Tours, Open Days and Walks
1940s Tea Party
Experience the nostalgia of a bygone era in a 1940s wartime family home. Take a relaxed guided tour of the Museum followed by a delicious morning or afternoon tea in the authentic wartime home. The Museum's 1940s Tea Parties are available for pre-booked groups of between six and 20 people. Times by arrangement.
Air Force Museum of New Zealand, 45 Harvard Ave, Wigram
$14.00.
Bookings required, phone 3439 504 or email programmes@airforcemuseum.co.nz.
Disability access and parking facilities available, use the main car park off Harvard Ave
Tamaki Heritage Village Open Days
Please note: Guided tours only 11.00am, 1.00 and 2.30pm
Lost in our Own Land open days present an opportunity to meet the cast and crew of Christchurch's newest cultural attraction. Walk through 150 years of New Zealand's history and get a taste of the amazing re-enactment of a story set in the 1800s when musket wars had gripped the country, new leaders had arisen, a nation was divided, and a people had fallen. Witness the story come to life. Cultural performances and interactive activities during the day.
Ferrymead Heritage Park, Ferry Park Drive, Ferrymead
Friday 16 – Saturday 17 October 2009, 11am-4pm
Friday 23 – Saturday 24 October 2009, 11am-4pmGold coin donation
Disability access and parking facilities available.
Restoration Work at the Air Force Museum
Designed with the aviation enthusiast in mind, but of interest to all, this 'behind the scenes' guided tour will provide a rare opportunity to see aircraft being restored. Current projects include the wooden Airspeed Oxford, the Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk fighter, Vickers Vildebeest Mk III and the replica Huck's Starter. Explore the Storage Hanger where a further 11 aircraft and many other items of interest are in various stages of restoration. Take the opportunity to walk into the Bristol Freighter and the Andover and experience a bygone era.
Air Force Museum of New Zealand, 45 Harvard Avenue, Wigram
Friday 16 – Monday 26 October 2009, 11am-11.45am, 1.30pm-2.15pm, 3.30pm-4.15pm
$8.00
Disability access and parking facilities available, use the main car park off Harvard Avenue.
Tamaki Heritage Village – Lost in Our Own Land Evening Experience
The Tamaki Heritage Village's Lost in Our Own Land evening experience features an amazing re-enactment of an untold era of time, spread over 25 acres of themed landscape and played out by more than 30 actors. Follow the story of a warrior family's endurance and survival in the early to late 1800s with a dramatic battle scene, early settlers' town, mission house conflict and land court clash. The evening includes a traditional hangi and celebrations.
Ferrymead Heritage Park, Ferry Park Drive, Ferrymead
Friday 16 – Monday 26 October 2009, 6.30pm-9.30pm
Adult, $75.00, Child, $35.00
Bookings required, email mary@maoriculture.co.nz
Disability access and parking facilities available.
Discover Wigram Walking Tour
An historic walking tour will take visitors behind the scenes around the former Air Force Base. The home of the Royal New Zealand Air Force and the first military airfield in New Zealand, Wigram has a fascinating history. This tour uncovers the heritage of this special part of Christchurch, the stories of its people and the significance of its past. From the Art Deco bomb-proof buildings to the sites used for training back in 1917, visitors will see where thousands lived and worked. Come prepared to walk, explore, learn and laugh.
Air Force Museum of New Zealand, 45 Harvard Avenue, Wigram
Friday 16 – Monday 26 October 2009, 1.15pm
$10
Also available for group bookings by arrangement
Disability access and parking facilities available, use the main car park off Harvard Avenue.
Ancestors: in War and in Peace
The Family History Society of New Zealand holds a fund of information on ancestors in World War I, including information on the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, Roll of Honour, Medal Roll List, Reserve Roll and New Zealanders who served in other forces. World War II information includes NZEF Nominal Rolls, NZEF Embarkations and deaths. The Society also holds peace time records for Births, Marriages & Deaths, shipping records, census records, electoral rolls and cemetery records. The Society's Library has over 1,000 books, many microfiche and CDs.
Family History Society of NZ, 399 Papanui Road, Papanui
Saturday 17 October 2009, 1pm-4pm
Adult, $2. Children, free.
Street parking only
Seeds of Peace
A guided walk with a theme of peace and plants in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. This walk will be taken by two experienced, trained volunteer guides who will take visitors to a variety of places in the Botanic Gardens that have strong connections with peace and conflict, including the Peace Bell and the band rotunda honouring bandsmen killed in action.
Information Centre, Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Saturday 17 October 2009, 2pm-3.30pm
Adult $2, Children free, Family $4
No disability access, parking facilities available, Armagh Street entrance
Symbols of Peace and Conflict: A Guided Walk
An interesting and entertaining guided walk with a fully trained city guide. The walk will start from Cathedral Square and follow close to the Avon River upstream from Victoria Square taking in tangible reminders of Christchurch's status as a Peace City. The tour takes about one and a half hours.
Guided Walks Kiosk, Cathedral Square (near BNZ)
Saturday 17 October 2009, 10.30am-12.00noon, Wednesday 21 October 2009, 1.30pm-3pm
Gold coin (per person)
Disability access available
Open Days: NZ Society of Genealogists Canterbury Branch Library
The Library and research room is located at the Shirley Community Centre, and our holdings include: New Zealand births, deaths and marriages indexes on microfiche from 1848-1990, cemetery transcripts from all around New Zealand, electoral rolls, indexes to Canterbury School Admission Registers, transcripts of Canterbury parish registers, a good collection of Canterbury church and school history booklets, and many Christchurch school magazines. There are a variety of indexes on CD and an extensive book collection to give background information on the places and time people may have lived in New Zealand or overseas, and access to online resources. There are also resources to help trace military service.
Shirley Community Centre, Room 2, corner Shirley Road & Slater Street, Shirley
Saturday 17 – Sunday, 18 October 2009, 2pm-4pm
Tuesday 20 October 2009, 9am-12noon
Wednesday 21 October 2009, 7pm-9pm
Thursday 22 October 2009, 10am-3pmFREE
Disability access and parking facilities available, on site or on Slater & Chancellor Streets
HMNZS Pegasus Tour
Tour the home of the Royal New Zealand Navy in Christchurch since 1952. View historic photographs, books and artefacts, and pre-World War II training equipment. Navy Veterans and Naval Reserves will be on hand to answer questions and share experiences.
HMNZS Pegasus, 419 Montreal Street
Saturday 17 – Friday 23 October 2009, 10.00am-3.00pm
FREE
Disability access available, Limited parking available on adjacent streets
The History of War Memorials in Clifton Bay Sumner
Walk along Clifton Bay and learn about the fascinating history of the several war memorials erected following the South African War and World War I. Included in the commentary will be the story of the battlefields connected with the men who are commemorated here. As well as hearing the history during the walk, participants will also receive an informative booklet.
Cave Rock, Esplanade, Sumner
Saturday 17 October 2009, 11am-12pm
Monday 19 October 2009, 11am-12m
Wednesday 21 October 2009, 11am-12pm
Saturday 24 October 2009, 11am-12pmGold coin donation. Children Free.
Bookings required, phone 384 1159 or 326 6788
Disability access and parking facilities available
Spirited Cemetery Tours: Bromley Cemetery
Updated: Please note these times differ to those advertised in the brochure
Take part in a tour of the Bromley Cemetery, with special reference to those prominent in peace and war. As well as a First World War soldiers' section, the cemetery has the graves of New Zealand Wars veteran, Robert Ward; composer of patriotic songs, Sidney Hawker; warrior and Dominion founder of the Boy Scouts, David Cossgrove; and war memorial sculptor, W. E. Trethewey. Long-time pacifist Charles Mackie is buried here as are Labour politicians who opposed the First World War and championed the Second.
Bromley Cemetery, corner Keighleys Rd and Linwood Ave
Saturday 17 October 2009, 12noon-1.00pm
Saturday 24 October 2009, 12noon-1.30pmFREE
Disability access available
Air Force Adventure
Experience some of what it takes to be a member of today's Air Force. Take this 45 minute tour to see areas of the Museum not normally open to the general public, you may even 'graduate' with Air Force Museum 'Pilot's Wings'. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult and children under 3 are free.
Air Force Museum of New Zealand, 45 Harvard Avenue, Wigram
Saturday 17 – Sunday, 18 October, 11.15am-12 noon, 1pm-1.45pm, 3pm-3.30pm
Saturday 24 – Sunday, 25 October, 11.15am-12 noon, 1pm-1.45pm, 3pm-3.30pmAdult, $3.00. Child, $5.00. Family, $16.00
Disability access and parking facilities available, use the main car park off Harvard Ave
Christchurch Gondola: Peace and Conflict Guided Walk
Enjoy a relaxing Gondola Ride and take time to soak up the spectacular 360 degree views from the Top Station. Journey through the Time Tunnel Ride Experience, go shopping or relax in the Gondola Cafe and Restaurant. At 1.30pm an experienced and entertaining guide will take visitors on a moderate 60-75 minute walk along the Crater Rim. The narrated walk will cover Christchurch's incredible history from early Maori legends and conflicts, to European settlement, war and more.
Christchurch Gondola, 10 Bridle Path Road, Heathcote Valley
Saturday 17 – Sunday 18 October 2009, 1.30pm-2.45pm
Saturday 24 – Sunday 25 October 2009, 1.30pm-2.45pmAdult, $35.00. Child, $20.00
Bookings required, phone 384 0700 or email gondola@welcomeaboard.co.nz
No disability access available, parking facilities available
Lyttelton Masonic Lodge Tours
Unanimity Masonic Lodge was formed in 1851. The Title Deed for the site, purchased from the Canterbury Association and signed by Godley, is on display. This is the second building on the site designed by Benjamin Mountfort in 1876. Five members lost their lives in the two world wars and a number served in the Merchant Service. During World War II, as well as the usual care for widows and orphans, food parcels were sent to Masonic Lodge No 3 in London. A thank you gift from them is in the form of two Wardens pillars, made from the rafters of the London Guild Hall which was destroyed by German bombs.
Unanimity, No3 Masonic Lodge, 6 St David Street, Lyttelton
Saturday 17 – Sunday, 18 October 2009, 10am-4pm
Saturday 24 – Monday, 26 October 2009, 10am-4pmFREE
Disability access and parking facilities available, park outside in St David Street or Sumner Road
Training Ship Steadfast
Training Ship Steadfast is the oldest Sea Cadet Unit in New Zealand. The facilities at Cass Bay are in the old Army buildings, built and used during World War II including 10 ammunition bunkers built into the hillside, a Drill Hall, Officers Ward Room and a gun turret. Some of the buildings have been restored and are an important part of the training facility. Since the 1950s the Sea Cadet unit has been using them as accommodation and training facilities for 13-18 year-olds.
Training Ship Steadfast, 64 Governors Bay Road, Governors Bay
Saturday 17 – Sunday, 18 October 2009, 10am-4pm
Saturday 24 – Monday, 26 October 2009, 10am-4pmFREE
Disability access and parking available, parking on the grass inside gate
Ripapa Island Tour
To visit Ripapa Island is to visit one of Canterbury's most important historic sites. It is two hectares of history, unique to Lyttelton. In the 1820s a musket pa was built there, the first in the South Island. A quarantine station replaced it in the 1870s which in turn was replaced by a harbour defence fort. Fort Jervois, constructed by prison labour, was described in the British House of Commons when completed in the 1890s as the most modern fort in the British Empire. It can be seen largely as it was then. Two disappearing guns remain, and one, an 8-inch, is rare by world standards. A prison during its history, it housed Count Felix von Luckner, detainees from Parihaka, and in 1913 military objectors.
Black Cat Cruises, 17 Norwich Quay, Lyttelton
Sunday 18 October 2009, 9.15am-11.30am
Adult, $30. Child, $15.
Bookings required, phone 03 328 9078
No disability access. Parking is available on the main street
Chippenham Lodge (1862) Open Day
Designed by Benjamin Mountfort as a town house for Cora Lynn station and subsequently extended, Chippenham is an attractive gabled house surrounded by large trees. Grounds and selected rooms of the house will be open to visitors. Sir Hugh Dyke Acland, (Chippenham 1924-1956) had the rare distinction of serving in three major wars - the South African War, World War I and World War II - as a military surgeon and subsequently, medical commander. The intentional community established at Chippenham in 1971 included many anti-war activists.
Extensive displays illustrate these and other aspects of the colourful history of Chippenham Lodge. Devonshire teas will be available.
51 Browns Road, St Albans
Sunday 18 October 2009, 10am-3pm
Adult, $2. Children Free.
Disability access and parking available, off street parking only
Top Guns: Exploring the War Years at Godley Head
Discover the secrets of the Godley Head military fortress, built in response to the fear of an attack during World War II. Explore the gun emplacements, underground magazines and tunnels. Hear stories about what took place, watch videos, see an anti aircraft gun and enjoy the many other displays. View progress on developing the Godley Head Heritage Centre. A sausage sizzle will be available and entry is by gold coin.
Godley Head Reserve, Godley Head Road, Sumner
Sunday 18 October 2009, 10am-3pm
Gold coin donation.
To book please contact Jill Lord, phone 352 4506
No disability access. Parking available, please park in car park or parade ground
Spirited Cemetery Tours: Barbadoes Street Cemetery
Updated: Please note these times differ to those advertised in the brochure
Enjoy a tour of the historic Barbadoes Street Cemetery with special reference to pioneers associated with the military. See, among others, the graves of Catholic policeman and Crimean War participant Peter Pender, soldier and 1905 All Black Eric Harper, Canterbury Association bête noir Lieutenant-Colonel James Campbell, and Austrian Army veteran H J Tancred. Hotel-keeper George Oram was but a 'Sunday soldier' but nevertheless, his 1876 cortege, which came from New Brighton, was led by black-plumed horses and at Stanmore Road the band of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry joined in, playing the 'Dead March'.
Barbadoes Street Cemetery, Barbadoes Street (between Bealey Ave and Kilmore St)
Sunday 18 October 2009, 12.00noon-1.30pm
FREE
Disability access available
Fashion at War – Floor Talk
Join our Archives Technician Michelle Sim as she explains our latest temporary exhibition Fashion at War: New Zealand Style in World War 2. Fashion at War explores the factors that influenced New Zealand style in WW2 and finds that dressing fashionably was not seen as a frivolous pastime during the war but was in fact felt by many to be a patriotic duty. Needless to say, in the face of rationing and other restrictions dressing fashionably posed a challenge during WW2 and many were forced to ‘make do and mend’. Join us for a 30 minute floor talk and a guided tour of the exhibition followed by complimentary refreshments in our Brevet Lounge.
Air Force Museum of New Zealand, 45 Harvard Avenue, Wigram
Monday 19 October 2009, 12.30pm-1:30pm
Wednesday 21 October 2009, 12.30pm-1.30pm
Friday 23 October, 12.30pm-1.30pmAdult $8
Bookings essential, phone (03) 3439 583 or email programmes@airforcemuseum.co.nz
Disability access and parking facilities available, use the main car park off Harvard Ave
Into the Archives: A Guided Tour
Updated: Please note price differs to that advertised in the brochure
Explore behind the scenes at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand on a guided tour of our archives. Our collection is incredibly diverse and consists of over a million objects; join our Collections Team behind the scenes and find out how they go about preserving and presenting the history of the RNZAF for generations to come. Your one hour guided tour will be followed by complimentary refreshments in our Brevet Lounge.
Air Force Museum of New Zealand, 45 Harvard Avenue, Wigram.
Tuesday 20 October 2009, 12.30pm-1:30pm
Thursday 22 October 2009, 12.30pm-1:30pmBookings essential, phone (03) 3439 583 or email programmes@airforcemuseum.co.nz
Adult $16
Disability access and parking facilities available, use the main car park off Harvard Ave
Tours of Isaac Theatre Royal
Look behind the scenes at the historic Theatre Royal and learn something of the personalities associated with the theatre. Germany's World War I war hero Count Felix von Luckner fascinated an audience at the Theatre Royal in 1938 with tales of his war exploits. Learn about the shows hosted by the Theatre Royal during World War II including Gracie Fields in August 1945 and the Kiwi Concert Party after the war. View the plaque of JC Williamson employees who served in the war. The tours take an hour, and run on the hour and half hour starting at 10.30am. The last tour starts at 3.30pm.
Isaac Theatre Royal, 145 Gloucester Street
Sunday 25 October 2009, 10.30am-3.30pm
Gold Coin. Under 12 Free.
No disability access. Off street parking only
Cracroft Community Centre Open Day
Enjoy looking over Old Stone House and its prize-winning gardens, an afternoon tea, and a photographic display of present and past users of the house. Old Stone House was erected in 1870 by Sir John Cracroft Wilson to house servants whom he had brought out from India. Both Old Stone House and the Cracroft Wilson house on the hill above it were commandeered as 'Combined Headquarters Southern Command' during Word War II. The signals section was housed in Old Stone House and a radio mast erected at the south end of the building.
Old Stone House, 30 Shalamar Drive, Cracroft
Sunday 18 October 2009, 1pm-4pm
FREE
Afternoon tea $2.00.
Disability access and parking facilities available
Remember When?
Transport will be provided for an afternoon of nostalgia, exploring the buildings undergoing restoration in Diana, Lady Isaac's restoration village, which includes a chapel and a pub. From here visitors will be taken to the Air Force Museum for afternoon tea in the 1940s wartime family home which brings to life what it was like on the 'Home Front' during World War II. Meet outside the City Council offices in Tuam Street.
Meet outside Christchurch City Council Office, 163 Tuam Street
Sunday 18 October 2009, 1pm
Adult, $20. Child, $10
Bookings required, phone 351 1697 or 352 4506
No disability access. Parking facilities available
Kapuatohe Historic Reserve Open Day
Visit the Belfast District Museum and the historic 1877 Old Schoolmaster's House and the historic Crofter's Cottage. The Museum holds many items relating to Belfast area residents who were killed on duty. The House was involved in World War II research on long-range radio warning, with test signals from the (now) Arts Centre being received there. Admission is by donation.
Kapuatohe Historic Reserve, 663-665 Main North Road, Belfast
Sunday 18 October 2009, 1.00pm-4.00pm
Gold Coin donation
No disability access. Parking on Main North Road
Eliza Reston's Lyttelton in War and Peace
Meet the character Eliza Reston, matron of the Lyttelton Gaol and wife of James Reston, the gaoler. Hear the stories of historic Lyttelton in war and peace: Mackenzie, the sheep stealer, prisoners from Parihaka, convict labour to build Lyttelton streets and fortify the harbour, conscientious objectors, the lodges, the churches, the "little doctor" who fought the 1918 epidemic and more. Margaret Copland in the character of Eliza Reston is the storyteller and guide.
6 St David Street, Lyttelton
Sunday 18 October 2009, 11.00-12.30pm
Wednesday 21 October 2009, 11.00-12.30pm
Friday 23 October 2009, 11.00-12.30pm
Sunday 25 October 2009, 11.00-12.30pmAdult, $5.00. Child, $1.00. Family, $10.00
Bookings required, Lyttelton Information Centre
No disability access. Park on Oxford St near School playground
Art and Conflict: the University of Canterbury Sculpture Trail
As official war artists, or as conscientious objectors, many Canterbury artists have been affected by periods of conflict in society, and this is often reflected in their art. The University of Canterbury is offering tours of its sculpture trail and art collection, which will consider the artworks in light of the Heritage Week theme of Doves and Defences. The tours will wander through the campus allowing visitors to enjoy the artworks on display, and to experience the University's newly created Sculpture Trail, which was launched in 2008.
Comfortable walking shoes recommended. Guided tours are limited to 15 people.
University of Canterbury, Ilam Road, Ilam
Monday 19 October 2009, 10.30am-12.00noon
Wednesday 21 October 2009, 10.30am-12.00noon
Friday 23 October 2009, 10.30am-12pmFREE
Bookings required, phone 364 2470, email continuing@canterbury.ac.nz or enrol online at www.cbe.canterbury.ac.nz
Disability access and parking available, visitor paid car parking, disabled access points and rest rooms are indicated on the University Map.
The Heritage Church of Merivale
Enjoy a guided tour of St Andrew's at Rangi Ruru Presbyterian Church, a place of refuge in both peace and conflict. Discover the beauty and craftsmanship of this wonderful building, including memorials to church members who died in both world wars and a plaque erected after the World Trade Centre bombings in 2001.
Opened originally in 1857 on land given by the Deans brothers at the hospital corner, the church was moved to the grounds of Rangi Ruru in 1986 where it is used as a School Chapel and serves the local community for Sunday Worship.
St Andrew's at Rangi Ruru Church, 16 Merivale Lane, Merivale
Tuesday 20 October 2009, 10am-4pm
FREE
Bookings required, phone 355 6601 or 383 0487 or email: standrewsatrr@xtra.co.nz
Disability access and parking available.
Cracroft Caverns Guided Tours
An underground tour into the top secret military caverns built in the early 1940s during the Second World War. Behind Princess Margaret Hospital, Cashmere.
Behind Princess Margaret Hospital, Cashmere.
Thursday 22 October 2009, 9.30am, 10am, 10.30am, 11am 11.30am, 12pm
Adult $4.00, Child $2.00, Family $10.00
To book please phone Christchurch City Council Call Centre 941 8999
Onawe Pa Guided Walk
Join Ngāi Tahu and New Zealand Historic Places Trust representatives for a guided walk of Onawe Pa. This distinctive teardrop shaped peninsula at the head of Akaroa Harbour provided a strategic defensible position for Ngāi Tahu during the Northern Raids of Ngati Toa in the 1830s. Onawe's ingeniously designed pa ultimately fell to Ngati Toa, although only by deception. Many Ngāi Tahu lost their lives and others were enslaved making Onawe a place of great sadness. Onawe is a wahi tapu of immense cultural and historic significance to Ngāi Tahu whanui, but in particular to Ōnuku and Wairewa Runanga.
Onawe Peninsula, Barry's Bay, Akaroa Harbour
Saturday 24 October 2009, 12pm-2pm, 3pm-5pm
Koha (Donation).
Bookings required, phone 365 2897 or email infosouthern@historic.org.nz
Disability access available. No parking available.
Onawe is 75km from Christchurch along SH75. Turn off SH75 along the shoreline at Barrys Bay or Duvauchelle. A car park is located at the Razorback, where the ridgeline of the peninsula drops to sea level.
Events
- Exhibitions and Displays
- Tours, Open Days and Walks
- Lectures and Seminars
- Music, Dance and Film
- Other Events
- Daily Events Guide
Key Events
- Documentary screening: Citizen Soldier: ake ake kia kaha - forever strong
- Plaque Unveiling - Second Canterbury, Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast Battalion Group
- It's Swing Time in Christchurch
- The Bailies Bar Heritage Week Quiz Night
- Windows into our Past
- Never Be Afraid: a New Zealand Soldier Writes to His Niece About Life in a Prisoner of War Camp
- Announcing the Fendalton-Waimairi Community Board Heritage Awards
- Secret Gardens in the City
