The historic Canterbury town of Kaiapoi was an important trading centre in the 1850s and 60s when the Kaiapoi River, running through the centre of town and a tributary of the Waimakariri River, provided a means to service the needs of the pioneering settlers. The area was also an important trading post for the principal Maori tribe of the South Island, Ngai Tahu, who in earlier times had its largest settlement in Kaiapoi.
To celebrate the rich heritage of this river town, Kaiapoi Heritage Week provides a feast of events for visitors (Christchurch is just 20 minutes’ drive from Kaiapoi) as well as the local community.
Join in the fun and add to the atmosphere by being dressed in period costume. Be a gentleman of distinction, a lady of wealth or a simple colonial settler!
Kaiapoi Promotions Association and Real NZ presents Kaiapoi Heritage Weekend
FRIDAY 14TH OCTOBER
From River to Sea, 7pm
Riverview Function Centre, Working Men’s Club, 113 Raven Quay
Kaiapoi Museum
Gold coin donation
Dale Brown will give an informative talk and PowerPoint presentation on a period when the Kaiapoi Port was the main highway into the North Canterbury hinterland.
SATURDAY 15TH OCTOBER
Antique Roadshow, 9am – 4pm
Kaiapoi Borough School, 20 Hilton Street
Kaiapoi & District Lions Club
$2 per item, spectators free, qualified valuer.
Trash and Treasure Sale, 9am – 4pm
Kaiapoi Borough School, 20 Hilton Street
Kaiapoi & District Lions Club
Discover tomorrow’s heritage today. Sausage sizzles, chocolate wheel, raffles and more.
Farmers Market, 9am – 12pm
Morgan Williams Reserve, Charles Street
Come and gather locally grown or produced food in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Don’t miss out on traditionally made European breads and pastries and Oma’s famous capsicum sauce.
Parish Spring Fair, 9.30am–12.30pm
St Bartholomew’s, Cass Street
St Bartholomew’s Parish of Kaiapoi
Fair includes white elephant, jewellery, cakes and sweets, craft, plants, books plus lots more.
Trace Your Ancestors, 10am – 1pm
Riverview Lounge, Kaiapoi Working Mens Club, 113 Raven Quay
Waimakariri Branch of the New Zealand Society of Genealogists
Find out more about your family’s early history. Club members will show you how to trace your ancestors.
National Scout Museum, 12pm – 3pm
Blue Skies, 12 Williams Street
Gold coin donation
Kaiapoi had the first registered Scout Patrol in NZ. Come and learn about the Kaiapoi identities involved and how the NZ Scout Movement was organised from the school at Tuahiwi and of the local sites that have a special place in Scouting history.
MV Tuhoe Presentation, 1.30pm
Riverview Lounge, Kaiapoi Working Men’s Club, 113 Raven Quay
Gold coin donation
Listen as John Thompson tells you the fascinating history of this iconic schooner which still sails on the Kaiapoi river today.
MV Tuhoe Open Day, 2pm – 4pm
Kaiapoi Wharf, off Charles Street
Gold coin donation
Take a look aboard this wonderful Kaiapoi vessel.
SUNDAY 16TH OCTOBER
National Scout Museum, 1pm – 4pm
Blue Skies, 12 Williams Street
Gold coin donation
MV Tuhoe Open Day, 2pm – 4pm
Kaiapoi Wharf, off Charles Street
Gold coin donation
Sunday Bandstand Concert, 1pm – 3.30pm
Kaiapoi Band Rotunda, Charles Street
Bring a picnic and a deck chair and enjoy entertainment from McAlpines North Canterbury Pipe Band and Kaiapoi Brass Band, with a special appearance from His Majesty King Arthur III of New Albion.
Heritage Service, 5pm
St Bartholomew’s, Cass Street
St Bartholomew’s is one of the most significant heritage buildings in Canterbury built in 1856, the oldest surviving church in Canterbury. Enjoy an old-fashioned Book of Common Prayer Evensong, with hymns to match.
Fuller Street Grandstand, 8pm – 10.30pm
Kaiapoi Baptist, 67 Fuller Street
Community rugby – bring the whole family and watch the second semi final live on the big screen. Alcohol free.
Cantage - Canterbury Heritage 