The KiwiAble programme is based with the Business Operations Team in the Recreation & Sports Unit of Christchurch City Council and is funded by the Council and The Canterbury Community Trust.

Apply for KiwiAble leisure card - it's free to join

Apply

photo of a member of the disability community using some fitness equipment

The major objective of KiwiAble is to promote an inclusive, welcoming service model of community recreation. KiwiAble is committed to getting more people with a disability involved in sport, recreation and leisure by breaking down barriers to participation.

Anyone who has an interest in the area of sport, recreation or leisure for people with disabilities can access the KiwiAble network.

KiwiAble administers the KiwiAble leisure card.

What does KiwiAble do?

The KiwiAble programme works in the following areas:

  • facilitates the KiwiAble Recreation Network, a network of disability organisations, individuals with disabilities, service providers - anyone interested in the area of sport, recreation, the Arts and leisure. 
  • delivers disability awareness training in association with established partners to Council Leisure facilities, Council Holiday programme staff and some Council Units 
  • contributes to plans, developments of barrier free opportunities within Council 
  • offers advice on sport, recreation and leisure options for people with disabilities 
  • develops services in response to identified needs 
  • promotes the concept of an inclusive community 
  • advocacy support 
  • promotes equity and inclusion 
  • administers the KiwiAble leisure card.

KiwiAble leisure card

The KiwiAble leisure card aims to reduce some of the barriers when it comes to participating in recreation.

If you require support to do activities, a number of places offer a discount for the support person, or in some cases the support person is free.

Benefits of the KiwiAble leisure card

  • The card is free of charge for those living in the greater Canterbury area. 
  • The card offers discounts of between 10% and 50%.
  • Enjoy life more by getting out and being active.
  • Meet new people.
  • Learn some new skills.
  • Have fun.

How to apply

Apply for KiwiAble leisure card - it's free to join

Apply

Complete the online form above, or download this application form [PDF, 124 KB] and include:

  • A recent passport-style photo, and
  • A letter of confirmation of eligibility (e.g. a letter received in the last 12 months from Work and Income stating what benefit you are entitled to)

Send these to:

The KiwiAble Leisure Card
Christchurch City Council
Community Governance & Democracy Unit
PO Box 73016
Christchurch 8140

Once we have all the information you should get your card within two weeks.

If you have any questions email kiwiable@ccc.govt.nz.

Eligibility

KiwiAble Adult Card

You are eligible for the KiwiAble leisure adult card if you get:

  • Supported Living Payment from Work and Income, or
  • Long-term ACC (52 weeks or more), or
  • Job Seekers Support from Work and Income and have a letter of support from a disability agency, or
  • NZ Superannuation and Disability Allowance.

KiwiAble Youth Card

The KiwiAble leisure youth card is for children under 16 years old who:

  • Have a parent or guardian who receives a Child Disability Allowance from Work and Income, or
  • Have a letter of support from a recognised disability agency, doctor or school

Once you turn 16 years old you will need to apply for an adult card. A letter will be sent to you to help you do this.

Where you can use KiwiAble

There are currently over 30 places that support the KiwiAble leisure card by offering card holder discounts. More venues will be added as the city rebuilds and more opportunities become available.

When your card is issued we will send you a booklet that lists all the places(external link) [PDF 11MB] you can use the card and the discounts they offer.

Here is summary information for each provider. If you are unsure it is best to ring and check the discount before you go.

Venue Cardholder Support person Notes
Air Force Museum(external link) 50% off behind the scenes tours free entry when required to assist  
AMF Garden City Bowl(external link) $6.50 per game $6.50 per game  
Antigua Boat Hire(external link) $2 off standard hire price up to one hour free hire when required to assist  
Aqua Gym(external link) $1 off adult classes (casual rate) or 10% discount off concession cards Free entry when required to assist  
Black Cat Cruises(external link) $10 off for an Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise Free of charge  
Christchurch WildlifeTours $10 discount per person Free entry when required to assist (some conditions apply) Limited accessibility, please check when booking.
Caddyshack City (Indoor Mini Golf)(external link) $4 off full adult price $4 off full adult price Some raised areas are not accessible. Please check website for updates as this facility will be closing for earthquake repairs.
Canterbury Museum(external link) Free entry to Discovery Same as cardholder Some exhibit areas are not accessible.
Canterbury WEA(external link) 25% off course fees (day and evening). This discount does not apply to any extra costs connected to courses. (eg. photocopying, model fees for art courses) Free when required to assist. (Subject to space on course. Please check when registering.)  
Christchurch City Council Outdoor Summer Pools(external link) 25% discount off all adult prices Free entry when required to assist Outdoor pools are only open during summer.
Christchurch Gondola(external link) 20% off standard adult or child ticket Same as cardholder (not valid with any other discount or promotional offer) Limited wheelchair access in Gondola, please phone to check.
Christchurch Tram(external link) 20% off standard adult or child ticket Same as cardholder Limited manual wheelchair accessibility. Only one stop has
ramped access. Please phone to clarify. 
Clip 'n' Climb @ the YMCA Adventure Centre(external link) $10 entry Free of charge only when required to assist (some conditions do apply) Weekdays 4–7pm only. Phone ahead to book and advise of any support needs and/or advise on group numbers.
Dudley Park Aquatic Centre(external link) Entry fee of $4.50 for adults Free entry when required to assist  
Ferrymead Historic Park(external link) No discount provided Free entry when required to assist Some old cottages, tram and trains are not wheelchair
accessible.
Graham Condon Recreation & Sport Centre(external link) 25% discount off all adult prices Free entry when required to assist  
Hanmer Springs Forest Camp(external link)
  • Ensor Lodge Cabin: Adult $22, child $10 per night
  • Forestry Hut: Adult $20, child $9 per night
  • Self contained unit: $79 (for two people) per night
 Same as cardholder Laundry is not accessible.
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa(external link) Adult (16+) $14, Children (3–15 years) $7 Free entry when required to assist  
Hoyts Northlands and Riccarton(external link) $12 (one ticket only) Same as the cardholder Excludes New Zealand International Film Festival tickets, 3D movies, movie marathons and special events.
International Antarctic Centre(external link) 20% discount off all ticket prices (on direct bookings only) Same as the cardholder Some restrictions on the Hagglund Ride.
Jellie Park Recreation and Sport Centre(external link) 25% discount off all adult prices Free entry when required to assist  
Kaiapoi Aquatic Centre(external link) $4.50 per adult Free entry when required to assist  
Mike Pero Motorsport Park at Ruapuna Park(external link) 50% discount 50% discount This is for Canterbury Car Club events only. The bank by the
Control Tower has limited accessibility 
Orana Wildlife Park(external link) 50% off standard admission fee. (Does not apply to additional cost encounters and cannot be used in conjunction with other offers) Same as cardholder Some parts of the viewing platforms are not wheelchair accessible.
Orton Bradley Park(external link) 33% off admission fee Same as the cardholder Some tracks, the old school house and stables are not
wheelchair accessible.
Oxford Community Aquatic Centre Adult $4.50 Free entry when needed to assist  tel (03) 311 9019
Pioneer Recreation and Sport Centre(external link) 25% discount off all adult prices Free entry when required to assist  
Pirates Island Adventure Golf(external link) $1 discount per person $1 discount when accompanying cardholder  
Taiora: QEII Recreation and Sport Centre(external link) 25% off all adult prices Free entry when required to assist  
Quake City(external link) $4 off adult admission price. Children free if under 15 and accompanied by a paying adult or $8 if under 15 and unaccompanied Same as cardholder when needed to assist  
Rawhiti Golf Links(external link) 25% off adult fee 25% off adult fee Discounted public holiday rates apply, please phone for details. Wheelchair access is from south side and a lift is available on request.
Repertory Theatre(external link) Tickets at Seniors, Community Services Card and Student rates Tickets at Senior rates when accompanying cardholder  
Selwyn Aquatic Centre(external link) 20% off adult prices Free when needed to assist  
The Court Theatre(external link) Tickets at the under 25 rate for all Court Theatre and
The Forge Productions 		 Same as cardholder  Box office must be notified at the time of booking if a wheelchair seat is required. This does not include tickets sold through the Court Theatre ticketing agency (non Court Theatre Productions).
The Southern Centre(external link) 25% discount off entry fee Free of charge Birthday Parties: $10 plus entry fee
Tothill's Mazes(external link) $8 for one maze or $10 for both mazes (summer only)   Tower in the middle of the maze is not accessible.
Whale Watch Kaikoura(external link) 50% discount for cardholders booking and paying direct. KiwiAble card must be presented at check in 50% discount when support person is required (ticked yes on the card) Limited access. Own wheelchairs cannot be taken on board. No accessible toilet on vessel.
Wharenui Swim Club(external link) $4.50 (for swimming only) Free entry when required to assist Please note entry is at the rear of building.
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve(external link) $14.75 entry fee Free entry  

Keeping in contact

Please tell us if you:

  • change your address
  • change your phone number
  • change your email address
  • start full-time work.

If you would like more information, have any ideas of activities that could be added to the card, or have any questions about the card, please contact:

KiwiAble leisure card coordinator

(03) 941 8999
kiwiable@ccc.govt.nz

Inclusive Communities
Christchurch City Council
PO Box 73016
Christchurch 8140

Terms and conditions

Privacy Act 1993

The Christchurch City Council Recreation & Sports unit wish to collect the application information for the purposes of card registration. This information will only be accessible to Christchurch City Council staff.

You have the right to access and check any information you have supplied. This information is not required by law, however if refused, your application may be declined.

Support person

A support person is someone who helps you do activities that you would otherwise find difficult to do. They must be a responsible person and could be a friend, family member or community support worker.

Some things they could help you with include: transport, getting changed at a gym or pool, assisting with communication or using equipment. It is possible to need a support person for some activities (eg. swimming), but not others (eg. movies), but some people may need help most of the time.

It is requested that you don’t use the support person discount unless it is essential for the activity. Staff may ask for brief details on the support that is needed.

KiwiAble Youth Card

Once a person turns 16 you need to apply for an Adult Card.

We will send you a letter to help you do this. You will need to send confirmation that you are still eligible for a card. In some circumstances card holders will continue to get Child Disability Allowance so will stay on this card until they get another benefit or turn 21.