Partners Activities 

Self guided options

Explore Ōtautahi Christchurch while the conference is underway
Relax, connect and discover some of the city’s most loved attractions — all within easy reach of Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre.

Punt on the Avon River
Daily 9 am – 4:30 pm · Antigua Boat Sheds, 2 Cambridge Terrace
Glide gently along the Avon River on a handcrafted punt. Your 30-minute guided ride offers a tranquil view of the Botanic Gardens, willows and heritage bridges — a classic Christchurch experience.
Book now:
https://www.christchurchattractions.nz/punting/


Christchurch Botanic Gardens Tour
Thu–Sun 10 am – 3:30 pm · Rolleston Ave entrance
Sit back and enjoy a 50-minute eco-shuttle tour with live commentary highlighting seasonal blooms across 21 hectares of the Botanic Gardens — a beautiful way to see the Garden City in comfort.
Book tour:
https://www.christchurchattractions.nz/botanic-gardens-tour/


Āmiki Tours — Kai, Culture and Stories
Learn from passionate guides who share Māori legends, settler histories and the city’s vibrant post-earthquake renewal on these immersive walking and food tours.
View options:
https://www.amikitours.com/


Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū — Free Guided Tours
Daily 11 am & 2 pm · No booking needed
Friendly 45-minute highlight tours introduce current exhibitions from local and international artists. Meet at the front desk — it’s a free and welcoming experience for art lovers.
Gallery tours:
https://christchurchartgallery.org.nz/events/daily-guided-tours

Urban Explorer Bike Tour
Discover Christchurch’s street art, heritage buildings and riverside cycleways on a flat, guided 2½-hour ride. Ideal for all levels; minimum two guests per tour.
Check times:
https://www.chillout.co.nz/pages/urban-explorer-bike-tour


The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora — Guided Heritage Tour
Wed–Sun 11 am & 1 pm · 2 Worcester Boulevard
Explore 22 Heritage NZ-listed buildings on a 90-minute walk through Christchurch’s arts and culture precinct. Hear stories of restoration and peek behind the scenes before browsing boutiques and galleries.
Tour info:
https://www.artscentre.org.nz/whats-on/walking-tours/


Fragranzi — Artisan Perfume Studio
Inside The Arts Centre · Drop-in 10 am – 5 pm
Create your own signature scent in a 15-minute “Make Your Own Perfume” session or browse locally made fragrances and gifts. A perfect souvenir from Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Visit:
https://www.fragranzi.co.nz/make-your-own-fragrance


Christchurch Tram — Hop-On Hop-Off City Loop
Daily 8 am – 6 pm · CBD route
Explore central Christchurch from a beautifully restored heritage tram with live commentary. Unlimited rides for the day; stops include Cathedral Square, Riverside Market and New Regent Street.
Buy tickets:
https://www.christchurchattractions.nz/christchurch-tram/

What’s on in Christchurch
19 - 21 November 2025

Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū
Enjoy major exhibitions including Hye Rim Lee: Swan Lake, Peter Robinson: Charcoal Drawing, and Whāia te Taniwha.
View Exhibitions: https://christchurchartgallery.org.nz/exhibitions/


CoCA — Centre of Contemporary Art Toi Moroki
Canterbury Potters Association 52nd Annual Exhibition (12 – 23 Nov 2025)
Explore a showcase of new ceramic works from over 50 local artists in Ō Papa Gallery. Free entry.
Exhibition info: https://coca.org.nz/exhibitions/cpa-52nd/


The Court Theatre
9 to 5 The Musical opens Friday 21 November 2025 (NZ premiere season).
A feel-good evening of music and laughs in Christchurch’s new central city venue.
Tickets: https://courttheatre.org.nz/shows/9-to-5-the-musical/


Isaac Theatre Royal & James Hay Theatre (City Town Hall)
Check the city’s heritage venues for concerts and special events during conference week.
Event listings: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/venue/james-hay-theatre-christchurch

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Image © Nicola Ponsonby