Christchurch Show Day

History of Christchurch Show Day

We’re sure at this moment you may be thinking about how two very different observances came to be on the same date. Well, it all started when the Pilgrims came to town. These were the first English settlers in the province, transported in four ships from Plymouth, England to start their new homes in Canterbury. These ships have now come to be known as the First Four Ships, while the first colonists or settlers are known as the Canterbury Pilgrims.

Two of the four ships — the “Charlotte Jane” and the “Randolph” — arrived in Canterbury on December 16, 1850, and for over 100 years, this was the official anniversary date of Canterbury Province. The New Zealand Holidays Act allows each locality in the country to celebrate its own Provincial Anniversary Day, often marked by the landing day of its first settlers, and although the old provincial system was abolished in 1876, the laws of this Act still stand to date.

The New Zealand Agricultural Show, formerly known as the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Show (CAPA Show), is the biggest agriculture and pastoral show in New Zealand and has been celebrated since 1862. This unique blend of agriculture and entertainment is held in the central city of Canterbury — Christchurch.

Years after its inception, the CAPA Show was rebranded as the People’s Day or Show Day and was set on the second Friday after the first Tuesday in November to give competitors and exhibitors a platform to display their latest innovations in agriculture. In the 1950s, the Christchurch City Council moved Canterbury Anniversary Day to fall on the same day as the show to allow banks and businesses to close and attend the show.

Christchurch Show Day timeline

1850

The Pilgrims Come To Town

The first two ships of English settlers arrive at Canterbury Province.

1918

It’s Show Time

The Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Show becomes known as People’s Day or Show Day.

1955—1958

A Joint Celebration

Canterbury Anniversary Day is moved to the same day as Show Day.

2018

Time For A Rebrand

The Canterbury A&P Association rebrands Show Day as the New Zealand Agricultural Show.

Christchurch Show Day FAQs

When is Christchurch Show Day?

Christchurch Show Day 2026 falls on Friday, November 13, marking a long weekend for the Canterbury region. It’s a cherished annual tradition celebrating the province’s rich history and agricultural prowess.

How is Christchurch Show Day celebrated?

The primary celebration for Christchurch Show Day 2026 revolves around the New Zealand Agricultural Show, held annually in Christchurch. This multi-day event features livestock competitions, equestrian events, trade exhibits, and family entertainment, drawing thousands of visitors.

What is the New Zealand Agricultural Show?

The New Zealand Agricultural Show is the largest agricultural and pastoral show in New Zealand, attracting over 100,000 visitors annually. It showcases the best of New Zealand’s agriculture, horticulture, and lifestyle, with a history spanning over 160 years.

Why is Christchurch Show Day a public holiday?

Christchurch Show Day is a public holiday in the Canterbury region to commemorate the provincial anniversary of Canterbury, established in 1850. It also traditionally coincides with the New Zealand Agricultural Show, allowing widespread participation.

Christchurch Show Day Activities

Attend the show

If you find yourself within the Canterbury area on this day, the best thing to do is see for yourself. It’s a public holiday for the entire state, so take some time off with the citizens to enjoy the festivities. It is usually held at the Canterbury Agricultural Park in Wigram, Christchurch.

Take a city tour

Another great way to mark the day is by taking in the sites of the city. There are many activities to enjoy in the city of Canterbury, such as hiking, mountain biking, white-water rafting, and hiking. Take a tour of the city and see what adventures you can get up to.

Learn about their history

There is a lot more to learn about the First Four Ships, the New Zealand Agricultural Show, Canterbury, and New Zealand as a whole. Take some time out today to visit their museums or do your research. Share your findings with friends across your social media platforms.

5 Facts About Christchurch And Canterbury

There are two anniversary dates

North and central Canterbury celebrate their anniversary on the A&P Show Day, while South Canterbury observes Dominion Day on the fourth Monday of September.

It was the first city

Christchurch became the first city in New Zealand on July 31, 1856.

One of the biggest city parks

Hagley Park is the third biggest city park in the world.

It had the worst fire disaster

New Zealand’s worst fire disaster so far happened in Christchurch in 1947.

It’s named after a college

The city is named after Christ Church college in Oxford, England, which is where one of its founding fathers, John Robert Godley went to school.

Why We Love Christchurch Show Day

It’s packed with history

We love a good historical monument, and Christchurch Show Day is packed with it. This day is all about important parts of the history of the citizens of Canterbury and deserves to be acknowledged and celebrated as such.

It encourages agriculture

Not only does the day serve as a reminder of the foundations for the people of Canterbury, but it is also an important event for all things agricultural. It celebrates the efforts and the innovation of individuals in the field and encourages the agricultural and pastoral path in others.

It’s two times the fun

Who doesn’t love a great combination? Christchurch Show Day combines two very different observances into one festive occasion, creating twice the excitement and festivities.