Public spaces
Enjoy the heritage setting
Great Hall
The stunning Great Hall is open to the public every day from 10.00am to 5.00pm (except for Christmas Day, Good Friday and before 1.00pm on Anzac Day).
The beautiful space is used for concerts, theatre, recitals, performances, prize-givings, lectures and much more. It is also available to hire for weddings, gala dinners, concerts, cocktail functions and other events.
College Hall, as it was originally named, was built by Canterbury College (now the University of Canterbury) and opened in 1882. It strongly reflects local heritage and culture, making rich use of native timbers, with kauri and rimu panelling, along with rewarewa, totara and matai lozenges.
Read more about the Great Hall’s history.
North and South Quads
Designed as meeting places for Canterbury College (now the University of Canterbury) students and modelled on English colleges, the quads were completed in the early 20th century.
Both quads have raised grassed platforms and plenty of bench seats. The North Quad features decorative cloisters or arcades between some of the surrounding buildings, while the South Quad features a large heritage copper beech tree.
The quads are also available for hire.
Market Square
Market Square is home to sculptures, The Rolling Om, JAEJU and Sangkutsa food trucks, outdoor seating, and some public short-term parking.
Market Square is also available for hire.
