Join in on these special events to make the most of your experience in this stunning part of the country! Explore the diversity of the Canterbury region!
We have organised some amazing field trips taking place on the 19th April, walking tours on the 20th and 21st of April and the social events on the 20th of April.
Minimum and maximum numbers apply, so get in quick to avoid missing out. Please note that if minimum numbers are not reached, some functions may be cancelled.
All prices are GST inclusive.
Let’s Go Central! This walking tour is a whirl-wind adventure of all things regenerative in Ōtautahi. It will focus on the newly designed places, spaces and buildings – our Anchor Projects - that make Christchurch a City of Opportunity. Speakers for each of the project sites visited will outline the challenges that were faced and overcome to support the final delivery – from design, construction through to operational matters. A great field trip to get a project management, warts and all look at how large scale projects support the urban regeneration of a city.
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Join us for a journey from City to Sea starting in central Christchurch with a visit to the East Frame residential development. Then travel along the Ōtākaro Avon River corridor where 5000 homes once stood, to learn of this land's transition into one of the city’s most exciting regenerative projects, seeking to connect people, communities, the river and the land. Next stop is for lunch at the boutique Tannery development to explore the heritage restoration of this site. After a visit to the Bromley treatment plant and ponds and then to Ihutai /Avon Heathcote Estuary, the day will finish with a tour of the seaside suburb of New Brighton and the new He Puna Taimoana salt water pool attraction. If you wish, you can stay for a soak at He Puna Taimoana and return to the central city bus exchange via public bus or alternatively make your own arrangements.
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From the Central City this trip will head north into the districts of Waimakariri and Hurunui, on the way passing through major infrastructure projects undertaken since the earthquakes including the Dudley Creek and Cranford Basin stormwater management projects and the Northern Motorway. The first stop is Kaiapoi where you will take a short walk to visit regeneration areas and learn of the issues and opportunities within the district. Next the trip will head into the Hurunui District, known for its rugged coastlines, breath-taking clifftops, lush forest, alpine retreats and not least its wonderful wineries (with more than 90 mostly independently owned vineyards). Stopping at Amberley Beach, learn about the Hurunui way to ‘Dynamic Adaptive Pathways Planning’. Next the tour will head to Kate Valley Regional Landfill the most comprehensively engineered waste management facility in the South Island of New Zealand. The tour will end at one of Waipara’s leading vineyards, where along with a short talk on issues and opportunities facing the winery industry, you will have the chance for a taste and tipple. (Wine tasting at own expense)
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This field trip will explore the very real pressures of development in Selwyn, one of New Zealand’s fastest growing districts. Selwyn is a district of contrasts, spanning from the coastline south-west of Christchurch city and inland to encompass Arthurs Pass National Park. The trip is an important opportunity for visitors to see the challenges of creating good new urbanism in these semi-rural settings. By the end of this journey, it’s hoped that delegates will understand the interconnectedness of Ōtautahi Christchurch, its outlying townships, and the rural hinterland.
The trip will begin by heading south from Christchurch to the thriving and expanding town of Rolleston, exploring the inland port, some 122 hectares of prime industrial zoned land, and its surrounding residential development. The tour will move on to mid-Canterbury, considered to be Aotearoa’s powerhouse of primary production. Visitors will have the opportunity to see how wai is being used to support this production, while at the same time witness the significant work going on to restore the waterways of mid Canterbury. Guests will appreciate the mahi being done to try and improve the health and wellbeing of our water and move towards Te Mana O Te Wai.
The trip will stop at Methven’s famous Blue Pub for lunch. This unique building with sweeping verandas, is located in the centre of Mt Hutt Village. The bar serves a range a local beers and cider, complemented by an all-day menu to suit everyone. A perfect way to pause and enjoy this stunning part of Canterbury.
The tour then weaves back in toward central Christchurch, stopping at more points of interest that fit with the theme of exploring new urban areas, nestled within the traditionally rural mid-Canterbury landscape.
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This tour takes you south-west first travelling through new neighbourhoods planned over a decade ago around three key principles of environmental sustainability, liveability and competitiveness, embedding the principles of ‘greenprints’ as minimum requirements for new urban areas. The next stop is to Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research to visit the Allan Herbarium being the largest herbarium in New Zealand with over 700,000 specimens, and forms part of the New Zealand National Herbarium Network. Learn about the herbarium’s history and purpose, and admire historic specimens, rare plants, as well as historic Victorian Albums. The tour then heads to Te Waihora, the largest lake in Canterbury/Waitaha and an important link in the chain of coastal lagoons and estuaries along the east coast of the South Island/Te Waipounamu. Described as the most important wetland habitat of its type in New Zealand, Te Waihora is an area of cultural, natural, historic, recreational, and commercial importance to many people. Hear about the restoration efforts through Whakaora Te Waihora, an extensive cultural and ecological restoration programme led by Ngāi Tahu and Environment Canterbury. The final stop is to the Christchurch Adventure Park, where we will discuss the increased risks from climate change, and the parks commitment to social and environmental sustainability practices. Should you choose and stay a while longer, there are options to experience the parks awesome mountain bike trails (take a lesson), travel via the chairlift to the top of the Port Hills and see some of the best views around. For those seeking some thrills fly down their ziplines, or for those less into thrill-seeking walk the loop or uphill trail.
2.5 hour optional Christchurch Adventure Park activities - Ziplining $145, Mountain Bike $130, sightseeing with lift pass and walking tracks $20
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This field trip is an opportunity to consider how growth and development in the Canterbury region can be managed in a sustainable way, before inviting visitors to explore some of its truly majestic areas at the foot of Southern Alps.
The trip will begin with a short visit to the Christchurch International Airport to discuss its economic importance for the region but also the impact of its operations on future urban growth. Delegates will also have an opportunity to see Kowhai Park, a 400ha site beside the runways that will be developed in future for renewable energy projects including solar.
The second stop is to the centre of Darfield township for morning tea courtesy of Darfield Bakery, known for its pies, sweet pastries and coffee. Darfield was the epicentre of the first significant recent earthquake in the region in September 2010 and became an important research location for seismologists and scientists. While in Darfield the tour will include a talk on farming diversification across the Canterbury Plains, including the challenges and opportunities to response positively to climate change.
Next the trip will head towards the main divide, the mighty range of Southern Alps which form the backbone of Te Wai Pounamu, the South Island of New Zealand. Delegates will take in the stunning landscapes with a visit to Kura Tāwhiti Conservation area where you will spend time wandering through majestic limestone rock formations. Kura Tāwhiti has Tōpuni status due to the local Ngāi Tahu iwi’s long history of this area for shelter and food gathering trips.
From there the tour will visit Castle Hill Village, initially conceived in 1982 as a plan to create a high alpine village on an area of Castel Hill Station. The village has grown steadily, with the development of recent subdivisions set to expand its size significantly. Heading home the trip will travel through West Melton, a rural area now being developed into smaller rural blocks known for olives, vineyards and nut orchards. The tour will stop at Melton Estate - this boutique winery serves all day mixed platters and optional wine tasting.
The tour will end with an informal discussion on growth in Selwyn District and asks the question, when is too big too big for rural settlements, and should all rural settlements be supported and enabled for growth and expansion.
The day will commence with a visit to Ripapa Island (a little Island with a big history) located close against the southern shore of Whakaraupō (Lyttelton Harbour). Ripapa once a fortified pa for Ngāi Tahu was later used as a fortress to defend against possible Russian attacks. Returning to Lyttelton Port (the largest port in the South Island), the trip will continue with a visit to the Lyttelton Port Company who employs over 500 staff. You will hear about their obtaining of two crucial resource consents enabling the Port to grow Canterbury’s trade through the deepening and widening of the Harbour Shipping Channel and to increase our reclamation to expand the Container Terminal. Furthering its investment in 20 major development projects, including a new cruise berth – New Zealand’s first ever custom-built cruise ship facility. Then walk through the Lyttelton town centre to hear about the history and happenings of this unique township, in particular how effective community lead planning can be. After lunch, you will head to Sumner to view land stabilisation projects and discuss tsunami risk and impacts of coastal erosion and inundation.
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Explore the historic French township of Akaroa and the beautiful Akaroa Harbour in Banks Peninsula. Travel along the old volcanic crater rim for some magnificent views of the harbour and peninsula. Visit and listen to the story of Takapuneke and the plight of Onuku Runanga to remove the wastewater plant from their sacred site. Takapuneke (also known as Red House Bay) was the scene of a dramatic and horrifying event in 1830 that was of great significance in New Zealand’s history. Spend the afternoon exploring Akaroa Village at your pace or you may wish to visit the famous Giants House and its beautiful gardens and mosaic sculptures. Or join a Historic Walking Tour of Akaroa. (lunch at own expense) On the way home, we will stop at a local cheese factory for tastings.
FULL DAY WALKING TOUR
During the morning this tour you will walk through some of the City’s most important and valued important heritage buildings and places. Meet the people behind the restorations of the City’s most iconic heritage buildings including the Arts Centre, Town Hall and Cathedral. Learn about the heritage features of these unique buildings, while also fitting them out with the latest modern infrastructure and seismic upgrades making them fit for purpose for future generations. After a set lunch at Miro Restaurant, you will travel to Ferrymead Heritage Park which features an early 1900s (Edwardian) township, including a variety of restored cottages plus a school house, church, businesses and trams that reflect Canterbury’s past. On your return to Te Pae, you will stop at a cluster of heritage buildings near Manchester Street (Shands Emporium, Holy Trinity and the Former Government Buildings) each with their unique earthquake recover stories. From here you may stay on to enjoy the unique bars, restaurants and shops.
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This field trip will head directly to Kaikōura. As the bus passes through areas of interest, speakers will talk to a range of issues including regional transport, earthquake recovery and regeneration, water quality, biodiversity, and landscape. The new structures for road and rail, and the altered landscape (both on land and the raised seabed along the coast), will be clearly visible from the road to Kaikoura to gain a better appreciation of the sheer scale of the recent changes to the area and how few alternative routes there are to restore connections. Once reaching Kaikōura the group will hear more about the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that was centred in Culverden, North Canterbury on 14 November 2016. Kaikōura was one of a number of local communities that was severely impacted with dramatic results for the economy, landscape, and regional fauna. Since that time the earthquake response has involved major efforts to restore the road and rail networks, the built environment, respond to changes in landforms, and rebuild this highly valued tourist destination.
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2:30pm – 4:30pm
HALF DAY SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOUR
This self-guided walking tour takes participants on a journey of eight City locations to view key pieces of the work of Matapopore within the new Ōtautahi rebuild. This tour includes integrated artworks brought to life by some of our major Ngāi Tūāhuriri/ Ngāi Tahu artists to the influence of Ngāi Tūāhuriri on urban design. Post earthquake Christchurch has been an opportunity for us to impact on our city in ways we have never before encountered. Mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei.
2:30pm – 4:30pm
HALF DAY WALKING TOUR
This walking tour explores some of the City’s most important heritage buildings and places, including the Arts Centre, Town Hall, and Cathedral. Learn about the extensive efforts to restore, protect and celebrate our heritage, and the partnerships required to retain our remaining built heritage, vital to the district’s identity. On your return to Te Pae, you will stop at New Regent Street Precinct, developed in the 1930’s with 40 shops in Spanish Mission architectural style, where you may stay on to enjoy the unique bars, restaurants and shops.
HALF DAY BIKE TOUR
A bike tour to explore two of the city’s major regeneration areas. First visiting the East Frame, a focus for higher density living, then along the Otakaro Avon River corridor which includes 600 hectares of land stretching from the central city to Bexley in the heart of east Christchurch. Where 5000 homes once stood, the land is transitioning into one of the city’s most exciting regenerative projects, seeking to connect people, communities, the river, and the land. Delegates will ride on hired push bikes. Delegates to wear active wear and bring a backpack.
Thank you to our sponsor:
2:30pm – 4:30pm
HALF DAY SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOUR
This self-guided walking tour takes participants on a journey of eight City locations to view key pieces of the work of Matapopore within the new Ōtautahi rebuild. This tour includes integrated artworks brought to life by some of our major Ngāi Tūāhuriri/ Ngāi Tahu artists to the influence of Ngāi Tūāhuriri on urban design. Post earthquake Christchurch has been an opportunity for us to impact on our city in ways we have never before encountered. Mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei.
2:30pm – 4:30pm
HALF DAY WALKING TOUR
This walking tour explores some of the City’s most important heritage buildings and places, including the Arts Centre, Town Hall, and Cathedral. Learn about the extensive efforts to restore, protect and celebrate our heritage, and the partnerships required to retain our remaining built heritage, vital to the district’s identity.
Be wined and dined in the luxury of Christchurch’s iconic air-conditioned, colonial style dining tram and be treated to the finest service, cuisine and beverages New Zealand has to offer as you see the city sights. Additional beverages can be purchased onboard.
Tram 411 was built in Melbourne, in 1927 and ran until 1982. The tram was then refurbished and shipped to Christchurch in 1999. Tram 411 underwent further restoration during 2020 and is now looking better than ever.
Price includes: x1 pre-drink at the iconic OGB cocktail bar (Old Government Building), Tram ride, welcome drink, appetizer, entrée, main, dessert, tea and coffee (additional beverages can be purchased onboard
Thank you to our sponsor:
Riverside Market has been described as the ‘beating heart’ of the rejuvenated central city. Hear from those involved at bringing the market concept to life, before experiencing first-hand, one of the Market’s many offerings.
OPTION 1: RIVERSIDE KITCHEN MASTERCHEF COOK OFF
$172.00 per person
Join the Riverside Kitchen team for a fun and competitive masterchef cook off experience. Guests will be split into teams, given a recipe and ingredients to make a sharing plate which will be enjoyed by the whole group…. but not before it has been judged, Masterchef style. After all the hard work, it will be time to sit back and relax while dinner is served by the expert chefs. A fabulous way to connect with others, share good food and wine and some culinary fun. The event includes wine and a three-course dining experience.
OPTION 2: MEET THE MAKER MARKET TOUR
$142.00 per person
Markets are often made up of a number of characters, Riverside is no exception. Our guides will walk you through the very popular Riverside Market, meeting the food producers and tasting their offerings. Learning how food is produced in Canterbury, and how we are adapting to a new set of ideas around eating local and cutting down food miles. The tour will include a series of interesting and delicious dishes that will constitute a memorable dinner, complete with beer, wine and gin tasting opportunities.
OPTION 3: CASTROS SPANISH EXPERIENCE
$66.00 per person
This experience will include a Paella cooking demonstration and Spanish music. A bountiful supply of Tapas and Paella will be served for dinner, washed down with a glass of sangria or beer.
OPTION 4: RAMAN RIA – COCKTAIL CLASS AND FINGER FOOD
$127.00 per person
A good time is guaranteed at this moody Japanese style cocktail bar. Enjoy live music / DJ and a cocktail class presented by their talented mixologist – try your hand at cocktail making, learn the reasons behind the flavours, and even karaoke for those who want to take it up a notch. This experience will include three cocktails and a range of finger food including dumplings, spring rolls, sushi, BBQ pork buns, fried chicken, and croquettes, as well as dessert platters.
Join us for an exclusive private viewing of Christchurch Art Gallery, home to one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most important public art collections. The evening offers a private one-hour tour, taking in the extensive collection and learning about the role the building played as the Civil Defence headquarters for Christchurch following the 2010 and February 2011 Christchurch earthquake.
The Māori elements of the name are explained as follows: Te Puna honours waipuna, the artesian spring beneath the gallery and Waiwhetu refers to one of the tributaries in the immediate vicinity, which flows into the River Avon. Waiwhetu may also be translated as ‘water in which stars are reflected’.
Following the Tour, the evening is yours, or you can join us at Fiddlesticks Restaurant to sample their delectable menu and mingle with fellow delegates.
Enjoy a drink and cheese board in the cinema bar overlooking the Christchurch Botanic Gardens before relaxing back in luxurious seating watching a movie in the beautifully restored boutique cinema in the historic Arts Centre. The film showing will be ‘When a City Rises’ by Gerard Smyth. After the film, Gerard will be there in person for an exclusive Q&A session, and then the evening is yours to explore the CBD or dine from one of the many nearby restaurants.
Enjoy a fabulous Progressive Dinner through Christchurch CBD, dining at some of the best restaurants in the City - Gin Gin, Soul Quarter and Hali. All three restaurants are finalists in the 2021 Canterbury Hospitality Awards. Please note that drinks are not included in the attendance price.
Street art tells a story of what the city is, what it was, and what it could be. This tour is a fun way to explore Christchurch, whether you are a long-time resident or a first time visitor! Over several hours, you will be taken on a journey of street art, murals and graffiti. We will show you things big and small, explain the history of urban art, Christchurch’s recent emergence as a street art destination and tell you more about the artists and inspirations behind each work. Finish at Riverside Market where delegates can choose to sample one of the many relaxed dinner options (at their cost).
The Juniper Collective (Central Christchurch City), check out their website here.
Indulge in beautiful NZ gins and broaden your knowledge of our gin industry from the new Gin Boutique in the heart of Christchurch.
Serve (Central City) - check out their website here | check out their instagram photos and videos here.
Includes a dedicated game master.
Delegates would be asked to choose a team â North Island or South Island to get into the competitive spirit.
Got some spare time you'd like to fill?
Check out LISTEN UP ŌTAUTAHI - a guided audio tour app created for locals and and visitors to experience our city in new ways.
Get your headphones out and head to Victoria Square to explore our Antarctic Gateway City and learn about the explorers and scientists who have used it as a jumping off point. Or check out the Ōtautahi Architecture Guide to explore our city's built heritage.
Full details here
You'll have the option of registering for the above events when you complete the
full or day conference registration form.
