Explore your inner-city backyard!

How great was it to see Christchurch humming with locals and visitors this holiday period?

You didn’t have to look far to see people out and about enjoying what the new-look city has to offer. Thanks to some great weather, and multiple events and festivals, thousands and thousands of happy visitors – both domestic and international – enjoyed the freedom to roam our inner-city.

The Hagley Oval hosted the Black Caps’ match against Sri Lanka and the newly-revitalised World Buskers’ Festival attracted both young and old to its spectacular events. We’ve also been treated to some awesome concerts at Hagley Park, with the likes of Fat Freddy’s Drop, as well as ‘A Summer’s Day Live’, which featured international guests, Dragon, TOTO, and Jefferson Starship. What better way to spend a spectacular Canterbury day than with a concert and picnic in the park?

Elsewhere, retailers and hospitality workers were kept happy – and very busy – with a welcome Christmas boost, thanks to late-night shopping, and bars, cafés and restaurants were open for business. Of course, the great weather helped, too.

It’s also been interesting to see many of the new central city anchor projects starting to become a reality and it’s exciting to watch their progress.
I really enjoyed exploring the city over the summer break and seeing so many smiles and families having fun. Well done to the council and all parties involved in presenting our inner-city to the world.

Have you checked out your new backyard? Take a look around Christchurch – you might just be surprised with what you discover.