Event description
Ferrymead Heritage Park First Responders Open Day
Sunday 25 October 2026 | 10am–5pm
Ferrymead Heritage Park
Meet the people, vehicles and organisations that help keep Canterbury safe at the Ferrymead Heritage Park First Responders Open Day.
This special family event will bring together emergency services, rescue organisations, community safety groups and heritage first-response vehicles for a full day of demonstrations, displays, activities and public engagement.
Visitors will have the opportunity to meet representatives from organisations such as Hato Hone St John, New Zealand Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Civil Defence, Surf Life Saving, Coastguard and Mountain Rescue. The Westpac Rescue Helicopter may also attend, subject to operational requirements and availability.
Throughout the day, visitors can explore emergency vehicles, learn how first responders work together during accidents, rescues and civil defence emergencies, and discover how emergency response has evolved in Canterbury.
The programme is expected to include live rescue demonstrations, resuscitation displays, fire engine rides, ambulance and police vehicle experiences, drone demonstrations, fire hose and ladder challenges, a traditional fire bucket chain, and demonstrations featuring specialist rescue equipment such as the jaws of life.
Children will be able to dress as firefighters, police officers and ambulance officers for photographs, while interactive “have-a-go” activities will give families the chance to learn practical safety and emergency-response skills.
Subject to operational and regulatory approval, additional experiences may include helicopter flights, monsoon bucket demonstrations and other specialist emergency-service activities.
Safety and prevention will be an important part of the day, with displays and advice covering first aid, accident prevention, skin health, community preparedness and what families can do before, during and after an emergency.
Talks will be held throughout the day exploring the history and development of first response in Canterbury, from early fire brigades, ambulance services and police operations to modern rescue technology, communications, aviation and emergency management.
Ferrymead Heritage Park provides the perfect setting for this event, combining working heritage vehicles, historic buildings and interactive displays with modern emergency services and equipment.
The First Responders Open Day is designed to be informative, exciting and suitable for visitors of all ages. It is an opportunity to thank the people who serve the community, learn more about their work and experience first response in action.
Event Details
Date: Sunday 25 October 2026
Time: 10am–5pm
Venue: Ferrymead Heritage Park
Entry: Normal Ferrymead Heritage Park admission fees apply.
Expected highlights include: emergency-service vehicles, rescue demonstrations, first-aid activities, fire engine rides, police and ambulance experiences, drone displays, children’s dress-up activities, safety education, heritage vehicles and talks on the evolution of first response in Canterbury.
Participating organisations, aircraft, vehicle rides and demonstrations are subject to operational commitments, weather, availability and final approval.
Programme highlights
- Meet the people and organisations who protect, rescue and support our community
- Emergency service vehicles, heritage appliances and specialist equipment on display
- Fire engine, ambulance and police vehicle experiences
- Live rescue demonstrations, including the Jaws of Life
- Fire hose, ladder and bucket-chain challenges
- Resuscitation demonstrations and hands-on first aid activities
- Civil Defence, Coastguard, Surf Life Saving and rescue displays
- Drone demonstrations and emergency response technology
- Children’s dress-up and photo opportunities
- Talks on the history and evolution of first responding in Canterbury
- Heritage tram rides and access to Ferrymead Heritage Park attractions
- Food, refreshments and family entertainment throughout the day
- Westpac Rescue Helicopter appearance, subject to operational availability
- A full day of interactive, educational and family-friendly activities
Gallery
Tickets
- General Admission - Adult: $20.00
- Students/Community Services Card Holders: $15.00
- Children (5-15 years): $15.00
- Children under 5: $0.00
- Family Day Pass 2 Adults & 3 Children (5-15 years): $60.00
- Annual Adult pass: $60.00
- Annual Child pass (5-15 years): $40.00
- Annual Family pass (up to 2 Adults & 3 Children): $150.00