A range of activities are available to participate in that take in the best Christchurch has to offer. Earlybird delegates will be given access to register for their chosen activity from June and activities will then be available to select during the registration process for new delegates.
Spaces on some activities are limited and there are also minimum numbers for some activities to run so we encourage you to register for your preferred option as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
For those who want to make their own arrangements during this time, please advise on the form that you do not wish to participate in an activity as this will assist our planning.
Adventure Park Hiking
Duration: 3 hours
Take a trip to Christchurch Adventure Park to enjoy one of their unique walking trails. The reason they are so unique is that you will see, and experience sights and views of Christchurch not seen from any other location. See and hear zipliners shouting as they fly by overhead and watch out for the mountain bikers as they come whizzing past, the sense of adventure is all around you. Stop by the café to treat yourself to something delicious and relax on the deck afterwards.
Option 1: Forest loop walking trail. Keep your eyes and ears open for the sights and sounds of native birds as you enjoy a 30 to 45-minute loop trail through a unique pine forest.
Option 2: The uphill trail is 5.3 km long and is shared use for both walkers and bikers. It starts at the Village carpark near the base of Zipline #4 and traverses its way to the top of the hill. Ride the chairlift down. Give yourself anywhere from 1.5 to 2 hours depending on your fitness.
Includes a $10 cafe voucher for Option 1 and Option 2.
Adventure Park Mountain Biking
Silver Business Partner: Linewize
Duration: 3 hours
Be totally stoked out by the stunning machine and hand-built mountain bike trails. From flowy bike trails for beginners, sweeping intermediate trails for the next step up, epic world-class jump tracks for those who crave air and hand-built technical trails for the experts among us. Bike rental includes the Giant Glory in various sizes. The bikes were specifically chosen for the Park's terrain. With over 40 trails from fun flows to adrenaline fueled technical descents, our trail network is suitable for every level of rider.
Adventure Park Scenic Chair Lift Ride
Gold Business Partner: ScholasticNZ
Duration: 3 hours
At 1.8 kilometres long the Christchurch Adventure Park chairlift is the longest in New Zealand. Travel up and down on our chairlift for a stunning scenic ride taking in the adventures around you as you go. You will dismount at the top and there is a short walk to take some snaps with views across the city and out to the Pacific Ocean and the Southern Alps in the background- a selfie-spot must.
Adventure Park Zip Line
Gold Business Partner: OfficeMax
Duration: 3 hours
The 4th zipline, aka The Long Ride, is the longest in New Zealand at a whopping 1.1 kilometres. Experience the adrenaline rush of racing through the forest while you fly down the longest Zipline in New Zealand, all while taking in the incredible views around you.
Restrictions: Must be between 27kg and 125kg; Above 122cm in height; Have no current broken bones; Have no back issues; are not currently pregnant; able to walk on uneven terrain for extended periods of time.
AirForce Museum - Behind the Scenes Tour
Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes
Take a fully guided, private tour and discover the work that goes on ‘behind the scenes’ in our Collections areas, as well learning more about our historic buildings.
Location: Reserve Collection area, conservation workshops, tarmac area
Antigua Boatsheds Kayak Hire
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
The Antigua Boat Sheds have been a part of Christchurch’s history for over 130 years and are classified as a Category 1 Historic Building. Conveniently located on the banks of the Avon River in the heart of the city and within 15 minutes’ walk of Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, they are home to a traditional and iconic Christchurch pastime that retains all the trappings of Edwardian England, as well as to an excellent café and catering service. On this activity set your course for adventure and embark on an iconic Christchurch boating adventure on the Avon River in a single or double kayak.
Arts Centre of Christchurch Tour
Duration: 2 hours
Enjoy a 1.5 hour guided tour exploring the rich history of The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora site, formerly used by Canterbury College (now the University of Canterbury) and Christchurch Boys’ and Christchurch Girls’ High Schools. There are 23 buildings on site, of which 22 are listed by Heritage New Zealand with 21 categorized as Historic Place Category One. Includes a visit to Rutherford's Den exhibition.
BBQ Masterclass
Gold Business Partner: CrestClean
Duration: 3 hours
Immerse yourself in the world of bbq and learn how to cook ribs, steak, wings, pork belly, brisket and lamb. Two beverages and a bbq platter with tastings of all the meats and sides is included in this package.
Chocolate Journey Experience (at Ohinetahi Homestead and Gardens)
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Let us take you on the extraordinary journey from cacao to chocolate.
• Join experienced Chocolatiers on the fascinating 'Bean to Bar' journey of chocolate
• Enjoy a cacao tasting journey as it makes its way towards innovative flavours displaying its unique regional complexity
Engage in demonstrations as cacao is processed and shaped into chocolate
• Gain insight into cacao farming and the ethics of chocolate
• Become a true chocolate aficionado! Tasting award winning bars from She Universe
This experience sits within the setting of the historic Ohinetahi Gardens, considered to be among the finest in New Zealand. There will be time to explore the over 1.25 hectares of garden. Ōhinetahi is also home to two galleries, sculpture and woodland trails, and a significant 19th century homestead.
Christchurch City Sights - Sumner, Lyttelton, Sign of the Takahe
Duration: 3 hours
Enjoy a fun and informative Christchurch City tour. Discover the city’s fascinating history from pioneering days to modern times. View areas affected by the devastating earthquake of 2011 and see how the vision to rebuild and restore Christchurch is coming to life. Enjoy fantastic views over Christchurch and Canterbury out to the southern alps from the Sign of the Takahe. Our friendly local guides are passionate about our great city, and we look forward to welcoming you on-board.
Christchurch Gondola
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
The Christchurch Gondola is situated on the Port Hills of Ōtautahi Christchurch, just 15 minutes from Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre. The Summit Station of the Gondola provides spectacular panoramic 360-degree views from its elevation sitting on Mt Cavendish. Once at the summit, experience the Christchurch Discovery Ride: a dramatic reconstruction of the history of the region from millions of years ago to the present day.
Craft Beer Tour
Gold Business Partner: Fujifilm Business Innovation
Duration: 3 hours
Come & experience two of Christchurch’s Craft breweries. This tour starts with a pickup from one of our very friendly team members in our modern comfortable vehicles. Learn about the brewing process and what goes into a premium product. Ask the brewer questions. Enjoy 4 tastings at each location and some light snacks.
Endota Spa Treatment
Silver Business Partner: Tertiary Education Commission
Duration: Allow 40 minutes at the venue
Just a short walk from Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, book in for a 30-minute treatment at Endota Spa and choose between a Relax express massage or Organic express facial. A limited number of appointments during the afternoon are available to choose from.
International Antarctic Centre and Hagglund Ride
Silver Business Partner: Alsco Fresh & Clean
Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes
Explore Antarctica at the International Antarctic Centre – an award-winning visitor destination where you will be taken on a guided visit through the attraction. Experience includes Hagglund Field Trip - amazing all-terrain amphibious Antarctic vehicle that’s been built to conquer the rough terrain on the ice - Storm Dome, Penguin rescue, HD Theatre, 4D Theatre, and Husky Zone. Enjoy a nip of Shackelton Whisky to warm up your visit.
Jet Boat Experience
Gold Business Partner: pcMedia Limited
Duration: 2 hours
20 minutes of jet boating on the Braided Shallows of one of New Zealand’s most challenging and exhilarating rivers – the Waimakariri. Experience the thrills that only jet boating offers – skim the shallows, spin in your own boat length - under the guidance of our skilled drivers. No-one knows the Waimakariri like Alpine Jet Thrills!
Lyttelton Harbour Cruise
Silver Business Partner: NZ Uniforms
Duration: 3 hours
Your two-hour harbour discovery cruise is packed with highlights. Known as the gateway to Antarctica, with rich Maori history and stories of the very first early settlers, to New Zealand’s largest working harbour on the South Island, you’ll uncover Lyttelton’s fascinating past. Each cruise is fully narrated by your skipper who has extensive knowledge of the nature, wildlife, and history of the harbour. Lyttelton Harbour was a live volcano millions of years ago and there are many spectacular ancient lava flows to be seen. You will be cruising along the belly of an extinct volcanic crater.
Private City Tram Ride
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
The Christchurch Tram offers an opportunity to step back in time to a grand era of transport, offering a unique, elegant, and environmentally friendly way to see the city on a private tram. The 50-minute route takes you through downtown Christchurch with informative and entertaining on-board commentary. Nearby attractions include the Bridge of Remembrance, Quake City, Christchurch Cathedral, Canterbury Museum, Hagley Park, Victoria Square, and New Regent Street.
Riverside Kitchen Masterchef Cook-off
Silver Business Partner: impactED
Duration: 2 hours
Take part in your very own Masterchef competition. Participants will be split into teams and given a recipe and ingredients to make a sharing plate. When the cooking is finished your plates will be judged before everyone gets a chance to taste them all. (two drinks included).
Tokona te Raki Social Innovation Lab
Duration: 3 hours
Tokona te Raki is a social innovation lab owned by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. We have a staff of 25 working on projects that support the vision of equity for Māori by 2040. Our staff will welcome principals and share some of our project work with them, particularly our work to end the practice of streaming and ability grouping. The manager of Mātauranga (Education) for Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu will talk about her work, particularly around NZ Aotearoa histories and we will have a short tour of the building.
The Spirits Workshop Distillary Tour
Gold Business Partner: ASB Bank
Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes
Take a tour of the Distillery Workshop and learn direct from these talented distillers how Whisky and Gin are made, see the stills, soak up the smell of the barrel room and finish with a guided tasting and a bottle of gin to take home.
The Tannery Shopping
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
The Tannery boutique shopping centre has a range of exciting and unique shops, housed in an amazing architectural shopping destination. The Tannery is the place for individuals to shop, people who love quality, like to make ethical purchases and want to support local crafts and artisans. It is a hub of creativity and hospitality, retail, craft, and entertainment. Covering fashion, gifts, homewares, crafts, dining, and health and beauty. There is something for everyone. Includes $20 voucher to be used at any participating store.
Waka on Avon
Silver Business Partner: Resene
Duration: 1 hour
Experience the excitement of paddling a hand-crafted waka down the Avon River and learn about the importance of the waka to Māori culture. Enjoy early stories of Canterbury's Ngāi Tahu iwi and the earliest European settlers, and the positive things they achieved building the city of Christchurch together.
Wine Tour: Sip and Savour Winery Experience
Gold Business Partner: Furnware / Resero
Duration: 3 hours
This tour visits two boutique wineries. You’ll taste a selection of three wines complemented by a platter to share at Melton Estate Winery. The winery is surrounded by Pinot Noir vines, including an expansive deck overlooking the vineyards.
Taste three exceptional wines at the award winning Straight8 Estate Winery, located at the top of the Canterbury Plains. They produce an award-winning range of single vineyard wines.
Your Serve: Ping Pong and Darts
Gold Business Partner: PhotoLife
Duration: 3 hours
Serve it up at this dynamic ping pong hub! Fierce rallies, tech-savvy tables, and a buzzing atmosphere make every match a thrill and the smart dartboards amp up the fun, offering games for both rookies and pros. Perfect your throw, enjoy the vibe, and let the games begin!
Venue staff will organise some fun comps for some light-hearted rivalry and team bonding. You will enjoy two hours of ping pong and darts, pizzas and fries to share and two drinks per person.
