Virtual and Retro

23/05/2026

Did you enjoy watching The Mandalorian and Grogu with the family?

22/05/2026

Looking for something to do tonight (Friday)?
Why not try the Ashburton Scouts group Jamoree Bingo?

Among other things you may win a family VR outing (donated by Canterbury Farm Services) or multiple racing simulators sessions! (donated by us)

21/05/2026

Thank you to James Meager MP for visiting Canterbury's one and only virtual reality arcade !

Cool local visit to Virtual and Retro in Ashburton just around the corner from my office. Adi has done a great job providing a collection of VR games, escape rooms, table top and other gaming experiences for young kids around Mid Canterbury (and as you can see, some older kids). Check it out, 208 Havelock St opposite the library.

21/05/2026

Did you know that Virtual Reality is used nowadays as a way to help people with physical therapy and healthy exercise? From retirement villages to physical therapists, it's a brilliant way to get people moving without them feeling like they are straining or exercising—because it’s all part of a game!

Why are we telling you this? Because we have been proudly hosting Ashburton College students through the Active As programme.

This incredible initiative runs a range of low-impact activities within schools, connecting high-school-aged rangatahi with community groups in the wider Mid-Canterbury region to increase both fun and physical activity levels.

Students get stuck into VR boxing, cricket, basketball, skiing, skydiving, and musical movement using games like Creed, Beat Saber, Rush, and VR Cricket. Best of all, these experiences are incredibly easy to pick up, even for first-timers (which most of the students are!).

The Active As programme recently won the "School-Based Active Recreation" award at the Sport Canterbury ceremony. We want to send a massive (and slightly late!) congratulations to them from all the staff here at Virtual & Retro!

10/05/2026

Give Mum the Ultimate Escape this Mother's Day!

Looking for a Mother's Day gift that's more than just another candle? This year, treat Mum to an unforgettable adventure at Virtual & Retro.

Relaxed and Accessible Fun - At Virtual & Retro, comfort is key:

Sit Back and Relax: Mum is most welcome to enjoy her digital adventure while sitting down in one of our comfortable gaming chairs.

A "Mum-Approved" Experience: From peaceful sensory explorations to mind-bending team escape rooms, she can explore at her own pace in a supportive environment.

Why Choose Virtual & Retro?
Cutting-Edge Tech: She’ll use top-tier gear like the HTC Vive Pro and Vive Pro 2 controllers for the most realistic experience possible.

Social & Fun: Bring the whole family! Watch her progress on our large display screens while she's "inside" the game.

The Perfect Location: Visit us for a unique outing that beats the standard Sunday lunch.

Book your Mother’s Day session now and let Mum sit back, relax, and save the world!

10/05/2026

09/05/2026

Sir David Attenborough shows us that there is no age that is "too old for VR"

A lifetime of curiosity and a true explorer of the natural world - even in virtual reality.

Wishing Sir David Attenborough a very happy 100th birthday on this special day.

09/05/2026

06/05/2026

Trade your reality for a better one this Mother’s Day:

Between school runs and endless life-admin, you’ve earned a portal to another dimension. Join us at Virtual & Retro for an Escape the Worlds VR adventure.

The Mission: Solve the mystery.

The Perk: Total silence from the "real world."

The Kids: We’ll keep them occupied with casual VR games while you focus on the win.

Treat a Mum (or yourself!): Vouchers are available now—the ultimate "I need a break" gift.

04/05/2026

Occasionally someone contacts us with a question about joining a local D&D group and we would love to point them to the right direction!

While we know most groups in town, if you run a group, open to new players, and haven't been in touch previously, please let us know.