Biggest Lego fan showcase in Southern Hemisphere expected to draw 20,000 visitors

Friday, 10 July 2026

Murray Kinnell from Christchurch puts another piece in place while setting up his illuminated street scene for the 2026 Christchurch Brick Show held at Wolfbrook Arena.

At 2 years old, Felixi Irin was solving jigsaw puzzles. At 4, he got into Lego. Now aged 10, Irin is the proud builder of a 10,000-piece Eiffel Tower at the 2026 Christchurch Brick Show.

Felix’s tower, which took two months to assemble, is one of more than 200 displays on show at Wolfbrook Arena on Saturday and Sunday.

Felix Irin, 10, from the West Coast puts the final touches to his Eiffel Tower ahead of the 2026 Christchurch Brick Show. Felix spent two months building the tower by himself.

It is the largest Lego fan showcase in the Southern Hemisphere, with 20,000 visitors expected to walk through the doors.

The Press got a sneak peek at some of the builds on Friday, including a recreation of Christchurch’s Sugarloaf transmission site, countless Star Wars spaceships, a functioning battery-powered roller coaster, realistic flowers and more.

Abby Woods from Ashburton with her Kiwiana-themed work.

The “Lego lady of Ashburton”, Abby Woods, said she got hooked on bricks after her children bought her a set at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. For this year’s event she replicated a series of Kiwi characters, including Gandalf, the Topp Twins, Buzzy Bee and Wal Footrot.

They are arranged on a green hill below the nostalgic sleeping Goodnight Kiwi, creating a mega-build Woods has been working on since late last year.

Some historic aircraft models on display for the 2026 Christchurch Brick Show.

Across the floor, Christchurch man Murray Kinnell and his friend created a miniature town square complete with colourful lights and minifigures. They pre-assembled each building, which were roughly 32 by 32 bricks, and in some cases bigger.

Show organiser Jonny Reid said the event was a highlight of Ōtautahi’s jam-packed event calendar, thanks to the passion and creativity of its exhibitors.

Wal Footrot and dog on Abby Woods’ Kiwiana hill.

A section of Murray Kinnell and his friend’s illuminated street scene for the 2026 Christchurch Brick Show.

Gandalf and Frodo on Abby Woods’ Kiwiana build for the 2026 Christchurch Brick Show.

A close up of Buzzy Bee on Abby Woods’ Kiwiana themed work LEGO build.

A multitude of Lego figures on display for the 2026 Christchurch Brick Show.

“We’re really excited about what our exhibitors are bringing to the table this year. Every build — whether it’s highly technical, beautifully artistic or just plain fun — shows what’s possible when you give yourself permission to think outside the box.”

The show has grown from strength to strength and now attracts exhibitors from overseas, which Reid said reflected the power of New Zealand’s Lego community and the appetite families have for hands-on experiences.

“It’s a chance for people to see what others have dreamed up, and hopefully walk away feeling inspired to build something of their own.”

Tickets are $6 at the door or online at events.humanitix.com/christchurch-brick-show-2026. Children aged 2 and under are free.