Catch a Metro bus to this year’s Winter Fireworks Spectacular

Published 1/07/2025

We are again providing extra bus services for easier travel to Christchurch City Council's Winter Fireworks Spectacular on Saturday 5 July 2025. Avoid road closures and parking challenges by catching the bus. 

The event: 

This year’s Winter Fireworks Spectacular will take place in New Brighton from 5.30pm to 8pm on Saturday 5 July. The fireworks display – set to a ‘Fire and Ice’ themed soundtrack – will begin at 7.30pm from the pier. 

The free family-friendly event will also have a range of food vendors in the carpark north of the pier.  

Read more about the Winter Fireworks Spectacular event on Christchurch City Council’s website or check out the What’s On event page. 

Bus prices 

To the event: $2 with a Metrocard, $4 cash fare. 

Post-event: Free from Oram Avenue (only) in New Brighton. Normal fares apply for collection from other stops.

Getting there: 

There are two options to get to the event with Metro: 

  • Park and ride: Catch one of our Metro special event services from Eastgate Mall – the first bus will depart every 10 minutes from a temporary stop on Russell Street outside of Eastgate Mall between 5pm and 6.40pm. Those travelling by car are permitted to park behind The Warehouse in the mall car park - carpooling is encouraged. You can also catch a Metro bus to Eastgate Mall to get to this service. 
  • Route 5 and 60: Take Route 5 or 60 from the central city Bus Interchange or one of its stops. Both routes will have extra services running to cater for increased demand.  

These services will use normal Metro fares (eg. $2 with a Metrocard, $4 cash fare). Buses are likely be operating at capacity, so please leave additional time just in case.

Getting home - there are two options to get home with Metro:

  • Park and ride: Catch one of our Metro special event services back – these will be travelling via Eastgate Mall to the central city Bus Interchange. These are free and available from Oram Avenue for 30 minutes after the event – between 8pm and 8.30pm. 
  • Route 5 and 60: There will also be free travel on routes 5 (bound for Hornby or Rolleston) and 60 (bound for Hillmorton) from Oram Avenue for 30 minutes after the event – between 8pm and 8.30pm. After this time, normal fares will apply. These buses will travel their usual routes, dropping off at all stops along the way.