Get ready for a big weekend in Ōtautahi! The culturally vibrant SPACPAC Canterbury Polyfest wraps up on Saturday, and Sunday is packed with physical challenges like the City2Surf and the Sea2Sky Challenge. Don't miss the tail end of the Twominds Festival if you are looking for arts and music.
See our top picks
City2Surf Christchurch
Not specified
Walk or run the 6km route this Sunday, suitable for all ages.
National Geographic's The Greatest Wildlife Photographs Exhibition
Central City
Escape the weather with stunning visuals on Saturday.
SPACPAC Canterbury Polyfest
Not specified
Food, markets, and performances make this a sensory hit on Saturday.
· March 14
4SPACPAC CANTERBURY POLYFEST : Catch the final day of this vibrant festival celebrating Pacific culture! Expect great school performances, local markets, and delicious food stalls perfect for a family outing.It’s a fantastic cultural experience and the final day of this major community event.
WOMENS WEEKLY CATCHBALL IN LYTTELTON : This is a recurring session, but since it's Lyttelton, it might be worth checking if they welcome active older kids or family groups this Saturday.It’s geographically specific and offers an alternative activity if you are near Lyttelton.
WOMENS WEEKLY CATCHBALL IN RICHMOND : A recurring session that occurs on Saturday. Check if this session is suitable for younger family members looking for a casual team sport activity.It's a recurring sports activity happening Saturday, offering a local option.
: Visit Cathedral Square for this exhibition that's running on Saturday. Hopefully, it features some interactive elements related to the area's history that kids will enjoy.It is a specific, one-off exhibition located centrally on Saturday.
· March 15
3: This summer festival wraps up Sunday, featuring international icons and leading Aotearoa creative scenes. Great if you are looking for a relaxed, artsy vibe outdoors.It’s the final day for this unique festival celebrating creative scenes.
: Get the family moving with the FreshChoice City2Surf! You can choose between the 12km or the shorter 6km distance, perfect for walking or running as a team.A classic city fitness event that caters to all ages and walking abilities.
: If your family loves a challenge, this is it! It’s a big day featuring a triathlon, duathlon, and trail run. Great for competitive families or those wanting a massive achievement.It explicitly welcomes all ages and abilities, suggesting different entry levels for kids.
Also On· anytime this weekend
3: This is a recurring monthly club that happens to fall on the Saturday of your weekend. If your older kids or you enjoy crafting with textiles, check the details for this regular meet-up.It is one of the few events confirmed to be running on Saturday that isn't a major festival or sports event.
: While this is listed as a recurring class series running through this weekend, see if they offer a casual drop-in session on Saturday. Learning aerial skills sounds like a thrill for older kids!It offers a unique, active class option during the weekend.
: If the weather turns, pop into the Central City to view National Geographic's stunning collection of wildlife photography. This is a great way to inspire budding nature lovers.It's an indoor cultural/visual activity confirmed for Saturday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the big family events happening this weekend?
The biggest confirmed events are the final day of the SPACPAC Canterbury Polyfest on Saturday and the City2Surf Christchurch and The Brad Richards Building Sea2Sky Challenge on Sunday, both catering to active families.
Are there any free family activities?
While many listed events require tickets, the City2Surf Christchurch allows for participation via walking or running, and while the price isn't confirmed, it is the most accessible community movement event this weekend.
Is there anything happening on Sunday that isn't a sporting event?
Sunday the 15th sees the final day of the Twominds Festival, which focuses on music and creative scenes, providing a non-sporting cultural option for families.
