What’s On In Christchurch This Easter Long Weekend

After a packed summer of festivals and big-ticket events, Christchurch tends to ease up a little by the time Easter rolls around—but that doesn’t mean the calendar’s empty. If anything, the long weekend leans into what the city does best: community-led markets, open-air events, and family-friendly plans that feel a bit more relaxed (and a lot more doable).

Whether you’re planning a family-friendly few days or just looking to fill the calendar with something a little more festive than your usual routine, there’s a solid line-up of events popping up across the city. From classic Easter staples to local activations worth pencilling in, Christchurch is delivering four days of low-key live music, Easter egg hunts for the little ones, and plenty of excuses to get outdoors and soak up the cosy Autumn weather headed our way (spoiler alert: it's looking damp).

Here’s exactly what’s on in Christchurch this Easter long weekend—and what to expect from the weather while you’re at it.

The Festive Forecast For Easter In Christchurch 2026

April in Christchurch lands right in that in-between zone—mild through the day, noticeably cooler once the sun drops, and always worth dressing in layers. Autumn here tends to hold onto those clear, crisp days, but the change is coming. You’ll usually get a few good hours of sun, balanced by cooler mornings, earlier sunsets and the odd run of rain. Average temps sit around 17°C by day, dipping much lower overnight, so don’t be fooled by a sunny start.

Across the Easter long weekend, things kick off on a high. Friday and Saturday are shaping up nicely, with temps reaching 20–21°C and a mix of cloud clearing to brighter skies. From Sunday, it shifts—cooler conditions roll in with rain through the morning and scattered showers later, before Monday settles into a grey, slightly damp finish.

What This Means For Your Easter Plans

Plan your outdoor moves for the first half of the weekend. Friday arvos and Saturday daytime are your best bet for markets, walks and anything outside. From Sunday onwards, it’s worth having a few indoor options up your sleeve—long lunches, galleries, or anywhere you can duck into if the rain sets in.

Things To Do Over The Easter Long Weekend

Christchurch Easter Show

Canterbury Agricultural Park, Curletts Road, Wigram

One of the city’s biggest Easter weekend fixtures, the Christchurch Easter Show is a full-day outing built for families. Running across all four days of the long weekend, it brings together rides, food stalls, live music and market-style browsing in one easy-to-navigate spot—plus free entry and parking, which always helps.

Kids are well covered with an Easter egg hunt, face painting and craft zones, alongside bouncy castles and other low-key thrills, while live performances and roaming entertainment keep things moving throughout the day.

Insider Intel

• Arrive earlier in the day if you’ve got little ones—queues for rides and activities tend to build heading into the afternoon.

The Details

What: Christchurch Easter Show
When: Friday 3 April–Monday 6 April, 10.30am–4.30pm
Where: Canterbury Agricultural Park, Curletts Road, Wigram
Cost: Free

Chipmunks Mega Easter Egg Hunt

Chipmunks Playland Papanui, 472 Cranford Street, Christchurch

If you’re after something easy to keep younger kids entertained, Chipmunks Papanui is running a four-day Easter egg hunt across the long weekend. The big draw? A daily golden egg hidden somewhere in the playland—find it first and you’ll score an Easter prize pack.

It’s geared towards little ones (ages 0–11), so expect plenty of energy, soft play chaos and a low-pressure setup where kids can run around while you keep things simple.

Insider Intel

• Go earlier in the day if you can—the golden egg tends to disappear quickly once things get busy.

The Details

What: Mega Easter Egg Hunt
When: Friday 3 April–Monday 6 April
Where: Chipmunks Playland Papanui, 472 Cranford Street
Cost: Standard entry fees apply

Riverside Market Easter Eggstravaganza

Riverside Market,  96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central City

If you’re already planning a stop at Riverside, this one’s an easy add-on. Across the Easter long weekend, the market is running a line-up of kid-friendly activities, built around a simple treasure hunt that takes you through the space.

Pick up a clue sheet, track down the hidden eggs around the market, and hand it in for a prize—plus entry into a larger Easter draw. Alongside that, the Easter Bunny will be making daily appearances handing out chocolate, and there’s a colouring competition running if you’ve got kids keen to sit down for a bit.

Insider Intel

• It’s an easy one to pair with lunch—do the hunt first, then settle in at one of the food stalls once the crowds build.

The Details

What: Easter Eggstravaganza
When: Friday 3 April–Monday 6 April
Where: Riverside Market, Christchurch
Cost: Free entry, prizes available with participation

Catnap Easter Special

391 Colombo Street, Sydenham, Christchurch

If your ideal Easter plan involves a bit less chaos and a lot more cats, this one’s worth booking. Catnap Cafe’s Easter special pairs a cosy evening session with a mini egg hunt and a DIY hot chocolate bar—plus plenty of time to hang out with the resident cats.

It’s a smaller, more low-key option compared to the bigger daytime events, making it a good pick if you’re after something a little different to kick off the long weekend.

Insider Intel

• Spots are limited and tend to book out—lock this one in early if you’re keen.

The Details

What: Catnap Easter Special
When: Friday 3 April, 6pm–7.30pm
Where: Catnap (Christchurch)
Cost: $30 per person

The Palms Easter Egg Hunt

The Palms Shopping Centre, Corner New Brighton & Marshland Road

If the weather turns or you’re after something easy to slot into your day, The Palms has you covered with an in-centre Easter egg hunt. Pick up a map from Customer Service, follow the clues to track down 12 hidden eggs, and piece together the final phrase to claim your prize.

There’s also a visit from the Easter Bunny across the weekend, handing out treats and stopping for photos—making this one a solid option if you’ve got younger kids in tow.

Insider Intel

• This is a good rainy-day backup—everything’s indoors, and you can break it up with a snack or coffee mid-hunt.

The Details

What: Easter Egg Hunt
When: Easter long weekend (Easter Bunny appearances Saturday 4 April & Monday 6 April, 12pm–2pm)
Where: The Palms Shopping Centre, Cnr New Brighton & Marshland Road
Cost: Free

Christchurch Farmers Market (Easter Saturday)

Riccarton House & Bush, 16 Kahu Road

If your ideal Easter plan starts with coffee and something warm in hand, the Christchurch Farmers Market is running as usual on Easter Saturday—and it’s a good one to anchor your morning around. Set along the river at Riccarton House, it’s a mix of local produce, baked goods and ready-to-eat options that make it easy to graze your way through.

It’s also a solid stop for picking up last-minute Easter bits, whether that’s something sweet, something savoury, or just an excuse to linger a little longer over breakfast.

Insider Intel

• Go early for the best range of pastries and produce—popular stalls tend to sell out before midday.

The Details

What: Christchurch Farmers Market (Easter Saturday)
When: Saturday 4 April, 9am–12pm
Where: Riccarton House & Bush, 16 Kahu Road
Cost: Free entry

Little High Easter Weekender

Little High Eatery, 255 St Asaph Street

If you want something central that covers food and entertainment in one hit, Little High is running a full week of Easter activities inside the eatery. It’s an easy, all-ages setup—grab a bite from one of the vendors, then let the kids get stuck into the egg hunt, colouring stations or face painting.

Across the weekend, there’s also live music in the evenings, so it works just as well if you’re dropping in later for dinner and want something happening in the background.

Insider Intel

• This one’s good for groups—everyone can pick their own feed, and there’s enough going on to keep kids busy while you eat.

The Details

What: Little High Easter Weekender
When: Thursday 3 April–Sunday 6 April, 11am–10pm (face painting Sunday 5 April, 12pm–3.30pm; live music Sunday 5 April, 6pm–9.30pm)
Where: Little High Eatery, 255 St Asaph Street
Cost: Free entry (food and drinks additional)

Easter I Spy at The Arts Centre

Mrs Bumbleberry’s Lolly Shop, The Arts Centre

If you’re spending time in the city, this one’s an easy add-on while you’re wandering through The Arts Centre. Mrs Bumbleberry’s Lolly Shop is hosting a low-key Easter I Spy, where kids can search for hidden items around the store for the chance to win a chocolate bunny.

It runs beyond the long weekend as part of the broader school holiday program, so there’s no rush—just pop in when you’re nearby and let the kids take the lead.

Insider Intel

• Pair it with a wider explore of The Arts Centre—there’s plenty to see, and it’s an easy spot to stretch out a few hours.

The Details

What: Easter I Spy
When: Saturday 4 April–Sunday 19 April, 11am–4pm
Where: Mrs Bumbleberry’s Lolly Shop, The Arts Centre
Cost: Free

What’s Open Easter Long Weekend

Miro

176 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central

Image credit: Miro | Instagram

One of the best cafes in Christchurch, Miro, in the pink Midland Building, is the go-to for its extensive menu.

Think colourful smoothie bowls, eggs benedict served on hash and AllPress coffee to wash it all down. Formerly known as Cafe Roma, there's ample outdoor seating overlooking the Avon River. People-watch to your heart's content, over your poached eggs for good measure. 

Opening Hours

Friday 3 April: 9am–2.30pm
Saturday 4 April: 9am–3pm
Sunday 5 April: 9am–3pm
Monday 6 April: 7am–3pm

Lillies

495 Saint Asaph Street, Phillipstown, Christchurch

Image credit: Lillies  | Instagram

Despite being a fairly new kid on the Ōtautahi block having opened in winter 2024, Lillies is already one of the best restaurants in Christchurch. Owners Liam and Will describe it as a "restaurant, winery and cidery built around a wood-fired oven," adding: "We've got a constantly changing, seasonal menu and delicious natural wine and cider that’s made on-site."

Come expecting blistered-crust pizzas slathered in moreish (and at times, unconventional) toppings, and ice cream sundaes made with the boys' very own soft-serve machine. 

Opening Hours

Friday 3 April: 5pm–9pm
Saturday 4 April: 12pm–3pm, 5pm–9pm

Evil Genius 

Unit 2/1091 Ferry Road, Ferrymead, Christchurch

Image credit: Evil Genius  | Facebook

Fill your table and your tum with Asian-inspired bites at Evil Genius—porker hawker rolls loaded with rainbow slaw and slow-cooked belly, penang curry, steamed bao buns, and shiitake mushroom dumplings with apple wasabi oil and furikake. Occasional live music and happy hour Saturdays make this spot most definitely genius, perhaps a little less evil.

Opening Hours

Friday 3 April: 12pm–10pm
Saturday 4 April: 12pm–10pm
Sunday 5 April: 12pm–9pm

Pomeroy’s Old Brewery Inn

292 Kilmore Street, Christchurch Central City

Image credit: Pomeroys Old Brewery Inn  | Instagram

Expect good old pub vibes with good old pub grub, and plenty of craft beers on tap to quench any thirst at Pomeroy's Old Brewery Inn. Try the Limoncello Spritz for alcoholic lemonade that slaps.

Opening Hours

Friday 3 April: 12pm–9pm
Saturday 4 April: 12pm–11pm
Sunday 5 April: 12pm–9pm

Twenty Seven Steps 

16 New Regent Street, Christchurch Central City

Image credit: Twenty Seven Steps  | Facebook

An absolute classic right in the heart of the city on New Regent Street, Twenty Seven Steps boasts a menu of fancy European fare that’ll warm your cockles right through. But don’t worry, 27 actual steps are nowhere to be seen. Head directly to the black olive and pine nut-crusted Canterbury lamb rack with potato gratin and black olive anchovy aioli. 

Opening Hours

Saturday 4 April: 5pm–10pm
Sunday 5 April: 5pm–10pm
Monday 6 April: 5pm–10pm

Main image credit: Christchurch NZ | Instagram