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1985
- January 12
- The first South Island In Vitro baby is born at Christchurch Womens Hospital.
- March
- World and Olympic Ice Skating Champions Torville and Dean perform in Hagley Park.
- April 5
- Visit by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
- May 3
- 6,000 Christchurch citizens rally against the All Black tour of South Africa.
- July 1
- Open road speed limit raised from 80 kph to 100 kph.
- September 5
- French agent Dominique Prieur convicted over the bombing of the Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior, transferred from Mt Eden Jail to Christchurch Women’s Prison.
- September 14
- Canterbury loses Ranfurly Shield to Auckland after a 3 year reign. Final score 28-23.
- October 22
- Elizabeth, the one tonne sea elephant, dies of a viral infection on Sumner Beach. She had lived for 5 years on the City’s beaches, estuary and rivers and was often found crawling up suburban streets.
- October 28
- 110 vehicles stolen over Labour Weekend in the Canterbury district. Police claim it as a record.
- October 30
- Mid-Canterbury farmers slaughter 2,500 ewes in protest at the low prices they are receiving for their sheep.
- October 30
- Writer-in-Residence at Canterbury University, Keri Hulme wins internationally prestigious "Booker McConnell" prize for her novel The Bone People.
- November 27
- Remains of swimming pool uncovered when excavating behind No 1 stand at Lancaster Park. Pool used as venue for 1907 Australian and New Zealand Swimming Championships. See 1894.
- December
- Halley’s Comet becomes visible in night sky. See 1910.
