What to do and see in Canterbury Region, South Island: The Best Classes & Workshops

Our original Studio on Fitzgerald Ave was wrecked by the earthquake on February 22nd 2011. I was able to salvage all of my equipment and convert my garage at home on Marshland Rd into a new studio which was open until March 2016. We have moved to Birdlings Flat which is 45kms from the center of Christchurch on the Christchurch/Akaroa Rd. The new Studio has taken 7 months to rebuild and is now ready for people wishing to make their own Bone Carving with us. The French Connection shuttle stops at Birdlings Flat at 10am in the morning on its run to Akaroa and returns at 4pm on the return trip back to Christchurch for those that require transport. Birdlings Flat is one of the great Gemstone beaches of New Zealand and we hope that any visitors to our Studio take the time to explore this stretch of coastal NZ. At this stage we are running 2 sessions a week, Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings but we can also run other sessions but conditions do apply. Email or call, all inquiries welcome. John & Barb

We offer one day cooking classes for small groups using fresh local, seasonal ingredients. Our one day scheduled classes are mainly demonstration where you will recieve a folder with the recipes and the chef will demonstrate each dish from start to finish. Everyone is then seated at the large dining table and eats each dish with matching local wines. Our classes generally run from 10 - 4pm. We also offer private classes and corporate team building days and these are tailor made to suit your needs.

Stay at our private Caroline Hut at 1800m in Mount Cook National Park, enjoying the views of the mighty Caroline Face of Mount Cook, the Tasman Glacier and all its surrounding peaks, New Zealand's highest mountains. Learn the skills of mountaineering on one of our climbing courses. All equipment provided. Professional mountain guides.

Located on the Canterbury Plains halfway down New Zealand's South Island, the Canterbury Aero Club provides world class, professional flights in some of the worlds most stunning terrain. Canterbury Aero Club has a wide range of flight training experiences which offer the perfect way to experience the thrill of flight over Christchurch, Canterbury and New Zealand.

Paint 'n' Sip Studio is Christchurch's one and only paint & sip destination! Start with a blank canvas and sip your way to a one of a kind masterpiece. A local artist will guide you step by step to complete the featured painting of the night while socialising with friends over a wine or beer! Fun, easy and no artistic ability or experience necessary! Scheduled sessions are Tues-Sat 7pm - 9pm. Painting calendar changes monthly.

Waimak River Riding Centre (previously Waimak River Horse Treks) offer fabulous river side riding tours from 30mins to half day experiences. Suitable for most ages and abilities. We also offer riding tuition to improve your skills and confidence Open every day except Christmas Day and dependent on weather conditions.

Join Donna Hendersonsnd her team for a day of surfing you will never forget at Christchurch's Best beach for Mal riding and learn to surf... Sumner Beach. We use the latest G Boards and warm steamer wetsuits. We also hire surfboards, wetsuits and body boards. Donna an her team specialise in teaching woman, kids and adults surfing . Open oct-april.

In Phytofarm herbal learning garden, visitors are hosted by renowned herbalist and naturopath Valmai Becker. The breath-taking location and views in all seasons attract people interested in a healthy lifestyle when it comes to their garden, nutrition or medicine cabinet. Service includes garden tours, seasonal workshops and products to take home or as a gift.

Visions and Vino is a new art and creativity space where we guild/teach our amazing visitors through different art experiences. We will demonstrating the art within a 2-3 hour session where you will be helped and inspired by our amazing artists to create your own artistic piece so that it is complete to take home. We will be presenting/teaching up to 30 adults or 20 children at a time.

TKHP Tennis Club is located in Hagley Park amongst the sports fields and botanic gardens. We have 18 Grass, 4 Astroturf and 2 Plexipave courts. All our courts are available for hire including equipment. We also have organised play you are welcome to join or we can provide lessons and paid hitting partners. Please see our website for more information on these options.