Take your time and wander one of two arts, culture, shopping and food-filled trails.
Visitor itineraries
There’s lots to see and do
Glen’s trail
A craftsman, Glen takes local Canterbury timber and repurposes it into stunning home décor, furniture and unique wood art. He enjoys taking inspiration from the heritage buildings and can often be found in Lumière watching a film. Here’s what else Glen likes to get up to at The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora...
- Indigo & Provisions
Try on specialist denim and workwear in a store packed with a carefully curated range of men’s and women’s clothing, accessories, home and lifestyle products.
Seven days, 10.00am to 5.00pm - Great Hall Lunchtime Concert Series
Listen to renowned local and national artists with a line-up of fantastic performances in the UNESCO award-winning Great Hall.
Multiple performances per month, 1.10pm to 1.50pm - School of Art building decorative elements
Spot the quirky two-headed man, hands and pens above the windows of the School of Art building.
Always open - Frances Nation Café
Get your coffee fix at Frances Nation Café, along with New Zealand made specialty food and delicious lunch options.
Seven days, 9.00am to 5.00pm - Antony Gormley’s STAY sculpture
Ready for a photo? Don’t miss STAY, a SCAPE Public Art sculpture from the acclaimed British sculptor.
Always open - Lumière Cinemas
Step into an Art Deco, two-screen art-house cinema. Lumière presents engaging, contemplative and sometimes confrontational films covering all genres – from cult and foreign language to gripping documentaries, reissues and film festivals.
Seven days, 10.00am to 10.00pm - Zen Sushi & Dumplings
Indulge in delicious sushi and dumplings made with the highest quality ingredients.
Seven days, 10.00am to 5.00pm - Absolution
Experience body adornment meeting art. This piercing and tattoo studio is dedicated to the clean and artistic application of ink and body jewellery.
Seven days, 10.00am to 5.00pm
Chelita’s trail
Chelita is a creative with special interests and expertise in the area of natural and spiritual wellbeing, and Māori arts. She loves to discover new places and can often be seen at the weekly mākete exploring the local artisan stalls. Here’s what else Chelita likes to get up to at The Arts Cente Te Matatiki Toi Ora...
- Boys’ High
Shop up a storm at the wide range of independent boutique retailers in a stunning heritage setting.
Seven days, 10.00am to 5.00pm - Quad Eatery
Grab a bite to eat and sip on a drink in an environment that used to house chemistry classes.
Weekdays, 8.00am to 4.00pm
Weekends, 9.00am to 4.00pm - The Central Art Gallery
Be inspired in the exhibition space and retail gallery featuring work by leading contemporary New Zealand artists.
Wednesday to Sunday, 10.00am to 4.00pm - Seekers Mākete
Find local artisans showcasing their quality, handmade goods, freshly made delicacies and more.
Every Saturday, 10.00am to 4.00pm - Pūmanawa
Take in the community exhibition space, which showcases a wide range of exciting local artist exhibitions.
Seven days, 10.00am to 5.00pm - Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities
Discover the many facets of food in the ancient world, including the ancient Greeks’ and Romans’ connections with food in the Fantastic Feasts exhibition.
Wednesday to Sunday, 11.00am to 3.00pm - Bijou bar
Enjoy a drink in the Art Deco style cocktail bar with stunning views overlooking the Christchurch Botanic Gardens’ Peacock Fountain.
Wednesday to Sunday, 5.00pm to 9.00pm - Rutherford’s Den
Explore the life and achievements of Ernest, Lord Rutherford in this multi-sensory, hands-on science museum.
Thursday to Monday, 10.30am to 2.30pm - Fragranzi
Visit a beautifully curated artisan perfume studio where you can create your own scent, take part in a workshop or choose from their stunning range of perfumes.
Seven days, 10.00am to 5.00pm - Great Hall Memorial Window
Stand in awe of this beautiful 4,000-piece stained glass window dedicated to the memory of all Canterbury College staff and students who served in World War I.
Seven days, 10.00am to 5.00pm (except when closed for a private function).
