Slide’n’Ride to New Brighton fireworks

A novel Slide’n’Ride offer is set to make getting to New Brighton’s annual fireworks celebration hassle-free.

Crowds enjoy the fireworks over New Brighton Pier.

“Thousands of people will be heading to New Brighton for the Treetech Fireworks Spectacular on Friday 2 November and we don’t want them stuck in traffic for hours because it’s bad for the environment and takes the gloss off the night,’’ says Christchurch City Council Events and Art Manager Karena Finnie.

“To make it easy for people to get into New Brighton we’re going to be running free shuttle buses from Taiora QEII.  That means people will be able to park at Taiora QEII or on one of the surrounding streets and go by bus the rest of the way.

“The buses will run regularly from 5 to 8pm and every bus passenger over the age of 5 will get a complimentary ticket for a hydroslide ride which they can use at either Taiora QEII or at Jellie Park.

 “At the end of the night, when the fireworks have ended, there will be free buses to bring people back to Taiora QEII.  The buses, which will depart between 9.30 and 10.30pm, will be able to bypass road closures and will have priority over other vehicles when leaving New Brighton so it’s going to be a quicker alternative than taking your own car,’’ Ms Finnie says.

Bookings for the Slide’n’Ride will be essential as there will be no walk on places available on the buses.

You can book tickets here.

Food vendors will be in New Brighton Mall from 6pm.

Bookings will be needed for everyone who takes up a seat. Toddlers and babies will be allowed on without a booking, provided they are held securely in a caregiver’s lap. Please be aware there will be very little space available on the buses for prams.

There will be security at the Taiora QEII carpark. Volunteers will also be on hand at the carpark and at New Brighton to provide assistance to those using the free shuttle buses.

The Treetech Fireworks Spectacular has been moved to a Friday night this year to make the event more family-friendly. The pyrotechnics will kick off at 9pm to the theme of Anthems of Rock.

“The fireworks are going to rock people’s world so everyone needs to make sure they keep the night free. There will be food trucks stationed in New Brighton Mall and in the two main beachfront carparks from 6pm so we’re encouraging people to make a night of it and really enjoy all that New Brighton has to offer,’’ Ms Finnie says.

In the event of bad weather, the Treetech Fireworks Spectacular will be held on Saturday, 3 November.  Keep an eye on the Council’s Facebook page for updates.