Christchurch Arts Centre, Christchurch (2024) - Images, Timings

Christchurch Arts Centre , Christchurch Overview

The Christchurch Arts Centre or The Arts Centre Te Matariki Toi Ora is a national landmark of New Zealand, which has been undergoing restoration since the devastating Christchurch earthquake in 2011. The centre has various famous museums within its boundaries, like the Rutherford’s Den and the Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities; apart from those, it also has many eateries, boutique art galleries, offices, retailers, etc.

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What to Do

The Arts Centre Mākete- The Arts Centre Mākete is held on every Sunday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM in the Market Square and is loved both by locals and tourists alike because of the unique handmade goods that are sold by the local artisans. The market has stalls not only for arts and crafts but also for fresh and delicious food items that are high in quality.

Ti Kouka String-Making Classes- Tī Kōuka string-making classes are held for visitors from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, except during the months of June and July when this event takes place only on Fridays. It is held at Rekindle in the Christchurch Boys’ High School building. Visitors are taught how to make cabbage tree leaf strings and rope-making and the event is open to all ages.

Posh Porridge Pop-Ups- Posh Porridge pop-ups open from 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM on every Wednesday at the Rollickin gelato and cafe in the Boys’ High School building. The stall serves three famous porridges as their staple menu - the raspberry compote and white chocolate crumble; banana, toffee sauce, and roasted almonds and boysenberry compote, banana, almond granola and maple syrup along with a change in seasonal choice of topping every week.

University of Canterbury School of Music Lunchtime Concert Series- The University of Canterbury School of Music Lunchtime Concert Series are held from 1:10 PM. to 2:00 PM on every Friday between 22nd February to 5th April, 3rd May and 31st May, 19th July and 23rd August, 13th September and 18th October 2019. The concerts showcase performances by local artists as well as international musicians encompassing all genres.

Fantastic Feasts- The Fantastic Feasts exhibition is held from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM in the Teece Museum. The exhibition opened on the 6th of April 2019 and will continue till 23rd February 2020. The event sheds light on the history of food with regards to the ancient Greeks and Romans, including information on their belief that food and gods were related in more ways than one, and the different food traditions followed in various communities.

How To Reach Christchurch Arts Centre

The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora can be reached via both private and public transport since it is located in the heart of Christchurch and is surrounded by other popular tourist attractions too.
Canterbury Museum station and Rolleston Ave near Gloucester St. are bus stations found close to the Museum.
There are two tram stops right outside the Arts Centre, which come through the central city.
Apart from the metered parking on street, visitors can also opt for the 10 or 30-minute car park that is located at Market Square, which lies near the border of Worcester Boulevard and Montreal Street. The number of spaces available, although, are limited.
The other off-street car parks that are available are privately owned or are owned by the Christchurch City Council.
A lot of cycling routes also lead up to the Arts Centre, and the cycles can be parked in racks available right outside the Boys’ High School building or by the marquee in Market Square or in front of the Canterbury Museum.