Alpine Ice Sports Centre, at 495 Brougham Street in Opawa, Christchurch, is the city's indoor ice skating rink. The website describes it as Ōtautahi / Christchurch's only indoor rink, open year-round, with public sessions, lessons, parties and ice sports. Public skating runs on Wednesdays from 10.30am to 2.30pm and from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Lessons run for ages 3 to 12 and for 13 and over, based on the national Kiwi Skate programme, and there are figure skating and speed skating paths. A family pass covers any four people, including skate hire. Helmets are required for all skaters, and skaters over 14 may use an Ice Halo or Forcefield headband instead.
Saturday and Sunday afternoons and the school holidays bring disco sessions with lights and music, and free face painting at some sessions. The night sessions have a club feel. Staff help on the ice during busy weekend and evening sessions, and a heated café serves hot coffee. Booking online is encouraged, though public skating can also be done on the day. Our pick in Opawa for a family afternoon on the ice.