An exciting, two-week celebration of Canterbury kicks off at the end of October, providing numerous opportunities to discover some of the region’s unique aspects.

Festival highlights of Showtime Canterbury, now in its fourth year, include the ever-popular Canterbury Agricultural Show and two of the country’s most prestigious horse racing fixtures – the DB Draught New Zealand Trotting Cup Carnival and the Canterbury Draught New Zealand Cup. A raft of other activities ranging from sports, arts and entertainment to tours and open days complement the three feature events.

New events for 1999 include ‘4 Vineyards and an Olive Grove’, ‘North Island vs South Island Cricket’ and ‘Botanic Gardens by Night Lights’. Favourite events to take place again this year include the ‘Manderley Home and Garden Festival’, the ‘AMP City of Christchurch Triathlon’ and the ‘New Brighton Pier Fireworks Extravaganza’. It all adds up to the most exciting time of the year for Canterbury, a time when locals and visitors alike celebrate the region, the start of summer and perhaps a good win at the races!

Brochures will be available from the Christchurch City Council, from 15 October. To be sent a brochure, phone the Council on (03) 941 6840.