Antigua Boat Sheds, Historic boathouse near Botanic Gardens in Christchurch, New Zealand.
The Antigua Boat Sheds is a wooden boathouse on the Avon River featuring traditional architectural details and active boat rental operations. The facility provides kayaks, canoes, and rowboats for use, along with an on-site cafe that overlooks the water.
Albert Shaw and J.T. Tidd established the original boat sheds in 1882 to serve recreational boating needs. The structure endured significant earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 while continuing to operate as the country's oldest active commercial boat rental business.
The boat sheds serve as a gathering place for water activities and riverside leisure in the community. Visitors of all ages come to experience the river directly through paddling and rowing, a recreational tradition that has shaped local connection to this waterway for over a century.
Boat rentals are available daily with straightforward access from the riverside path nearby. Check opening times ahead of your visit, as water conditions and weather may occasionally affect availability or operations.
The building incorporates repair facilities that allow staff to maintain and restore boats using both traditional methods and modern techniques. This hands-on approach to boat care is rarely found in other long-running rental operations and interests visitors curious about maritime craftsmanship.
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