Unique Things to do in New Brighton

Unique Things to do in New Brighton

Call us what you want, but don’t call us boring!

Spend a little bit of time here, and you’ll see we do things a little differently. That, along with our stunning landscape, lends itself to some wonderfully unique experiences for you to have here!

Check out our favourite hidden gems in New Brighton, for experiences you probably won’t get anywhere else!

Soak in Hot Pools by the Ocean

Where else can you soak in a hot pool while looking out over the Pacific?

He Puna Taimoana sits right on Marine Parade beside New Brighton Beach, with five hot pools, a cold-water plunge pool, sauna and steam room.

Go for a relaxing afternoon, warm up after a winter beach walk or book a sunrise soak for a particularly memorable start to the day. A great date night option, or a relaxing catch up with a friend or two.

Alice in Putterland

Fall down the rabbit hole at Alice in Putterland

Alice in Putterland combines mini golf with an Alice in Wonderland inspired world.

The walls are packed with local street art, and stepping behind the curtain reveals a different world lit with UV lights.

A fun option for families and groups. 

Watch the sunrise, then stay for sunset!

New Brighton faces east, making it one of Christchurch’s best places to watch the sunrise, and woah, do we get some epic ones!

But did you know you can also watch the sunset over the water in New Brighton too? Head to the Ihutai Avon-Heathcote Estuary, (and the lesser known South New Brighton Pier), for our favourite sunset spot. 

Couple walking at Sunset at South New Brighton Pier

Go hunting for street art

With possibly the highest concentration of street art in the country, there’s plenty for you to find!

We’ve got some world class pieces, from local and international artists, or check out the “free” wall, with its ever changing art. 

Watch sand artists work on the beach

We’ve got a history of talented artists taking to our sand to create gorgeous, large scale work, that only lasts for a few hours!

The pier makes for the perfect grandstand to watch, and it’s truely inspiring to watch what they can create.

Check out our video on local artist, Wayne Webb. 

Sand Artist, Wayne Webb working in the sand
Picking flowers in New Brighton Community Gardens

Relax in the Community Garden

This isn’t just a little plot of veges! The New Brighton Community Garden feels magical, and you’ll have to come experience it for yourself!

Come introduce yourself to the staff or volunteers, then spend some time wandering, relaxing, or purchase some seedlings, or natural products they make themselves!

Bonus: Stop at the Sensory Garden next door. This garden is designed for children with learning difficulties to play, communicate easily, and interact with nature.

Want more?

The biggest surf festival in Aotearoa? An event just to farewell some birds? Check out our wonder events!