Stories

Start gathering your spare change, Christchurch, because Bread & Circus – World Buskers Festival is back on our calendar for April. Usually one of the highlights of Christchurch's summertime festivities, Bread & Circus had to be postponed from its traditional January spot in 2022 thanks to the interference of everyone's least favourite virus. Happily, the organisers have now secured dates in the Easter school holidays, and the laugh-out-loud landmark event will be back to entertain us from 22 April to 1 May. This year's festival playground will be Victoria Square and The Commons, with two main stages, roving performers, food stalls and activities for the whole whānau. Get a babysitter, dog sitter or cat sitter lined up for the two Friday and Saturday evenings during the festival – that's when you'll catch the late night programme aimed at a more adult audience. The Bread & Circus site will be free to...

Picture the scene: the kids happy running around in wide-open green space and playing on wicked playgrounds, parents happy chatting, soaking up the sun and tending to the barbie. It’s the Kiwi summer in one perfect package, and Christchurch’s best parks are here to deliver it. These are some of the most epic parks in Christchurch, and even better, they all have free BBQ facilities available, so make sure you bring your pack of sausages and spatula. Scarborough Park Literally everything you could want from a park, this one’s got it. Paddling pool, with an into-water slide? Hell yeah. Nearby ice cream shop? You know it. Playground of dreams? You betcha. The actual ocean right over the esplanade? Oh boy, yes, and now you know that when we say a park has everything, we mean EVERYTHING. The Groynes Much like Stacy’s Mom, this reserve has got it going on. Beautiful, expansive...

We’ve all been there, right? There you are, sweeping the floors of a down-and-out florist shop in the worst part of town when a sudden eclipse of the sun brings a Strange and Exotic plant into your life, bringing fame, fortune and questionable moral choices along with it. If you don’t relate to that scenario, don’t worry: The Court Theatre’s production of cult musical classic Little Shop of Horrors will take you there. It’s bursting with energy, irresistible characters, bopping tunes, and is the exact injection of fun you need in your life. Seymour Krelbourn is the unlikely hero of this B-horror-turned-musical-comedy, a broke and awkward florist’s assistant who has a secret crush on his co-worker, Audrey, and a mysterious plant that he’s dubbed Audrey II. The unusual horticultural species soon brings throngs of spendthrift customers to Mushnik’s Florist, but in the meantime Seymour has discovered what food it prefers, and...

It's good news for sailing fans: SailGP will bring its brand of adrenaline-filled racing to Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour for two seasons in 2023 and 2025. We were all a bit bummed when SailGP was forced to cancel its event planned for January 2022 due to Covid-19, but now the international sailing outfit have sweetened the deal. In partnership with ChristchurchNZ, SailGP will now be bringing four world-class sailing events to Aotearoa from 2023-2026, alternating years between Christchurch and Auckland. The two events are expected to bring more than 11,500 visitors to Christchurch. “Having this extended agreement supported by central Government is a huge advantage for the city," said ChristchurchNZ’s GM Destination and Attraction Loren Heaphy. "It gives Christchurch more certainty because SailGP now has priority access to New Zealand, as well as unlocking more funding and expertise to help deliver the events. This is also a great opportunity to partner with...

It’s on, Cityscapers: summer is officially here, and we are officially pumped for some toe-tapping, lip-smacking, sunshiney good times at the many awesome festivals lined up in and around Christchurch this summer. Take a little roadie out to the sun-soaked hills of Waipara this New Year’s and party on down to some of the best drum & bass, dubstep and hip hop musicians at Rolling Meadows. This multi-genre festival will be held at the picturesque Bone Line Winery from Thursday 30 December to Saturday 1 January. There’s nothing to start the year off with a bang like some sweet live tunes, and on Saturday January 15, L.A.B and Shapeshifter are more than bringing the goods. These two powerhouse Kiwi bands are joining forces for an unbeatably epic concert in Hagley Park, and with names like Ladi6, Katchafire and JessB also on the bill, this is a helluva way to welcome 2022....

The Court Theatre’s 2022 season has got something for theatre lovers, culture vultures, belly-laughers and audiences of all descriptions. With an incredible bill of exciting, varied shows, we don’t think you’ll need much convincing to make 2022 your year of theatre. Christchurch’s home of top-quality local and international theatre has got a seriously stacked programme on the cards this year. We’re talking homegrown comedy, popular parodies, bestselling thrillers and empowering musicals. The flagship summer musical, Little Shop of Horrors, tells the story of hapless florist Seymour and his bloodthirsty singing plant. The production runs until January 15 and promises to be larger than life and twice as much fun. An absolute icon follows from February 19 with Flagons and Foxtrots, a nostalgic Kiwi comedy set in 1960s Ohoka. Literature lovers and thriller addicts will want to make time in their schedules from April to June. Austen fans will be tickled pink...

We’ve got go karts on the mind, so we went and found the biggest and the best in town. Supa Karts are not little fairground bumper karts. These are first-rate engineered machines built for speed and safety. Hitting 35 kilometres per hour, Supa Karts’ grunty adult karts are the fastest in New Zealand, so these are just for the big kids. Options for the younger ones include the junior karts and tandem karts. Throwing a party, end-of-year event or corporate do at Supa Karts is throwing away the expectations of how adults should behave at such affairs. It’s an endorsement of the wild side, an acceptance that your crew want something a little different from a backyard barbecue. You can book in a family race or high-speed adult races, or step things up a notch with a grand prix or team endurance race. In the grand prix, each driver gets a...

Cityscape has your definitive list of Christchurch beaches to hit this summer, from the most popular to the hidden gems. SUMNER AND SCARBOROUGH If Hollywood was going to shoot a beach movie in Christchurch, Sumner would be where it happens. Boardwalk, beach, skate park, playgrounds, and drop-dead amazing ice cream – Sumner has all the ingredients. Starting at Shag Pile and stretching all the way down to the playground and paddling pool at Scarborough, this end of town is a one-stop destination for all your beachy needs. From Shag Pile to the surf club is your dog-friendly strip, so if you’re a dog parent or simply love to watch happy doggos gambolling about, base yourself here. If you prefer your beach experience to remain un-slobbered, stick closer to Cave Rock, which is where you’ll find the safe swimming area between the flags anyway. Down at the Scarborough end, the nearby park,...

The central city is now even more stylish, with another high-end store having moved in from the suburbs. Christchurch bedding and soft furnishings specialist Lala Lifestyle recently made the move from St Albans to a spacious new showroom in Victoria Street. Comfort and luxury are the name of the game at this boutique – Lala Linen’s bedding is all made in Egypt, bringing that thousand-thread-count softness and quality that Egyptian cotton is famous for, accentuated with touches of colour. Complemented with beautiful soft furnishings and homewares, with soft lighting and classy décor to complete the vibe, your home will be transformed into a sanctuary of luxurious layers that feel like a warm hug. lalalinen-nz.com

The Museum of Toys & Collectibles in Manchester Street is an indoor activity that hits the core of what it means to be a kid (or a kid at heart). It’s a house of the old and new, everything from LEGO sets to Star Wars memorabilia, Hot Wheels to Barbie dolls. Head in for a holiday activity to turn on your nostalgia tap, and see the latest in modern toy design, too. The museum regularly features loan collections, so check back in regularly to see something new.  nzmuseumoftoys.com

Offering a range of expert treatments with a devotion to health and beauty, BHAVA Nails & Beauty performs professional manicures, pedicures and facial treatments. BHAVA's services are ultimate relaxation rituals and luxury grooming using the highest-quality modern products. Osmosis Medi Facials are clinical-strength, holistic facial treatments prescribed by your skin therapist, customised to your needs and long-term skin goals. Complement the treatment with a personalised plan for maintaining your glow. BHAVA is committed to leaving you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, as well as confident and comfortable in your own skin. BHAVA also stocks a range of beautiful organic retail products.  bhava.co.nz

Beloved Christchurch salon Surreal Hairdressing has returned to the central city, and is maxing out on sustainability. Surreal has been styling up a storm for 23 years, and was forced to move from Victoria Street after the Canterbury earthquakes. Thinking and moving quickly, owner Michelle Marsh bought a villa in St Albans and renovated it as a stunning salon. Ten years later, Michelle says it was time to bring Surreal home to the central city. She found a space in Victoria Street right next door to where the old salon was, and has decked it out spectacularly. The enormous new salon feels open and airy, with a plant wall and a green aura. The greenness extends beyond the décor, too. The move was an opportunity to step up the sustainability game, and Surreal is fully embracing making the world a better place. As part of the Sustainable Salons programme, Surreal uses...

Turning clay into ceramic treasures feels like an incredible, alchemical transformation. It’s all about the craft at Clae and General Pottery, an Essex Street creative pottery collective. The studio is full of pottery tools, and the resident experts Tatyanna and Gwen are quick to help out with suggestions and inspiration to help you make the magic happen. The space is a collaboration between supplies store General Pottery, and Clae, where you can learn and improve the craft. Sure, you can buy pottery items here, but it’s really about helping people create their own ceramic masterpieces. General Pottery stocks books, tools, kitsets, materials, clay, and a pinch of knowledgeable advice to help you achieve your pottery goals. Further into the large, light-infused studio, Clae teaches a variety of classes with sustainable methods and materials to produce treasures, not trash. Clae’s expert tutors run classes for all levels of potters, and help throw...

Do you like it? You know what to do... 1 Champagne moissanite with diamond details in brushed 9ct gold (RRP $3999) from Debra Fallowfield  2 Selin Kent Helia Deluxe (RRP $7,399) from Roccabella  3 Platinum ring set with round brilliant, round, and marquise diamonds (RRP $13,450) from Filigree  4 Willow diamond ring (RRP $8700) from Kennett Crafted Jewels  5 Mira ring (RRP $2235) from Sophie Divett Jewellery  6 Francesca sapphire ring (POA) from Love in a Jewel  7 Petal diamond ring (POA) from Canterbury Jewellers  8 Custom Australian teal sapphire ring in 14ct white gold (POA) from Rowena Watson Jewellers  9 Diamond ring (RRP $22,875) from Via Sollertia

Check out these four preliminary design images for a look at what Christchurch's new stadium, the Canterbury Multi-Use Arena, will look like. The designs are by Christchurch-based architects Warren & Mahoney and international stadium design experts Populous, showing some views of the outside of the arena and a look at what the seating and field will look like from the top of the stands. CMUA (Canterbury Multi-Use Arena) Project Delivery Ltd Board Chair Barry Bragg says the preliminary designs, developed by the Kōtui consortium, provide the most accurate picture yet of what the facility will look like once completed. “These designs crystallise our vision for the CMUA to be the most modern, fit-for-purpose arena in the country – a facility that leads the way from an innovation and sustainability perspective.’’ The CMUA will occupy much of the central Christchurch site bordered by Hereford, Barbadoes, Tuam and Madras streets. At 232 metres...

Your pup deserves the latest gear too! We've pulled together all the cool kit for canine camping capers. 1 Ruffwear Load Up Vehicle Restraint Dog Harness (RRP $154.95) from FurtherFaster  2 Wolves of Wellington Florida Collar (RRP $20) from Charli & Coco  3 smith&burton Heal & Protect Soothe Balm (RRP $28.99) from Charli & Coco  4 BioLite Alpenglow Lantern (RRP $109.99) from FurtherFaster  5 Ruffwear Highlands Sleeping Bag (RRP $199.95) from FurtherFaster  6 Nemo Dragonfly Bikepack 2P Tent (RRP $999) from FurtherFaster  7 Italian Linen Cushion (RRP $69.90) from Exquisite Gifts by AJ  8 Indie Boho Byron Surf Designer Pet Blanket (RRP $79) from Charli & Coco  9 Treat Pouch (RRP $12) from Love on a Leash  10 OllyDog OllyBottle 600ml (RRP $22.99) from FurtherFaster  11 Ruffwear Float Coat Dog Life Jacket (RRP $189.95) from FurtherFaster  12 Dogness Smart Cam Feeder (RRP $345) from Charli & Coco  13 Ruffwear Lunker Floating...

Subtle little somethings, silly season selections, and significant splurges for the special somebodies in your life, all year round. 1 Glamorous gift box (RRP $125) from Packaged with Love 2 Medicom BE@RBRICK Anna Sui 400% (RRP $279.99) from Stencil  3 Geo Royal White Soy Candle Medium (RRP $49.90) from Exquisite Gifts by AJ 4 Natural Soap Range Pack of ten (RRP $79 or $9 each) from Luxi Buff 5 Blaze SG Earrings (RRP $169) from Dyrberg/Kern  6 Reusable Water Balloons 4 pack (RRP $29.00) from EcoSplat  7 Apple Watch Series 7 (RRP from $649) from Apple  8 Star Cross Earrings (RRP $54.90) from Four Corners  9 Clae Hand-building Kit (RRP $85) from General Pottery 10 Gift set of 3 perfumes (RRP $60) from Fragranzi  11 New Decorated Garden by Elspeth Thompson (RRP $34.90) from Cosi Fan Tutte

A 21st Century home for New Zealand’s largest producing theatre company. The Court Theatre is officially moving back to the central city. Come 2024, you’ll be able to head to a shiny new theatre in the Performing Arts Precinct to eat, drink, socialise, and see mind-blowingly great professionally produced musicals and plays in the centre of Ōtautahi. Designed by London’s leading theatre specialist architects Haworth Tompkins and New Zealand’s own Athfield Architects, the new Court Theatre will be unrivalled in New Zealand and be a drawcard for national and international audiences. The concept is a sustainable building, saving energy and carbon expenditure through clever ecological design. The theatre will be the cornerstone of the Performing Arts Precinct on the corner of Colombo and Gloucester streets. It’ll bring even more buzz to our growing central city, liven up the nights with regular performances and massive shows, grow our performing arts scene with...