A Day in Christchurch: Workshops & Things to Do (2026)
A day out in Christchurch doesn’t need a packed itinerary. A workshop and lunch, yoga followed by coffee, or a walk before a cooking class can be enough.
Here are three ways to put a day together, whether you’re meeting a friend, planning a date or heading out on your own. Choose the activity you’re most interested in, then leave a little time around it.
1. A Creative Workshop and Lunch at Riverside Market
If you’d like to spend a few hours making something, start with a workshop at Workspace Studios. Their Christchurch programme includes jewellery making and glass work, with options for beginners as well as people who already have some experience.
You could try making a ring, adding texture to jewellery or working with glass beads. A short taster session is a good starting point if you’re curious about a technique but aren’t ready to join a longer course.
workshop
Workspace Studios
Textured Rings - Christchurch
Christchurch
Sat, 14 Nov 2026
2:00 – 5:00 pm
$148.00
Max. group size: 10
Age 12+
workshop
Workspace Studios
Stacking Rings for Christmas - Christchurch
Christchurch
Sat, 19 Dec 2026
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
$148.00
Max. group size: 10
Age 12+
workshop
Workspace Studios
Glass Bead-Making - Christmas drink holder charms and gifts!
Christchurch
Sat, 14 Nov 2026
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
$115.00
Age 12+
workshop
Workspace Studios
Glass Bead-Making - Christmas Drink Holder Charms and Gifts!
Christchurch
Sat, 28 Nov 2026
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
$115.00
Age 12+
workshop
Workspace Studios
Silver Clay pre-Christmas Taster Class - Christchurch
Before or after your workshop, head to Riverside Market for something to eat. You can choose lunch when you get there and spend a little time browsing before heading home.
For another approach to creative learning, Canterbury WEA offers short courses and workshops across art, crafts and practical skills. Its programme also includes history, science and nature, so there are options if you’d rather explore an idea than make something.
Check the dates and duration before booking, as some activities are single sessions and others run over several weeks.
For a day with a bit of movement and plenty of time to yourself, book a class at Flow Yoga & Wellbeing. The studio offers classes for different experience levels, so check the descriptions and choose one that suits you.
Afterwards, head to Unknown Chapter Coffee Roasters on St Asaph Street for coffee and brunch. There’s no need to rush into another activity if you’d rather linger over breakfast.
If you feel like walking, continue into the city to look for street art or spend some time by the Avon River. Keep the route as short or as long as you like.
You could finish with a stop at Rollickin Gelato, or simply call it a day after brunch.
3. A City Wander and a Cooking Class
If food is the main attraction, plan your outing around a class at Riverside Kitchen.
Most classes combine a chef-led demonstration with hands-on cooking, followed by a meal together. The programme changes throughout the year, so choose a cuisine or skill you’d enjoy trying and check the calendar for a suitable date.
Before your class, leave time for a walk through central Christchurch or a look around Riverside Market. If you’re meeting someone, it’s a chance to catch up before getting busy in the kitchen.
The cooking class can be the main event, with the meal already part of the experience. You don’t need to organise a separate dinner afterwards.
Put Together a Day That Suits You
Start with one activity you’re looking forward to, then add a café stop, lunch or a walk if you have time.
