Elmer’s Ōtautahi Elephant Trail

Christchurch is now awash with colour, thanks to the Elmer’s Ōtautahi Elephant Trail.

Running now till 18 February, 2024, this free, family-friendly art trail features 30 unique elephant sculptures, with many telling a story of resilience and hope. The Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust is thrilled to bring author David McKee’s beloved Elmer the Patchwork Elephant storybook character to life, delivering a dynamic and vibrant art experience to the city’s streets, parks, and public spaces.

These eye-catching sculptures, designed by professional and emerging artists, embody strength and courage, and symbolise the journey of individuals with brain injuries. Accompanying the trail is an educational programme that involved thousands of local schoolchildren, of which 30 schools have created their own elephant designs.

Round up your youngsters and take them out during the weekend, or the summer school holidays, and follow the trail via the app. A fabulous interactive tool, the app also lets you collect rewards, and track your trail steps with its pedometer.

“At the trail’s end, we’ll auction these amazing sculptures to support the vital work of the Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust, who are currently supporting 1000 Cantabrians with brain and spinal injuries,” says Project Director Robyn Medlicott. “They’re far more than just a pretty face, or trunk.”

Members of the public can donate to support the trust via Elmer’s Givealittle page.