20 Oct 2017

There's a great range of events on in Christchurch and Banks Peninsula for those looking to make the most of the long weekend.

Diwali Indian Festival of Lights

Get a taste of Bollywood at during Diwali - the Indian Festival of Lights. Diwali in Christchurch has grown significantly in the past 11 years and the event is now attended by thousands of people. This year the event is being held at Horncastle Arena between 2 and 9pm on Saturday. There will be stage performances by local performers from different states of India, music, dance, food stalls selling regional and authentic Indian food, and trade stalls selling Indian dresses and shoes. Find out more on the Indian Social and Cultural Club's Facebook page

Orton Bradley Park's Spring Fair

On Sunday head to Orton Bradley Park, in Charteris Bay, for one of Beca Heritage Week's feature events - the Spring Fair.  There will be live music, food and market stalls as well as a chance to explore the park's heritage buildings and to learn about our colonial past. The fair is on from 10am to 4pm and entry is $10 for adults. If you take the ferry across to Diamond Harbour you can get a free shuttle to Orton Bradley Park. If you are heading there by car, there will be free paddock parking. 

Extravaganza at Ferrymead Heritage Park

Step back in time at Ferrymead Heritage Park's Extravaganza. The Extravaganza is on Sunday and Monday between 10am and 4.30pm. You will get discounted admission to the park and unlimited rides on the stream trains, trams, double decker and trolley buses. Food vendors will be on site and there will be face painting and other fun activities for the kids.

Flower Power Garden Trail

If you looking for inspiration for your own garden you should take the opportunity to have a look around some of the beautiful gardens of Little River and Birdlings Flat during the Flower Power Garden Trail.  Discover gardens designed to cope with the challenging climate of Birdling's Flat, find protea, leucadendron and hazelnut growers in lush Okuti Valley, tour a medicinal herb farm, wander the grounds of historic Wairewa Homestead and check out the comfy seats in the backyard cinema. The gardens are open from 10am to 4pm each day of the long weekend.