Antigua Boatsheds Canoe Hire

About Antigua Boatsheds Canoe Hire

Antigua Boatsheds, a Category 1 Historic Building, has been an integral part of Christchurch's history for over 130 years. Nestled on the scenic banks of the Avon River in the heart of the city, just a five-minute walk from the Botanic Gardens, it offers a unique blend of heritage and recreation. Visitors can enjoy traditional Edwardian-style boat hire, including kayaks, paddle boats, row boats, and Canadian canoes, perfect for exploring the serene Avon River. For land-based adventures, bike hire is available to discover the city or nearby Hagley Park. The onsite Boat Shed Café provides a relaxing setting right by the river, serving delicious breakfast, brunch, and lunch options, alongside its renowned picnic hampers. Beyond casual dining, the fully licensed venue can host functions for up to 60 guests, offering gourmet BBQs on its deck or a selection of canapés from its cocktail catering menu. Antigua Boatsheds truly embodies a classic Christchurch experience, combining historical charm with active recreation and delightful dining.

Antigua Boatsheds: A Christchurch Icon for River Adventures and Riverside Dining

Antigua Boatsheds stands as a truly iconic landmark in Christchurch, a place where history, recreation, and culinary delights beautifully converge. For over 130 years, this Category 1 Historic Building has graced the banks of the tranquil Avon River, earning its place in the city's enduring narrative. Conveniently situated in the vibrant heart of Christchurch, just a leisurely five-minute stroll from the lush Botanic Gardens, the Boatsheds offer an experience that is both deeply rooted in Edwardian tradition and refreshingly contemporary. It's a cherished destination that echoes the timeless sentiment, “Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.”

The Boatsheds proudly continue their original function, first established in 1882, by providing a diverse range of vessels for hire. Whether you're a solo adventurer, a romantic couple, a family seeking fun, or a large group, there’s a perfect boat for your Avon River journey. Glide gracefully on the water in a single or double kayak, enjoy a traditional paddle or row boat, or opt for the spacious Canadian canoes. Each option offers a unique perspective of Christchurch’s picturesque riverside scenery, making for memorable moments on the water. Beyond the aquatic adventures, Antigua Boatsheds also caters to land explorers with its convenient bike hire service. Pedal your way through the city's charming streets, discover hidden gems, or embark on a refreshing ride through the sprawling greenery of nearby Hagley Park. It’s an ideal way to combine physical activity with sightseeing, ensuring everyone finds their preferred mode of exploration.

The Riverside Café Experience

Complementing the active recreation is the inviting Boat Shed Café, a haven of great food and serene relaxation. Nestled directly on the banks of the Avon as it gently meanders through central Christchurch, the café provides an unparalleled atmosphere for dining. Imagine starting your day with a delicious breakfast, enjoying a hearty brunch, or settling in for a leisurely lunch while watching the river flow by. The café is particularly renowned for its famous picnic hampers, a delightful option for those wishing to extend their riverside experience with an alfresco meal. Alternatively, simply drop in to unwind with a drink, enjoying the peaceful ambiance. The quality of the café’s offerings hasn't gone unnoticed, earning an "Excellent" rating from Lonely Planet in 2012, a testament to its commitment to culinary excellence and an inviting environment.

Celebrating with Catering and Functions

Antigua Boatsheds extends its hospitality beyond daily dining, offering comprehensive catering services and a charming venue for various functions. This fully licensed facility can comfortably host groups of up to 60 guests, making it a versatile choice for a wide array of events. From corporate gatherings and social celebrations to milestone birthdays and elegant cocktail parties, the Boatsheds provide a unique backdrop. Guests can enjoy a gourmet BBQ on the spacious deck, overlooking the picturesque river, or choose from a superb selection of tasty canapés from the cocktail catering menu. The combination of its stunning riverside location, historic charm, and exceptional food makes Antigua Boatsheds an outstanding choice for making any big occasion truly special and memorable.

The enduring appeal of Antigua Boatsheds lies in its seamless blend of historical significance and its vibrant, active present. It’s more than just a place to hire a boat or grab a bite; it’s a living piece of Christchurch’s heritage that continues to offer joy and relaxation to both locals and visitors alike. Whether you're drawn by the allure of a traditional river excursion, the promise of a delightful meal with a view, or the need for a distinctive event venue, Antigua Boatsheds offers an experience that captures the essence of Christchurch's natural beauty and rich past.

Signature items

• Boatshed Breakfast
• Eggs Benedict
• Pancake Stack
• Smashed Avocado
• Fish Tacos
• Crispy Fried Chicken Burger

Menu

Kids Menu

• Kids Breakfast — Eggs, cooked to your liking, with bacon & toast.
• Kids Pancake Stack — 2 homemade pancakes with maple syrup & marshmallow.
• Chicken Nuggets — Served with fries & tomato sauce.
• Kids Toasted Sandwich — Filled with cheese and ham, served with fries and tomato sauce.

Kids Drinks

• Kids Keri Blackcurrant Juice
• Kids Keri Apple Juice
• Hot Chocolate
• Fluffy

Lunch & All Day

• Soup of the Day — Homemade soup with toast.
• Hot Chips — Served with aioli & tomato sauce.
• Toasted Sandwich — With a choice of three fillings: Cheese; Ham; Tomato; Pineapple; Mushroom; Onion.
• Toasted Sandwich with Fries — Toasted sandwich with a choice of three fillings, served with fries & tomato sauce.
• Daily Chef’s Special — Please ask our staff for more details on today's special.
• Fish Tacos — 2 soft shell tacos filled with crumbed hoki bites, salad, tartar sauce, salsa & a side of fries.
• Crispy Fried Chicken Burger — Fried chicken, mesclun, swiss cheese, gherkin, mango chutney, aioli & served with fries.

Breakfast & Brunch

• Boatshed Breakfast — Poached eggs, streaky bacon, hashbrowns, breakfast sausages, homemade posh beans with sourdough bread.
• Granola — Homemade muesli served with yoghurt, berry compote, seasonal fruit & milk.
• Creamy Mushrooms — Sautéed mushrooms in a creamy herb & garlic sauce with 2 poached eggs on sourdough topped with parmesan.
• Toasted Bagel with Cold Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese — Toasted bagel served with cold smoked salmon and cream cheese.
• Toasted Bagel with Jam & Cream Cheese — Toasted bagel served with jam and cream cheese.
• Cheesy Omelette — 3 egg omelette served on hashbrowns. Choose two fillings: Mushroom; Ham; Bacon; Onion; Spinach; Tomato.
• Eggs on Toast — 2 eggs, cooked to your liking, on toast.
• Eggs Benedict with Grilled Bacon — Poached eggs topped with Hollandaise sauce & sprinkled with dukkah, served on toasted focaccia with grilled bacon.
• Eggs Benedict with Spinach & Mushrooms — Poached eggs topped with Hollandaise sauce & sprinkled with dukkah, served on toasted focaccia with spinach & mushrooms.
• Eggs Benedict with Cold Smoked Salmon — Poached eggs topped with Hollandaise sauce & sprinkled with dukkah, served on toasted focaccia with cold smoked salmon.
• Streaky Bacon & Eggs on Toast — 2 eggs, cooked to your liking, with streaky bacon on toast.
• Pancake Stack — 3 homemade pancakes with banana, bacon, berry compote, mascarpone & maple syrup.
• Smashed Avocado — Smashed avocado on sourdough served with beetroot hummus, mesclun, cherry tomatoes, feta & 2 poached eggs. Vegan option available.
• Mediterranean Posh Beans — Homemade Moroccan mildly spiced beans served on sourdough with 2 poached eggs & grilled halloumi.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of boats can I hire at Antigua Boatsheds?

You can hire single or double kayaks, paddle boats, row boats, and Canadian canoes for an adventure on the Avon River.

Does Antigua Boatsheds offer bike rental?

Yes, bike hire is available, perfect for exploring Christchurch city or the nearby Hagley Park.

What type of food does the Boat Shed Café serve?

The café serves delicious breakfast, brunch, and lunch options, including dishes like the Boatshed Breakfast, Smashed Avocado, Fish Tacos, and daily chef specials, along with cabinet food.

Can Antigua Boatsheds host private events or functions?

Yes, the fully licensed venue can host groups of up to 60, offering catering services for gourmet BBQs on the deck or cocktail parties with canapés.

Is Antigua Boatsheds a historic site?

Yes, Antigua Boatsheds has been a part of Christchurch’s history for over 130 years and is classified as a Category 1 Historic Building.

Are there options for guests with dietary requirements?

A vegan option is available for Smashed Avocado. The catering menu can provide Gluten Free and other dietary requirement menus on request. Please note, the kitchen handles common allergens (wheat, soy, dairy, nuts) and deep fryers are shared; inform staff of any specific dietary needs.

Where can I find the opening hours for Antigua Boatsheds?

Operating hours are not listed on the website; please contact the café at (03) 366 6768 or the boat shed at (03) 366 5885 directly for current opening times.

Tips

• {"body":"Rent a row boat or Canadian canoe for a classic 'messing about in boats' adventure on the tranquil Avon River, just as people have for over a century.","title":"Embrace the Edwardian Experience"}
• {"body":"Order one of the Boat Shed Cafe's famous picnic hampers to enjoy a delightful meal on the river bank, soaking in the serene atmosphere.","title":"Picnic by the River"}
• {"body":"Combine your visit with a bike hire to easily explore Christchurch city centre, the nearby Botanic Gardens, or the expansive Hagley Park.","title":"Explore on Two Wheels"}
• {"body":"If planning a special occasion or work event, consider their catering services for gourmet BBQs on the deck or cocktail parties in their riverside venue.","title":"Enquire about Catering"}
• {"body":"Don't forget to ask the staff about the Daily Chef's Special for a unique culinary creation beyond the regular menu.","title":"Check the Daily Specials"}

Good to know

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