Pockets of Awesome

01/07/2024

Winter is a time for all the warm fuzzies, but not everyone in Ōtautahi Christchurch has access to items that keep them warm during the colder months. 😢

That’s where the superheroes 🦸‍♀️ at Christchurch Attractions and the Salvation Army come in – and they’re asking for our help!

Christchurch Attractions is teaming up once again with the Salvation Army this winter to make a difference in our community! ❄️🛌

Join them at Cathedral Square on Friday, July 12th between 11am - 2pm, where the iconic Christchurch Tram will be parked to collect blankets, duvets, and comforters for those in need.

In return for your generous donation, receive a FREE adult tram ticket valued at $40! 🚃✨

Remember, your donation can be a new or freshly laundered used item. Visit their website for more details 👉 https://www.christchurchattractions.nz/winter-blanket-collection/

Let's spread warmth and kindness this winter! See you there! ❤️

26/06/2024

Did someone say immersive installations? – yes, yes, they did!!! 🕶📺

What does that even mean you may ask? 🤷‍♀️

As part of the documentary festival (Doc Edge) currently happening in Ōtautahi Christchurch, virtual reality projects have been set up for a whole different experience on an international scale. 🌏

It’s all happening at the Christchurch Town Hall between 27-30 June. 🏚

From an immersive experience preserving Banksy’s artwork left on the rubble of Ukraine, to an interactive VR experience diving into a society shaped by panopticon, and an immersive film screening on an 11-metre curved projection screen – you will be blown away! 😲😲

For tickets, click the link below 👇

Immerse yourself in an interactive experience that takes you through two of the most impactful projects of 2024 that brings you closer than you have ever been

21/06/2024

Mānawatia a Matariki ✨

A time of reflection, celebration and preparation.

The festivities 🎉 have already begun across the city and will continue until the end of next weekend.

There are many Matariki events happening right here in Ōtautahi Christchurch so be sure to gather the whānau and get amongst the celebrations. 💜

It’s a vibrant time to explore the city - check out the article below 👇 for all the happenings!

A time of reflection, celebration and preparation; it is nearly time to celebrate Matariki. Discover the events happening right here in Ōtautahi Christchurch!

21/06/2024

If you didn't already know🤷‍♀️, there's currently an epic film festival on in Ōtautahi Christchurch., called Doc Edge. 📽🎬

As part of this festival, experience '64 Ways of Being,' an augmented reality urban art experience that draws together indigenous and tauiwi (non-Māori) artists and the diverse stories of our city through playable public art, encouraging people to engage with the city in new ways. 😲

Sound confusing? We'll let the video below do the explaining for you 👇👇

TOMORROW, join project coordinator Kris Herbert and Kate Finnerty (Gap Filler) on the 64 Ways of Being journey at 2pm at Tūranga Central City Library.

Don't forget to charge up your mobile📱 and bring along some headphones!

Annnnnd if you're really keen, head down earlier at 1pm to catch the artist panel/discussion.

Learn more 👉 https://docedge.nz/exhibitions/64-ways-of-being/

See Your City Through New Eyes... through stories of resilience and how cities can be reimagined through times of crisis. In this story, the Ōtakaro / Avon R...

20/06/2024

Hands up if you love living in Ōtautahi Christchurch! 🙌🙌

We always knew living in Christchurch meant you could have it all - and now it's official! 😁😁

The UK and Europe dominated the 2024 Happy City Index. But the Garden City was streets ahead of other Kiwi contenders.

19/06/2024

Birria taco lovers 🌮❤️ this one’s for you!

Head down to the Arts Centre in Christchurch to try Birria Boss NZ.

Their motto is about sharing good food! 😋

They’re part of an awesome community of food trucks serving up delicious kai.

Not only are their birria tacos absolutely boss, but their birria ramen is on fire! 🔥

Catch them every Thursday-Sunday (extended hours coming soon) - you can thank us later! 😉

👉 Birria Boss Food Truck
📍 The Arts Centre, 17 Hereford Street
⌚ Thursday 12pm-9pm, Friday 11am-4pm, Saturday 10am-4pm, & Sunday 1pm-5pm

18/06/2024

🐧❄️ Attention all Antarctic explorers and adventure seekers! ❄️🐧

🌟 For one week only, from June 24-30 June 2024, the International Antarctic Centre is turning up the excitement! 🌟

Take up the unique opportunity to get an in-depth experience and insight into the Antarctic environment with an Antarctic guided tour! Led by their brilliant Antarctic Guides, you'll discover the secrets of this icy 🧊 wonderland and the groundbreaking research happening there. 🌏

🎟️ And here's the coolest 😎 part – ALL general admission tickets are 50% OFF! Whether you're a seasoned explorer or a first-time visitor, now's your chance to experience the magic of Antarctica at an incredible price. 🎟️

Spots for each tour are limited and all visitors, including Ambassador Club members must pre-book their tickets to visit the International Antarctic Centre.

👉 Reserve your spot today - https://www.iceberg.co.nz/antarctic-guided-tours/

17/06/2024

🍺🎉 Get ready to raise a glass at the Winter Beerfest on Saturday, 20th July! 🍻❄️

Join Two Thumb- Manchester St for this cool 😎❄ event - where the brews are cold, the music is hot, and good times are guaranteed!

They're stocking up their taps with over 20 winter brews from top-notch breweries — and if that's not enough to warm you up, they'll have mulled wine and ginger beer ready to add some extra cosiness to your day. 🍷🍺😋

Hungry? Don't worry, they've got you covered with The Food Dude and BEERS by Bacon Bro's on hand to ensure you stay well-fed throughout the day. 🌮 🍔

Doors swing open at 12pm, kicking off the festivities with live music by acoustic duo Nick and Dan at 2pm and when night falls, the DJs will keep the party vibes alive. 🎶💃

Want to score some sweet deals? Grab discounted tasting tickets in advance at - https://tinyurl.com/TTWinter

For just $39, you'll get a Two Thumb exclusive festival glass and 4 fills of your favourite brews. And if you're really thirsty for more, add another 4 fills for just $30.

How good! 😎😎

13/06/2024

Food lovers of Ōtautahi this one’s for you 👉

Join local chef, Adam Harrison (My Patch of Dirt) and his team for a series of pop-up dinners that highlight sustainable food sources and the importance of our wild game, fish resources and foraging – now that’s something we can get behind! 👏

You’re invited on a thought-provoking experience as they present wild game 🐗, speared fish 🐟, and foraged food 🌿 in a new and exciting way straight to your table.

The first of these dinners, ‘Hunted,’ will be held at Story on New Regent Street on 24 June from 6pm – and it’s one you deeeefffiiinnnnnitely don’t want to miss!

We’re talking a 6-course degustation menu celebrating the wild boar with drinks pairing. Each dish on the menu is thoughtfully prepared to offer you a nose-to-tail experience. 👌

The menu is all about honouring this magnificent animal.

Treat yourself – you won’t regret it! 😋

🤷‍♀ Hunted Degustation Dinner - $150pp
📍 Story 8 New Regent Street
📅 Monday 24th June 6pm
🎫 https://msha.ke/mypatchofdirt

12/06/2024

The FAST5 Netball World Series is making its grand return to Wolfbrook Arena, Christchurch, on November 9 &10, 2024! 🏐🎉

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend at FAST5! With six world class teams coming to town, it’s the ultimate event for all ages. Enjoy a vibrant celebration filled with music 🎵, dancing 💃, dress ups 👓, and amazing prizes 🎁, all centred around fast paced netball action! 🔥

Dive into a weekend of nonstop action, where you can witness the fierce competition, the unbelievable plays, and the unforgettable moments. 😲

🎫 Tickets are on sale now via Ticketek! Get in quick to secure the best seats in the house 👉 https://fast5netball.com/



Venues Ōtautahi Christchurch City Council

11/06/2024

If you're in the know about the haps in Christchurch then you'll be aware that Doc Edge Festival 🎥 is nearly here! With 66 films and 28 immersive projects on offer this Oscar® qualifying documentary festival is not to be missed!

Note the dates people: 19-30 June! 📅

Some of the festival films are highlighted below including stories of the multifaceted nature of identity, the challenges of overcoming fears and doubts to the quest to achieve greatness - ummmmmm, how wholesome! 🥰

The subjects, directors and/or producers of these four incredible stories will be in Ōtautahi Christchurch to participate in a Q&A session following their film screenings, so get your questions ready:

DEVI
https://docedge.nz/films/devi/
* supported by Asia NZ Foundation

ICE MAIDEN
https://docedge.nz/films/ice-maiden/
* supported by Australian High Commission NZ

RENEE GRACIE: FIREPROOF
https://docedge.nz/films/renee-gracie-fireproof/
* supported by Australian High Commission NZ

SHARKO
https://docedge.nz/films/sharko/



University of Canterbury, UC Digital Screen , Christchurch City Council and Venues Ōtautahi

07/06/2024

This Sunday experience Mark Hadlow Unleashed! 🤣

As part of a special fundraiser at The Court Theatre, prepare to be entertained by Mark, and special guests, as he gives you a behind the scenes insight into his looooong career (40 years) in the entertainment industry – just imagine the stories! 🤭🤭

You’ll know him from stage and screen, and this is your chance to see behind the curtain of this much-loved New Zealand actor and entertainer. We’re talking up close and personal here people!

Expect complimentary drinks (provided by Little Biddy) and canapes, a raffle and silent auction to make the night even better!

👉 Mark Hadlow Unleashed
📅 9 June
⌚ Doors open from 5.15pm
🎫 https://courttheatre.org.nz/whats-on/mark-hadlow-unleashed/

06/06/2024

Have you tried The Food Dude Chch yet?

Head down to Two Thumb- Manchester St ASAP to eat some SERIOUSLY good food, from the best dude in town! 🌮🙋‍♂️😋

They’re serving up delicious food from their food truck every Wednesday-Sunday from the early arvo!

Their Birria Taco is an absolute must try for those that like a lil spice in their life! 🌶️

👉The Food Dude Food Truck
📍Two Thumb Brewery, 353 Manchester Street
⏰ Wednesday & Thursday 5pm-9pm, Fridays 4pm-9pm, Saturday 2pm-10pm & Sunday 2pm-7pm

05/06/2024

⚡️ Go Live Festival ⚡️ returns for another epic year!

We're talking 15 acts performing across four stages at Christchurch Town Hall.

There's something for everyone with an incred mix of music performed by some of the best-emerging indie, rock and pop bands. 🎶

Run don't walk! Limited early bird tickets on sale now for only $25 (plus booking fee) 👉 https://premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.aspx?sh=GOLIVE24

📅 17 August
⏰ 7 - 11pm
📍 Christchurch Town Hall
😝 Get more info on the event: ccc.govt.nz/golive

30/05/2024

🍫Attention all chocolate and coffee lovers!☕

The Chocolatte International Foods Festival is back in 2024! 🎉

Get ready for a decadent experience at the Fo Guan Shan Buddhist Temple in Riccarton on Saturday 22 June.

But this one isn’t just for the chocolate and coffee addicts among us, it’s also for the cheese connoisseurs, and bakery lovers. We're talking barista coffee suppliers brewing up the perfect cup of joe, chocolate manufacturers creating mouthwatering masterpieces, cheese specialists offering tantalising goodness, and bakeries serving up freshly baked delights! 🎉🥐🧀☕️

From 10am-3pm, get ready to feast your senses on a wide range of delectable treats from the best in the bizz!

This is the ultimate food lover's dream come true and the best part is that entry is free if you register online before 19 June - https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2024/chocolatte-2024/christchurch

👉2024 Chocolatte International Foods Festival
📅 22 June 2024
⌚ 10am-3pm
📍Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple Christchurch (2 Harakeke Street)
🎫 Free entry when you register before 19 June

28/05/2024

Pink Lady Rooftop is back and better than ever 👋👋 with new owners, a new menu, and a new downstairs space to drink pink any day of the week, but especially on Wednesdays when they have epic cocktail deals! 💕🍸🍹

Oh, and get ready to carb load on a Tuesday night with all you can eat pasta!! 😋🍝

Annnnd, that’s not all - get ready to dance the night away 💃 every Friday and Saturday with renowned DJs from Aotearoa setting the tone across the integrated sound system covering both floors! 🎶

All we can say is, get down there folks!

22/05/2024

Calling all Fluffy Bake Shop fans – and if you’re not a fan, where have you been? 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♂️

Get ready to indulge in the fluffiest, most scrumptious baking around town once more as the Fluffy Bake Shop reopens in their new location on May 31st! 🙌🍰😋

The renos in the new store are just about finished at 150 Tuam Street – and the tradies will be filing out so you can file back in!

So, get ready for yummy treats galore as they welcome you back in store. 👋👋

🍩 Fluffy Bake Shop reopening in new location
📍 150 Tuam Street
📅 May 31st

16/05/2024

A new exhibition at CoCA - Centre of Contemporary Art Toi Moroki, opens THIS Friday 17 May from 5.30pm in the Ō Papa Gallery – and it’s one you want to treat
your senses to! 👀👂

MAP Resides, curated by Janaína Moraes and Kat Stefanova from MAP - Movement Art Practice, is a curation of MAP’s residency archives, featuring fragments of the experiences of some of the artists hosted between 2015 and 2024.

Movement Art Practice (MAP) is a not-for-profit contemporary dance organisation based in Ōtautahi Christchurch doing great things 💃🕺. Their mahi involves community dance classes, artist residencies, performance events, and workshops.

The opening will also feature a performance by Eliza Sanders, MAP's current resident. 💜💜

We hope you can join them Friday, but not to worry if your calendar 📅 is already full – the exhibition will be on until Sunday 26 May.

👉 MAP Resides
📅 17-26 May 14
📍 CoCA Centre of Contemporary Art – 66 Gloucester Street

15/05/2024

Attention all basketball fanatics 🏀 — prepare to be exhilarated because the Tall Blacks are coming to Ōtautahi Christchurch on Monday 25th November.

They take on Chinese Taipei in a FIBA Asia Cup Qualifier at Wolfbrook Arena.

Tickets are on sale now and will be in hot demand because this is the one and only Tall Blacks game happening in Aotearoa this year - https://premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.aspx?sh=TALLBLAC24

How lucky are we? 😎

It's time to show some love for our national team, so let's make some noise together in support of our beloved Tall Blacks! 🖤

🏀 Tall Blacks v Chinese Taipei
📅 Monday 25 November
⌚ 7pm
📍 Wolfbrook Arena
🎫 Tickets on sale now

Christchurch City Council and Venues Ōtautahi

07/05/2024

Cookie lovers, we have found the most delicious, chunky, gooey, decadent cookies EVER! 🍪

You're gonna wanna get in now before everyone hears about these UNREAL treats! 😋

HiddenCrumb_NZ is the best kept secret on the cookie scene in Ōtautahi! (But not for long 🤭🤭).

And they've got aaaaall the flovours including Crunchie, Biscoff, Red Velvet, Fairy Bread, Choc Peanut Butter and Bueno! 🤤🤤🤤

How can you get your hands on some? 🍪🍪 Head down to the The Seekers Mākete or find them on Instagram and message to order! Their handle is

06/05/2024

**This competition has now ended**

Competition Time! 🙌🙌

The Black Ferns are back in Ōtautahi Christchurch on Sunday 19th May, and we can’t wait to turn up and support them! 📢

We are excited to bring you an epic supporter’s package competition. This is your chance to WIN one of 8 x double passes (1 x adult and 1 x child) to the Black Ferns v Canada Test Match, lunch, transport and exclusive entry to the captains run the day before. 🙀
Ts and Cs apply.

30/04/2024

The doors of Ōtautahi's most amazing architecturally designed buildings will be open this weekend as we ✨celebrate✨ Open Christchurch

Take a look around those stunning churches ⛪ heritage buildings 🏰 galleries 🏙 and even homes 🏘 you've always wanted to see! 😍

For all the deets visit https://openchch.nz/

🏫 Open Christchurch
📍 Christchurch
📅 3-5 May

📷
Oxford Terrace Baptist Church + Housing (Andrew Barrie Lab, 2017 & 2022). Photo by Patrick Reynolds
Te Whare Tapere/The Common Room (Collins & Harman, 1916). Photo by Peanut Productions
Former MED Converter Station and Substation Building (Unknown, 1933; restoration: Three Sixty Architecture, 2022). Photo by Jason Mann.
Te Koraha, Rangi Ruru (Armson & Collins, 1886; alterations: Wilkie & Bruce, 2003). Photo courtesy of Rangi Ruru
Te Raekura Redcliffs School (Tennent Brown Architects, 2020). Photo by Andy Spain.
University of Canterbury - Jack Erskine Building (Architectus, Cook Hitchcock Sargisson & Royal Associates, 1994). Photo courtesy of University of Canterbury.
Kilwinning Lodge/Former Odd Fellows Lodge/Hammond Studio (Brother John Barnes 1881, 1903; restoration: Kotahi Engineers & Team Architects, 2023)

30/04/2024

Discover the extraordinary in the ordinary with 🙌 Every Brilliant Thing 🙌

Join The Court Theatre for an immersive 80-min journey where the ✨ magic ✨ of live theatre 🎭 transforms strangers into a community. 🤗🤗

This poignant play explores a seven-year-old's quest to create a list of everything brilliant to help their mother see the beauty in life again. 📃 With audience participation, delve into the heartwarming and sometimes heartbreaking moments that shape our lives. 💜 Saturday is the FINAL show so don't miss out!

Funny, sad, uplifting, and honest, Every Brilliant Thing is more than a play; it's a shared human experience that celebrates resilience and the joy of being alive. 😊😊

If you could add your own brilliant thing to the list, where would you start?

#1 Chocolate cupcakes
#2 Biiiig hugs
#5 Puppies
#25 Crunching leaves
#103 Growing my own herbs

🎭 Every Brilliant Thing
📅 Every night til Saturday 4 May
📍 Court Theatre, 36 Clarence Street South
🎟 https://courttheatre.org.nz/whats-on/every-brilliant-thing/

29/04/2024

Eeeeeek we've just had the best news 🥰

The legends at The Garden City Mākete are launching their weekly market- The Seekers Mākete ! 💜🧡💛

That means wholesome market visits 💐 tasty treats 🥐 and gorg wee finds 💎 EVERY Saturday morn! YAHOO!

Head on down for:
🕯 Local artisans
🧁 Tasty treats and snacks
🎶 Live music
🎨 Activities for the wee ones

💐 The Seekers Mākete
📍
📅 Every Saturday
⏰ 10am-4pm

26/04/2024

Is this the best avo on toast we've ever had!? 😋🥑

This brand spankin' new café in the heart of our city is called Dainty (honestly how cute is that for a name of a café 🥺 AND it's named after the owner's grandfather's café from the 60s, so sweet)!

We're not lying when we say this might just be the best ever avo on toast we've tried YUM! And can also give a BIIIG 11/10 for the hotcake for all my sweet tooths out there (we see you 💓🦷)!

Oh, also! They do this fun little ☕ coffee flight ☕ where you get a mini espresso, a mini filter coffee and a mini white coff and honestly if that doesn't wake you up IDK what will! It was deeelish and a quirky way to get ya caffeine quota! ☕☕☕

Brunch lovers, you can thank us later 💗

🍳 Dainty
📍 159 Manchester Street
📅 Mon-Fri: 7.30am-2.30pm | Sat-Sun: 8am-2.30pm

24/04/2024

Does anyone out there enjoy delicious food 🍜 paired with a cold beer 🍺 glass of wine 🍷 or a cocktail? 🍹 Anyone? 🤔 Yes?! Well, boy have we got the event for you! 📣

The Midwinter Session is back babyyyyy! 🎉 It's Ōtautahi's newest winter festival featuring an incredible lineup of food, local selection of the finest beers, wines and spirits. 🕺

Grab your mates and taste your way through a wide variety of delicious foods from the best food trucks in town! 🍔 Pair it with ya fave bevvie and you've got a pretty good day if you ask us! 🤗 Everyone is covered from hoppy IPAs to smooth whiskeys to the perfect pinot and of course the tastiest infused water! 😋

With so much to see, taste, and experience, you won't want to miss out. Get your tickets now and join us for a midwinter’s day of fun, food, and entertainment! 😍

🍻 The Midwinter Session
📅 Saturday 3 August
📍 Wolfbrook Arena
🎟 https://premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.aspx?sh=MIDWINT24

19/04/2024

The great 🥪 sandwich hunt 🥪 of Ōtautahi continues and there's a new player in the game!

Mr Wolf has launched their daytime menu and it features some VERYYY tasty sammies and bagels! 🥯

We tucked into the Reuben Sammie and the Salmon Bagel and they were deeeelish! Plus coffee was a 10/10 😋😋

And if you're feeling crazy, dabble in their brekkie cocktail menu, because why not! 🍹

🥪 Mr Wolf
📍 817 Colombo Street
📅 Sunday – Thursday 8am – 3pm | Friday – Saturday 8am – late

17/04/2024

🏀 BIG BASKETBALL ANNOUNCEMENT 🏀

Mark it on your calendars 📅 The Tall Blacks return to Ōtautahi, Christchurch on Monday 25 November, when they face Chinese Taipei at Wolfbrook Arena! 🏀

This will be New Zealand’s fourth of six games in this FIBA Asia Cup Qualifier (ACQ) cycle, as the Tall Blacks battle to qualify for the FIBA Asia Cup in 2025 – and build upon their historic third-place finish at the 2022 edition. 💪

🏀 Tall Blacks v Chinese Taipei
📅 Monday 25 November
⏰ 7pm
📍 Wolfbrook Arena

🎟 Tickets on sale next month (via Ticketek)

12/04/2024

Lookin' for something to do this weekend? 🤔🤔

Check out some awesome wahine doing their thing at the annual Canterbury Women’s Surf Champs!🏄‍♀️🏄‍♀️

It's a live event meaning location is dependent on the best surf in Ōtautahi but it looks like tomorrow's heats will be out at Scarborough, Sumner!!

Rumour has it (and that's a rumour we can 100% confirm is true) that there's a great lil café nearby (hello Scarborough Fare Cafe, we're looking at you) so you can grab your mornin' mocha, or flat white or whatever you drink and park up and enjoy the gals doing their thing!! 🌊

Keep an eye on https://www.facebook.com/events/778732094126164 for details!

10/04/2024

Hands up docco lovers! 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️

We’ve got some 🙌 BIIIG 🙌 news for screen fans 🎬 Documentary Edge Festival is coming to Ōtautahi Christchurch in June. It’s an ✨ Academy Awards® ✨ qualifying international documentary festival, so yeah, ya know it's kind of a big deal! 😏😏 📽️

There’ll also be an immersive exhibition around the city, featuring XR experiences. What’s XR you ask? WELL it means Extended Reality, so think virtual reality 🥽 combined with augmented reality, and eeeeverything in between – how cool is that?!!! 🤯🤯

The full programme will be announced on 9 May 📃📃 but they’ve just released the first 10 films to give you a sneak peek of what’s to come… 👀

Find out more at https://docedge.nz/festival-2024/

📅 19-30 June
📍 Various venues across the city
👀 Full programme and tickets available from 9 May