The rink on the corner on High and Cashel Sts offers almost the same gliding capacity as natural ice. It has been set up as part of the Chill in the City festival.
Organised by the Central City Business Association, the rink is open until Sunday.
People will also be able to ride the Hagglund, get a selfie with Huskies or have a go at tobogganing at The Terrace end of City Mall.
"We’ve lined up some great mid-winter activities that people can enjoy with ice skating, Hagglund rides, selfies with the huskies and even bringing in some snow for tobogganing," said association manager Paul Lonsdale.
The first hour of parking in Christchurch City Council’s Lichfield St and Art Gallery parking buildings is free.
It costs $5 for a half-hour skating session in the rink, and a gold coin donation for the Hagglund rides and selfies with the huskies. All money raised goes to the City Mission.
Helmets and gloves are essential for the ice skating, with some available at the rink, but bring your own if possible.
