These crisp winter blue-sky mornings and snow-socked hills have made us feel invigorated; we’ve got our boots on and there are frozen puddles to jump on. Bring it on, world. Now we just need a conduit for this frost-induced zest for life that’s sprung up like a daffodil shoot breaking ground a few months early. So here at the Cityscape office, we’ve vowed to try something new this winter.

This isn’t just to use up our excess winter energy. We’re focussing on wellbeing this year, and there’s a ton of evidence to say that trying new things will make us feel good: psychologist Rich Walker of Winston-Salem State University catalogued 30,000 event memories from 500 people’s diaries over four years, and found that people who try out a variety of different experiences feel more positive emotions than those who don’t. Research has also shown that learning new skills comes with mental health benefits, no matter what age you are, or what you’re learning.

Branching out benefits our community too. It’s a great way to give your own little boost to the economy, support local makers, artisans and teachers, and become part of a vibrant, active community. And by trying something new, we’re bound to connect with like-minded people, find a new favourite hobby and share smiles with strangers.

With all that in mind, Cityscapers, we want you to take up this challenge with us. There are lots of different ways we can do this in our innovative city – more than we could ever fit into one magazine, but here are the ideas that have us hopping with excitement.

Bring new beats into your workout routine

Tap your toes to a new rhythm at Brazilian Beatz Dance Academy. The studio is run by pro dance instructors Becky and Leo – Becky’s even competed on Australia’s Strictly Dancing. Start out with their beginner’s classes, where you’ll get skilled up in a sexy Brazilian dance style. Then they’ll let you loose in their social nights, where you can pretend you’ve been transported to the hottest salsa club in Latin America. On the subject of hip swinging, Bernadette Smith, aka The Hoop Lady, teaches group hula hoop classes at In2Hula. It's a great laugh, and takes intense focus and concentration, so you might not even notice the burn in your abs until you get home.

For a funky, fluorescent throwback, there’s Clubbercise: 80s-style group fitness classes taught in a low-light room with disco balls, UV lights and LED glow-sticks, all set to an irresistible soundtrack. You can shake it all out in Bootybarre at On Pointe Studio, which combines Pilates, yoga and dance to create the perfect mix of strength and flexibility with an added cardiovascular element to get you puffing as well.

Start a new self-care schedule

Funnel your winter pep into some serious self-care. Get amongst the luxury by booking one of the many Escape Spa Packages at Nicola Quinn Beauty & Day Spa – try the Ginger&Me mindfulness facial, which treats the skin and incorporates a meditation session for internal wellbeing. Take yourself on a mini vacation at the lux Champs-Elysées Day Spa with an indulgent executive retreat package. Grassroots Yoga and Health owner Veronica King is passionate about yoga being more than just exercise. She believes in living well and having meaningful engagement in a complex world. Experienced Grassroots teachers will take you on a journey to be the best version of yourself through yoga, meditation, wellbeing and a friendly community.

Maintain your winter wellness with a visit to Deirdre Panapa at DP Herbals to try a new treatment. She turned from nursing to a career as a clinical herbalist so she could offer her clients a more holistic treatment path. Digestive problems, respiratory issues, low immunity, decreased energy, hormonal issues and stress are just some of the problems her patients present with. Work yourself into tip-top physical shape with Muscle People. This physiotherapy clinic provides world-class physiotherapy, functional rehabilitation, treatment for persistent headaches and migraines, and group exercise sessions under the guidance of a trained physiotherapist.

Relax otter-style at O-Studio in The Welder complex in Welles Street, where you can get in a large flotation tank for some weightless meditation. Get the most from your body with the studio’s yoga, meditation, ice baths, infrared saunas and personalised coaching programmes. Kayo Gill specialises in sound healing and pranic healing for chronic pain, unhappiness, stress, emotional imbalances and trauma. She offers group sessions and amazing long-term courses to open your mind. Helen The Whole Life Coach gives holistic coaching services with the convenience of online learning. Her Whole30 course is a full one-on-one programme, and the Rise & Shine programme helps you level up your life as part of a like-minded community.

Gobble up new local goodies

Show the economy some love with nutritious local produce, made with care by Cantabrians. We’re flush with fantastic farmers’ markets, such as the Riccarton Rotary Market, which houses wonderful vendors and gives back to the community. Christchurch Farmers’ Market serves up fresh produce alongside artisan yummies and cooked food. Why not work up your hunger by walking the Bridle Path before hitting the Saturday Lyttelton Farmers’ Market?

Go zero-waste at the new pantry refillery Food for Thought in The Tannery, stocked full of plastic-free and organic products.

For an extensive plant-based repertoire that’s worth staying home for, the new locals-only Green Dinner Table delivers everything you need to make your own restaurant-quality vegan meals, so you can kick off a diet that’s great for the environment without having to decide what to cook every night. Fitfood designs healthy pre-cooked meals with fresh, seasonal Canterbury produce, and delivers them straight to your door – check out the keto, vegan and weight management options.

Self-care isn’t all about nutritional perfection. Delve into delicious new treats, in moderation. Don’t waste another minute getting down to Grizzly Baked Goods for a lusciously buttery Lemon Poppy Morning Bun. Order online for delivered breakfast from Good Honest, a professional bakery that supplies some of the country’s top restaurants and delivers fresh to homes – it’s famous for the crunchy Good Honest bark flatbreads and delectable selection of macarons.

Re-wild your fitness regimen

Staying fit is fun when you do it right. Each season, Wicked Rogaines runs a series of orienteering events for anyone with a moderate level of fitness. It’s an awesome way to get your heart rate up and challenge your map-reading skills with a group of mates. Clamber up the walls at Uprising, a world-class rock climbing gym for all skill levels that doubles as a cool hangout space and eatery. It wouldn’t be winter in Canterbury without a decent dusting of snow on the mountains. For a fresh experience, skip the crowds at the big fields and sample the magic of the area’s clubbies. Broken River and Temple Basin Ski Area offer some of the most magical views in the Southern Alps, and you can stay in the friendly on-field lodges, where everyone mucks in on duties and the old-timers are bound to tell you a story or two.

Take a city staycation

Going on holiday in your own city lets you see a side you’ve never taken the time to appreciate. The Tack Rooms is a boutique accommodation and function space in central Christchurch, the perfect base of operations for a night out or a weekend inside the four avenues. Rent a couple of bikes from Chill in Durham Street North and explore the city’s network of cycle lanes and shared spaces, or grab a mountain bike and take to the Port Hills for some literally breathtaking views.

Go local for gigs

Support local artists while having a good time by checking out a gig or live music night at your local venue, such as Blue Smoke, Darkroom or your favourite bar. Feed your cultural cravings with one of the immersive shows at The Court Theatre. If nothing else, make sure you take the time to laugh your head off. Christchurch is blessed with a dedicated comedy venue Good Times Comedy Club, which houses a regular line-up of fantastic comedy acts and snags the best visiting comedians.

These are only a fraction of the different and wonderful things you can try in Christchurch. When you see something that inspires you, lean in and give it a go, and make sure to tell us about it. This challenge can take all shapes and sizes; from a sizzling new workout, to indulging in hot comfort food from a local bakery, to giving some time back to yourself. Adopt whatever form fits you – Christchurch is bursting at the seams with opportunities for new experiences, and all we need is to get out and give it a go.