Things to do  |  Yesterday

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January's booked and busy with a variety of summer activities! Check out what's on in Christchurch this weekend.

Anthony Harper Summer Theatre

Elves, hobbits and orcs will take over the Botanic Gardens on Friday night from 7pm as The Lord of The Rings in 90 Minutes! makes its debut on the Archery Lawn. The 2026 season of Anthony Harper Summer Theatre is a fun-filled, laugh-a-minute journey into Middle Earth (and back again!)

Running from 9-25 January, the show brings you a playful spin on Tolkien’s famous trilogy. Anthony Harper Summer Theatre is a free event, but koha donations will be gratefully accepted by the production’s theatre company, Rollicking Entertainment. All ages are welcome, although these shows are best enjoyed by ages 12 years and over. 

Pool Party - Summer Splash!

No plans? No worries! We’ve got you covered with an unforgettable pool party at Norman Kirk Memorial Summer Pool, with fun for the whole whānau.

With massive inflatables and epic bouncy castles, there’s hours of fun to be had! Plus, thanks to our friends at Streets, we’ll even have free ice creams—get in quick, they’ll go fast! Come along from midday to 5pm Saturday.  

Stream Scientists - Christchurch Envirokids

Suit up for an exciting session all about our waterways at Stream Science. Discover how streams support life, meet the local tuna, and explore how we can all help keep our awa clean and thriving. Find out why healthy waterways are so important, how stormwater affects our streams, and the everyday actions we can take to protect our urban waterways.

Get hands-on with fun activities, explore and learn about the components that make up a healthy river. Head down to the Botanic Gardens Kiosk from 10am Saturday.

Live at the Point 2026

Returning this year, Live at the Point is a free set of events for all ages set in the grounds of the former Godley House in Diamond Harbour.

Take the ferry over from Lyttelton, and enjoy music from a diverse range of bands, from jazz to folk and indie, and everything in between! Food and drink are available on site, come along from 1 – 5pm.

A Market Hoopla!

Celebrate summer holidays and come on down to the first Riverlution Market of 2026 and join Clí for a hoopla. Clí will have everything you need on hand to teach and help you to make your very own hula hoop, sized just for you and your choice of colours!

Suitable for all ages, whether you've never hooped before and are curious, or you're a seasoned pro looking to connect, we've got space for you. Register interest online and come along from 9.30 – 11.30am.