Events in New Brighton
We’ve got a busy events calendar throughout the year, with plenty to keep residents and visitors happy.
Seaside Market
On every Saturday 10am to 2pm. If you’re after nice food, a variety of stalls selling their wares and live music, you can head down to our Seaside Market in the New Brighton Mall. On even in the chilly winter months (weather dependant), there’s always a bargain to be found. And the best part is you’ll be helping to reinvest in the community – it’s a win-win. Check out their Facebook page below for updates, and more events.
Coast to Coast
As of 2015, the famous Coast to Coast race – taking competitors from one side of New Zealand’s South Island to the other – finishes in New Brighton. A gruelling multi-sport event of running, cycling and kayaking that spans nearly 250 kilometres (155 miles), the Coast to Coast is one of the world’s premier adventure races.
Kite Day
A fantastic event for the whole family, Kite Day offers you and the family a chance to fly your kite up to the highest height and send it soaring. It’s weather-dependent but usually occurs in February. Check our the City Council’s event page to see when the date is set.
I Love New Brighton
Each year on Waitangi Day, our community comes together for a family-friendly funfair. There are stalls, fun events for the kids and fantastic performances from local schools and community groups.
Winter Fireworks Spectacular
A bright spot for everyone in winter is New Brighton’s Winter Fireworks Spectacular. With local vendors on site, music and fireworks being launched off the pier, it’s a great night out. Usually, in July, you can discover the date of the next celebration on the Christchurch City Council’s ‘What’s on’ page.
Surf Life Saving events
Our passion for surf life saving has been going strong since 1910 when we launched NZ’s first surf life saving club. Along with our beachy neighbours of North Beach, Waimari and South New Brighton Beach, we compete in the national surf life savings competitions, which sometimes we also host.
Duke Festival of Surfing
A celebration of everything beachy, the Duke Festival of Surfing is all about catching waves, having the sand between your toes and listening to great music. An annual affair with one of Aotearoa’s biggest surfing competitions, food from local vendors, skating, art exhibitions and live music, we pay tribute to Duke Kahanamoku, who introduced us to modern surfing in 1915.
Farewell to the Godwits
Towards the end of February, the godwits/kauka birds in the estuary begin their long migration to their breeding grounds in Alaska. Come see them off and hear more about their amazing journey.
Seaside Christmas Parade
We like to embrace the fact that Christmas in the Southern Hemisphere is a little different to that in the North. So, during the Christmas Parade, our Santa doesn’t arrive by sleigh – He arrives by Rubber Inflatable Boat – courtesy of our amazing Surf Life Saving Club. Run by by the Seaside Market, check out their facebook for info on the next parade.
