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CONFERENCE » ANZEA Conference 2026 » What to do in Ōtautahi Christchurch

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Kia ora koutou,
We’re looking forward to welcoming you to Ōtautahi Christchurch for the 2026 conference at Chateau on the Park, DoubleTree by Hilton.
As you plan your visit, we encourage you to build in some time to explore the city and surrounding region. Christchurch is known for its modern, walkable centre, leafy parks, and easy access to nature, food, arts and culture, all within a short distance of the conference venue. 
In conjunction with our conference we are planning some fun activities that will allow you to engage with Ōtautahi. Our committee is exploring options such as guided walking tours, fun runs, and a market with offerings from local Māori and Pacific vendors. Details are still being finalised, but we encourage you to keep an eye out for these opportunities to explore and engage with Ōtautahi together.

Walks and green spaces near the venue

Chateau on the Park sits beside Hagley Park and the Christchurch Botanic Gardens giving you peaceful green spaces within a few minutes’ walk of the hotel. Before or after sessions you can:

  • Explore Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens: Flat, leafy paths for short strolls or longer walks, with themed gardens and riverside areas to explore, all free to access.

  • Wander next to Ōtākaro Avon River: Follow the river corridor towards the central city to take in bridges, art and new public spaces created as part of the city’s regeneration.

  • Discover Pūtaringamotu Riccarton Bush: A short distance from the venue, this protected native forest and heritage site features an easy loop track through ancient kahikatea and other podocarp trees, plus the historic Riccarton House and grounds; access to the bush itself is free during daylight hours.

  • If you have a little longer, the Papanui Stream Bush walk offers another gentle, urban nature option within the Christchurch trail network.  In recent years, local volunteers have been working hard to restore the native forest to restore a piece of Canterbury’s natural heritage.

Food and drink

The central city has a compact, walkable food scene with everything from casual bites to more formal dining.

On-Site Dining (Chateau on the Park)

  • Garden Court Brasserie: Renowned for its relaxed, al fresco dining overlooking award-winning gardens and a moat. They serve seasonal New Zealand produce for breakfast, high tea, and dinner.

  • Little Red Fox: An intimate bar located within the hotel offering classic comfort food like the Chateau Club Sandwich, bangers and mash, and fish and chips.

Nearby

  • Riverside Market: An indoor market with multiple food stalls, local produce and upstairs seating, ideal for casual group dinners or a quick bite between activities. Open 7 days a week https://riverside.nz/.

  • Little High Eatery: A unique food hall, where you can experience eleven different local and family-run businesses inside a modern marketplace. Communal seating makes it the ultimate social melting pot for groups with diverse cravings looking for a casual dining experience. https://www.littlehigh.co.nz/.

  • Mona Vale Homestead & Pantry: Just a 5-minute stroll (0.4 km) from the hotel, this historic site features a beautiful cafe serving European-style daytime meals and High Tea in a gorgeous garden setting.

  • A wide variety of delicious and easy take out options in nearby Riccarton, including noodle houses, Chinese, Indian, Turkish, Japanese, Afghani and more.

  • For those arriving on the Sunday, the Christchurch night market is held at nearby Riccarton park from 5pm - 9pm, offering a vibrant atmosphere with over 80 diverse stalls: you’ll discover a world of flavours and experiences from sizzling international street food and mouthwatering desserts, to handcrafted art, fashion, and local treasures. https://www.christchurchnightmarket.com/.

Many of these areas are easily reached on foot, or a short drive/rideshare from the hotel, and once in the CBD you can explore even more options.

Culture, history and local stories

The city offers a vibrant mix of historic sites, cultural venues and contemporary public spaces that are often free or inexpensive to visit.

  • Discover Ōtautahi Christchurch’s rich heritage simply by wandering the central city, where historic buildings, memorials, statues, and sites line the streets. Highlights include The Arts Centre buildings, a striking example of Gothic Revival architecture, Oi Manawa Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial, the evocative Cathedral ruins, and the Old Government Buildings on Cathedral Square, along with many other significant landmarks.

  • Immerse yourself in Ōtautahi Christchurch’s arts and culture precinct, check out The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora, Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, and nearby museums such as Canterbury Museum, all within an easy stroll of Hagley Park.

  • Waka on the Avon: Join one of Christchurch’s meaningful Māori cultural experiences and discover the stories of the city, region, hapū, and iwi alongside local kaiārahi (guides)  https://wakaonavon.co.nz/

  • Amiki cultural food tours: Led by local Māori guides, you will stroll through laneways, sample artisan treats, and connect with the spirit of the city in a warm, welcoming way. https://www.amikitours.com/cultural-food-tours

  • Riccarton House & grounds: In addition to the forest walk, the wider grounds and markets provide a way to connect with early European settlement history and local food producers.

  • Tramway Restaurant: A unique luxury dining experience on a heritage tram, the Tramway Restaurant offers curated seasonal dining combined with evening sightseeing in central Christchurch. https://www.christchurchattractions.nz/christchurch-tramway-restaurant/

Spending time in these spaces offers a deeper sense of Christchurch’s identity and resilience beyond the conference programme.

Day trips and time further afield

If you can add a day or two to your visit, Ōtautahi is the gateway to Canterbury’s beaches, hills, bays and ski-fields.

  • Coastal and hill walks: The wider region offers a range of stunning walking tracks. Explore the Port Hills and Sumner area, where many popular walking tracks—such as Te Tihi o Kahukura (Castle Rock), Te Heru o Kahukura (Sugarloaf), the Rāpaki Track, and Tuawera—feature interpretive panels sharing the rich history and knowledge of local mana whenua.

  • Did you know that in under two hours from Christchurch, you can get to multiple ski fields? August is right in the middle of our ski season, an excellent excuse to extend your stay. Ski fields within easy-access include:

  • For those after a warmer excursion, you can soak in steaming hot pools overlooking the Pacific ocean at He Puna Taimoana.