Christmas Kate Sheppard Cycle Tour

Join us for a spirited Christmas ‘herstory’ cycle tour tracing the wheel tracks of Kate Sheppard — New Zealand’s iconic suffragist — a remarkable woman who rode her way toward equality.

Follow the paths where change took root in Ōtautahi Christchurch, hear stories of courage, determination, and world-changing ideas, and discover the extraordinary legacy that made Aotearoa the first country in the world to grant women the vote (1893).

This inspiring experience brings history to life as you roll past landmark sites, ending with morning tea and a guided tour at Kate Sheppard’s former home.

• Duration: approx. 2 hours (cycle tour + morning tea + house tour)
• Cycling level: Easy
• Group size: Max. 8 riders + guide
• Stops: 10 fascinating heritage locations across the city
• Includes:
  ✅ 1.5 hour guided cycle tour
  ✅ Morning tea on arrival at Kate Sheppard House
  ✅ A guided tour of the house museum

(Activity concludes at approx. 11:45am.)

9:00am — Meet on the grassy riverbank at the Kate Sheppard National Memorial
Behind the Municipal Building (corner of Oxford Terrace & Worcester Street)

Stand among the life-sized bronze suffragists and feel the power of the movement where it all began.

Channel your inner suffragist — knickerbockers, long bloomers, and reform dress welcome!
Prizes for best dressed and boldest bicycle spirit.

“Bicycling has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world… the picture of free, untrammelled womanhood.”
— Susan B. Anthony

• Your own bike
• Comfortable clothing (weather-appropriate)
• Signed Health & Safety form (returned prior to tour)

These walls are an optical illusion & homage to this city's lost heritage and celebrates Kate Sheppard and the fight for equality.

📍 Meet at 9:00am on the green river bank in front of the Kate Sheppard Memorial located behind the Municipal Building which is on the corner of Oxford Terrace & Worcester StreetStand in front of the life-like statues of Kate Sheppard and the remarkable suffragists who fought for equality for women at the national memorial.

You will see the early Tuam Street Public Hall (New Zealand's first town hall) where Kate Sheppard held her suffrage rallies to register voting women in 1893.

File Reference CCL-KPCD02-0014

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Host or Publisher Kate Sheppard House