Our guide to unforgettable summer family adventures
Tuesday, 5 December 2023
Tuesday, 5 December 2023
Summer is here, and in Selwyn, it’s time for some serious family fun! Selwyn has everything you need for an unforgettable summer adventure right on your doorstep. From exciting outdoor activities to cultural experiences that bring history to life, we have created a guide on some of the best things to do in Selwyn this summer.
Whether you’re a local looking to make the most of the season with your family or a newcomer eager to discover what Selwyn has to offer, there is something for everyone this summer!
Golf
Selwyn boasts a range of great golf courses that offer scenic views that will take your breath away. Tee off with your family, challenge your friends, or simply enjoy a leisurely round under the sun. Get ready for a hole-in-one summer experience.
Check out some of Selwyn’s local courses here.
Biking
For the adventurous kids in the family, Selwyn’s biking trails are calling your name. From the Little River Rail Trail to The Liffey Domain, there is an array of exciting tracks, from beginner-friendly routes for the littles to challenging descents for the experienced riders.
Dust off your bike, grab your helmets and gear up for some excitement this summer!
Check out some of Selwyn's bike trails here.
Camping
The only way to embrace the true summer vibes here in Selwyn is to camp out under the stars. This region is blessed with some beautiful spots, such as Lake Pearson and the Klondyke Corner Campsite to name just a few.
From riverside sites that invite lazy days of fishing and picnicking to secluded spots nestled among the hills, Selwyn offers a range of options for your family’s outdoor retreat.
Get ready to roast marshmallows, share stories around the campfire and create some lasting summer memories with the family.
Check out Selwyn campsites here.
Embrace our history
For families keen on uncovering the rich history of Selwyn, Liffey Cottage and Pioneer Hall offer an extraordinary journey through time. These historical gems provide a window in the past, allowing you to explore the pioneering spirit that shapes our community.
Liffey Cottage is a well-preserved 19th-century homestead that invites you to hear the tales of early settlers. And when it comes to Pioneer Hall, you’ll be endlessly entertained by the local history showcasing artifacts and exhibits that paint a vivid picture of the past. From rustic farm life to the challenges and triumphs of the early settlers, Selwyn’s history comes to life through these visits.
And Selwyn’s history doesn’t just stop here. Our community offers more historical treasure for curious minds including the Glentunnel Museum which is a must-visit! Offering an immersive experience into the coal-mining heritage of its early residents, the exhibits bring to life the stories of the people who shaped this town.
And who wouldn’t want to visit Rewi Alley in Springfield which will have you journeying into the life of a remarkable New Zealander who dedicated himself to humanitarian work in China. Learn about his legacy and the cultural bridges he built.
These historical sites offer a captivating summer experience, blending education and entertainment for the whole family.
EVENTS
Lincoln’s Santa Parade
Saturday 9 December 2023, 9am–12.30pm
Your summer calendar wouldn’t be complete without the Lincoln Santa Parade and Market. The parade is a heartwarming tradition that brings the community together to celebrate the festive spirit.
Held annually, this parade is a visual extravaganza, featuring colourful floats, cheerful music, and, of course, the star of the show – Santa Claus himself. With families gathered around laughing and smiling as they wait for Santa, it’s hard to resist, particularly when you have a young family.
With local schools, community groups, and businesses participating, the Lincoln Santa Parade embodies the true spirit of Selwyn.
Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to create some very special memories with your family this summer. It’s a Selwyn tradition that promises fun and festive cheer for all.
Live music weekends
Weather permitting
Bathe in the warmth of a summer's day while listening to a live band at The Tap and The Laboratory.
Every weekend in Summer, between 1pm and 5pm, The Tap hosts a live band on the green with delicious food on offer and a bouncy castle and playground for entertaining the kids. For adults, a new outside bar offers anything cold on tap to keep you grooving to the beat.
Every Sunday, The Laboratory promises "good food, good times and good tunes" with live music between 3 and 5pm.
A great opportunity to enjoy some quality family time in the sun!
Teddy bears' Picnic
Wednesday 17 January 2024, 10.30am–1.30pm
Brookside Park Rolleston
Get your teddy ready for the picnic of the year! Take a packed lunch and reusable coffee mug; and enjoy a picnic with your teddy and whānau, while enjoying entertainment on the main stage.
If your teddy is more active, take a crazy bike adventure, check out the farmyard, get involved in fun play activities, and join the grand finale Teddy Bear Parade. It’s going to be bear-tastic!
Postponement date: Wednesday 24 January
Kite Day
Saturday 3 February 2024, 11am–3pm
Foster Park Rolleston
Have a fun family day outdoors, soak up the sun and enjoy the display of colourful kites in the sky. Held annually, the kites are showcased by Peter Lynn Kites.
Have a bite to eat or a coffee from the food trucks available on the day. If you're feeling crafty, pop-in between 10.30am and 12pm to join the ReDiscover team in creating sustainable kites using upcycled materials.