lantern Festival rings in the lunar new year. A host of special lanterns from China are displayed on Victoria square, and there are several exhibitions including martial arts and musical acts.

Montana Christchurch International Jazz Festival: this international music event lasts from late March until early April. Acclaimed jazz musicians representing multiple countries and a variety of styles converge on Christchurch for 10 days. Concerts are held in a number of indoor and outdoor locations including at the Christchurch Cathedral.

Savour New Zealand: held bi-annually, visitors to this festival have the opportunity to sample a variety of locally-made food and drink, including plenty of the country’s famous wines. Cooking workshops and related classes are also on the itinerary.

Kidsfest: sponsored by a local television broadcast network, Kidsfest is New Zealand’s largest festival geared especially for young ones. Local business and organisations craft kid-centred activities ranging from yoga and wildlife interaction to fudge-tasting and mock fire-fighting. This is a must-attend for all of New Zealand’s younger tourists.

Christchurch Winter Carnival: for one week, Christchurch and Canterbury province host a myriad of winter activities with a focus on snowboarding and skiing tournaments. There is also a celebrity banquet and ball held to benefit charity.

World Vintage Rugby Carnival: this popular rugby contest is intended to give graduates of the sport an opportunity to relive the old days. The games are open to players over the age of 35. In addition to three rugby matches, there is also a lavish opening ceremony and a cocktail party at the end of the event. About 80 teams from 20 countries participate.

Royal New Zealand Show: New Zealand’s most highly acclaimed agriculture and pastoral show aspires to ‘bring the country to the city’. Participants enter their livestock and agricultural products into competitions, and visitors are welcomed to engage in a variety of activities with plenty of entertainment and locally-made culinary products on hand.

Cup Carnival: one of the highlights of the Royal New Zealand Show, the Cup Carnival hosts equestrian galloping and trotting events that get plenty of international attention. The races are complemented by the unveiling of new fashions created by local designers.

Christmas: the Christchurch Christmas Festival includes three events during the month of December. To set the tone of the season, Christmas lights are switched on during a ceremony at the start of the month. Midway through the month, a traditional French market is held where visitors can purchase cheeses, breads, handicrafts and gifts. Ironically, winter solstice is celebrated on 21 December at the peak of New Zealand’s summer season.