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With two festivals on in Ōtautahi Christchurch and a new pump track being opened at McLeans Forest, there are heaps of opportunities for some spring fun this weekend.
Days of Ice
Christchurch is celebrating its Antarctic connections with a Days of Ice festival. Events planned for this weekend include an Explore Antarctica Family Day at the Arts Centre, where you can see the Dinosaurs of Antarctica movie, meet husky dogs and learn about what is happening on the icy continent.
Canterbury Museum is offering people the chance to experience life in Antarctica through virtual reality, and the Christchurch Tram is running an Antarctic Treasure Hunt.
For a full run-down of events and activities on during Days of Ice check out the festival programme.
Biketober
Christchurch’s month-long festival of cycling also starts this weekend. There is a big range of events on from themed bike rides to puncture repair workshops. Check out the full event list on the Biketober website.
Pump track opening at McLeans Forest
The new pump track at McLeans Forest is designed for riders to practice their pumping, cornering and jumping skills.
If you enjoy being on two wheels, you might want to head out to McLeans Island on Sunday for the launch of the new pump track and drag strip at McLeans Forest.
The launch day will include bike races, prizes, track demonstrations and a sausage sizzle.
“We are delighted to launch the new pump track and drag strip, where mountain bike riders can build their skills and have fun. We’re hoping this will also encourage new riders to get out there and have a go. We see this as added value to the offerings at McLeans Island,” says Parks and Forest Manager Chuck Dowdell.
The new pump track is designed for riders to practice their pumping, cornering and jumping skills. Experienced mountain bike riders from the Christchurch Singletrack Club will demonstrate how to use the pump track at about 10am, 11am, noon and 1pm.
The drag strip includes multiple rollers and is wide enough for two riders to test their skills side by side.
Races for fastest lap, longest pump (no pedalling), and drag races will take place throughout the day. Regional park rangers will award prizes to race winners and will also hand out spot prizes on the day. The free sausage sizzle will be held between 11am and 2pm.
4 Paws Marathon 2022
If you love going for a run or a walk with your dog, then you might want to head along to Bottle Lake Forest Park on Sunday for the 4 Paws Marathon.
This off-road event provides an opportunity for people to exercise with their dogs over a choice of a 2.4km, 5km, 10km, 16km, half-marathon or full marathon course.
The event runs from 6.30am to 3pm. Find out more.
Night market at Ferrymead
Take a night off cooking on Saturday and instead enjoy a family outing at Ferrymead Heritage Park’s night market.
There will be food vendors, craft beer and cider, live music, face painting and stalls, as well as the opportunity to ride the historic trams and check out all the other attractions on offer at Ferrymead.
The park is open from 4pm to 8pm and admission is $2.
Ride the Peace Train
If you haven’t yet taken a ride on the Peace Train, this weekend could be the ideal time to jump aboard. From this Sunday the Peace Train will be operating in the Botanic Gardens. The rides are free and you can board the Peace Train by the old Tea Kiosk, next to the children’s playground. The train operates between 10am and 2pm.
Other events
To find out about other events happening in and around Christchurch check out What’s On.