Christchurch, with a population of approximately 375,000 (the same as Wellington and about a third as large as Auckland, which has the country’s largest gay pride celebration, for three weeks in February), is the largest city on the Island. South of New Zealand and part of the gay and lesbian culture center of the country. The picturesque “Garden City” hugs the east coast of the island, just north of the Banks Peninsula: it is a green and leafy city with a temperate climate, beautiful parks and a growing arts and cultural scene.
Similarly, Christchurch Gay Pride is a growing event, although it experienced setbacks after the devastating earthquakes of 2011, the event has grown stronger in recent years. This year, Christchurch Gay Pride Week moves to a new moment: March 18-26, 2016.
Christchurch Pride Week encompasses seven days of parties and events, including art shows, lectures, gay bingo, “tough trade” bear party, squalor party, woman’s star party, fancy dance, queer fair and pride walk.
Christchurch Gay Resources
Take a look at the helpful Express website (New Zealand’s largest GLBT newspaper), the helpful GayNZ.com website, and the Christchurch Rainbow Tourism New Zealand site. Also take a look at the excellent travel site produced by the city’s official tourism organization, Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism.
