The Special Olympics New Zealand 2025 National Summer Games kick off this week! From Thursday to Sunday our city welcomes these talented athletes to our tracks, courts, fields and pools. It's four days of incredible sport you won't want to miss ⭐ Everyone is welcome, and all events are free to attend.

Events will be held at six locations across the city including Parakiore. Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub will host Athletics, Bocce, Football and Powerlifting. Check out the events programme here

Halswell Quarry, Kennedys Bush Road

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you!

Halswell Quarry parkrun takes place every Saturday at 8am.

Learn more.

Gilberthorpe School, Buchanans Road

Come along and enjoy bouncy castles, pony rides, entertainment, a car boot sale, food vendors and chocolate wheel! Santa will visit near the end of the event.

To book a car boot stall please email Gilberthorpe School: pag@gilberthorpe.school.nz

Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre, 341 Halswell Road

Standard pool entry fees. What time is it? Summertime! Say goodbye to schoolwork and hello to the ultimate pool party to kick off your summer break.

Keen to pop a manu? From 12pm to 2pm enter in the Manu Competition to be in to win sweet prizes, or simply watch the fun!

Keep updated on Facebook.

Wycola Park, Hornby

Come along to this free family friendly event! Bring the family and a picnic tea and enjoy carols in the park with your Hornby community. Free sausage sizzle will be available, and coffee and ice cream for purchase.

Keep updated on Facebook.

16 Kahu Road, Riccarton

Get into the Christmas spirit! Hosted by Riccarton - Spreydon Anglican Parish, St Martin's and St James. Enjoy music from Addington Brass. Please give generously, all donations are being collected for the City Mission. Bring a picnic blanket. Keep updated on Facebook.

126 on the Corner, 126 Hei Hei Road

Free sausage sizzle from 5.45pm, Carols start at 6.30pm.

Another great festive event from 126 on the Corner to put on your calendar! Enjoy Christmas Carols, a puppet show and supper will be served afterwards.