Kickstart the first month of the year with a range of exciting activities. From interactive festivals to comedy shows, outdoor adventures and more…there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Christchurch. Here’s 25 of the best things to do this January 2023 in Christchurch.
1. Enjoy Bread & Circus 2023
Summer isn’t complete without this world-famous buskers festival. It makes its grand return from January 13 to 29 to mark 30 years in business. With plenty of events spread from outdoor shows to busking, across various genres from circus, comedy, family and much more…it’s a superb celebration for everyone in the family. Certainly, one of the best festivals to attend this season.
📍Various Locations
2. Say farewell to Elton John
On January 24, everyone’s favourite rocket man, Elton John, will play in Christchurch for the first time in 30 years, but also the last time ever. The Farewell Yellow Brick Road World Tour takes place at Orangetheory Stadium at 7.30pm. Better hurry if you want the last remaining tickets on Ticketmaster.
📍Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch
3. Party at a new festival
Golden Lights Music Festival 2023 is the perfect new day festival, for electronic music lovers, to attend in New Brighton on January 6. Dance away to UK Grime rapper Dizzie Rascal, alongside headliners like Alison Wonderland, Friction and more. Get tickets on the Golden Run website.
📍Trusts Arena, Qeii Park, North New Brighton
SEE MORE: The Best Festivals 2023 To Go To In Christchurch
4. Visit the new Holey Moley Golf And Archie Bros
This immersive house of fun opened in late 2022 in Christchurch. From quirky mini golf, bowling, funky cocktails from two peculiar bars and an arcade with an array of entertainment…both adults and kids won’t be bored.
📍617 Colombo Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
5. Laugh with Jimmy Carr
Award-winning British comedian Jimmy Carr is gracing the stage with his world tour Terribly Funny on January 17. Comedy fans won’t want to miss one of the funniest TV hosts and star of 8 Out Of 10 Cats. His controversial one-liners will have you falling off your seat with laughter. Read further about Jimmy Carr in Christchurch.
📍Horncastle Arena, Christchurch
6. Go on one of the Christchurch Astro Tours
Why not book a personal stargazing tour of the Southern night sky? Tickets begin at $40 and the experience is just 40 minutes from the city.
📍156 Greenpark Road, Lincoln 7674, New Zealand
7. Try Veganuary 2023
Since 2014, Veganuary has inspired millions of people worldwide. Why not try out this 31 day challenge where you go vegan for the whole month? Luckily, we’ve already listed the best vegan eateries in Christchurch to help you out!
📍Various Locations
8. Cuddle alpacas
Calm your soul this month by cuddling up to over 170 adorable alpacas just one hour from Christchurch. Read about this Alpaca Farm experience here.
9. Go Jet Boating
Alpine Jet Thrills offers exciting boating activities during the summer months. For example, Jet boating involves skimming across the waters, against the backdrop of the Southern Alps and waterfalls of the Waimakariri River.
📍1 Main North Road, Coutts Island, Christchurch 7630
10. Take a trip to Hanmer Springs
Take a quick day trip to the lush Hanmer Springs village. Read all about the best things to do in Hanmer Springs here.
11. Watch a comedy show
Every Friday, pay just $16 to see the hilarious comedy show Scared Scriptless in The Court Theatre until February 7. Certainly, you’ll be laughing your head off at Canterbury’s best performers. Get tickets on eventfinda.
📍The Court Theatre, Addington
12. Tick off a summer activity
For those who love the summer days, we’ve rounded up a range of best seasonal things to do for you to take advantage of. From rooftop bars to forest adventures and wine tasting…you won’t be bored. Check out our guide here.
13. Serve ping pongs at this cool bar
An epic new ping pong club opened late last year. Read all about this unmissable experience here.
📍166 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011
14. Play Human Foosball
Pay $10 each with six people to play an exciting game of human foosball at Velocity Karts. While you’re there, check out Blokarts and Driftkarts for some extra thrills.
📍Bexley Reserve, entry opposite 499 Pages Road, Bexley, Christchurch 8061
15. Indulge at Rollickin Gelato
Enjoy the best seasonal desserts at one of our favourite ice cream shops in Christchurch.
📍Two Locations
16. Go to the beach
With summer in full swing, it’s the perfect time to explore Christchurch’s best beaches. Read all about them here.
17. Visit Arion Farm
Summer is the perfect time to see the newborn animals at Arion Farm Park. From baby sheep and lambs, pigs, birds, bunnies and more…it’s the perfect place for animal lovers, of all ages, to enjoy a day out.
📍90 McLeans Island Road, McLeans Island, Christchurch 8051
18. Relax at Ōpuke Thermal Pools and Spa
There are thermal hot springs and then there is Ōpuke Thermal Pools and Spa just an hour from Christchurch. Found in Methven, it’s a perfect escape from the rush of daily life and the region invites you to slow down, relax and soak up the environment. And the pools themselves are special as well, sourced from the mountains and powered by the Sun. Read further about it here.
📍35 Mount Hutt Station Road, Methven
19. Try an Escape Room
For one hour, travel to another world through the magic of virtual reality. You’ll need at least one extra person to take part in this game, and you can select between games like Alice In Wonderland, Jungle Quest, Chernobyl and more. Indeed, one of the best things to do without alcohol.
📍 166 St Asaph Street, Central City, Christchurch 8011
20. Punting On The Avon
We awarded this one of the best places to kiss before, but it’s also an excellent activity any time of the year. Book a 45-minute private charter Edwardian-style boat to glide down the Avon River.
📍Avon River, Christchurch
21. Have brunch at a beachside eatery
Sumner Social is the perfect place to indulge on a meal with a few bevvies this summer. Order a Bloody Mary with breakfast and enjoy the views by the sea. Plus, it’s pet-friendly so you don’t need to leave your furry friend at home.
SEE MORE: The Best Brunch Places In Christchurch
22. Trek around Godley Head
Pack a lunch, grab a friend and opt for a spectacular hike at Godley Head. Just a 50 minutes drive from the centre, begin at Taylor’s Mistake Beach and embark on a trail enriched in history and culture, from its WW2 origins to spotting plenty of wildlife to breathtaking coastal adventures.
📍 Godley Head Road, Sumner, Christchurch
23. Take a dip in hot pools
He Puna Taimoana at New Brighton offers plenty of hot pools and a fantastic place to relax and recharge your batteries. Plus, it’s one of our favourite date ideas and a delightful place to watch the sunset.
📍 195 Marine Parade, New Brighton, Christchurch 8083
24. Walk around Bottle Lake Forest
Take advantage of a sunny day by venturing through this exotic pine forest that spreads across 800 acres of land. Opt to walk with friends, run, mountain bike and more. Certainly, one of the best free things to do that passes the time this January.
📍 Waitikiri Drive, Bottle Lake, Christchurch 8083
25. Take a majestic hot air balloon
This pricey activity offers the most breathtaking once-in-a-lifetime views over the Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps. Appreciate everything afar high in the sky. Undoubtedly, this experience presents the most picturesque gram-worthy moments which will leave your followers totally jealous. Book via Ballooning Canterbury.
📍 2136 Bealey Road, Hororata 7671, New Zealand