A SUMMERTIME PICNIC

Christchurch is quite possibly the perfect picnic city. We have leafy parks and sandy beaches, places to ramble and places to loll about, warm summer days and long evenings, gently urging us to pack a hamper and go outdoors.

It seems we’ve always loved a good picnic. During the late 19th century local newspapers regularly reported community excursions. The Lyttelton Times, 28 February 1898, says that 150 children from Fernside School went to Lyttelton for their annual picnic; Islington freezing workers, “their wives and friends” (1600 people in all) took the train to Ashburton; the building trades held their picnic at New Brighton travelling in four tramcars “loaded inside and out”; and the Sydenham Brass Band performed for the Aulsebrook company picnic at Kaiapoi.

This summer we’re reliving the spirit of picnics past. Your repast could be simple sandwiches and billy tea; or a feast of salads, fresh bread, dukkah, hummus, pickles and a sweet such as Turkish delight; or a spread of cold meats, cheeses, leafy greens and a raised game pie washed down with a cold sparkling beverage.

Christchurch has dozens of suitable heritage destinations. Here are a few...