Discover the best places to eat, drink, shop, and explore among the sweeping golden hills, frothing beaches and vibrant downtown of Christchurch.

Officially the oldest established city in New Zealand, this Canterbury city has suffered its fair share of hard times over the years. The February 2011 earthquake struck Christchurch a massive blow, but thanks to a loyal population of hardworking people, the city has once again found its feet. Home to a mix of pre-earthquake favourites and exciting new eateries, bars, and shops, Christchurch has a big city buzz with a world-class hospitality scene.

One of only four cities in the world to have been planned around the layout of the city square, it’s easy to get from A to B in the centre of the Garden City. With Christchurch's plans to accommodate more cyclists and pedestrians, the city is well on its way to becoming an enticing destination for tourists as well as locals

Sweeping golden hills, stunning beaches, and snow-capped mountains a short drive away make Christchurch the hub of an outdoor-loving population.

Hosting a bustling summer season of events, mainly based out of inner-city Hagley Park, Christchurch has plenty of creative talent to showcase when it comes to adventure, performance, art, and music. Match that with an innovative start-up culture and urban business scene, and Christchurch is definitely a city to watch.

12 Hours Christchurch

An outside photo of Arts Centre and Frances Nation Grocer.

The best things to see, eat, and do in Christchurch

Mangia Italiano: Where to find Christchurch's finest Italian restaurants

A chef serving a plate of spinach pasta on a plate in the sunlight.
Christchurch & Canterbury

We've searched out Christchurch's best establishments offering a slice of the good life, inspired by the fields of Florence, streets of Rome and canals of Venice.

Creative Spaces Around New Zealand to Inspire Your Next Mindful Hobby

Central Otago

In a world increasingly dominated by screen time, many New Zealanders are seeking out something more tangible. Pottery classes are filling up months in advance, knitting needles are clicking back into fashion, and creative workshops are becoming social occasions in their own right.

Throw on Your Puffer, There are Plenty of Things to Do in Christchurch This Winter

Photo of puffer jacket hanging up by Rick Barrett.
Christchurch & Canterbury

Has the drop in temperature and southerly blasts got you hunkered down? Well, it’s time to grab your coat, we’ve got some activities to get you out of hibernation mode this winter.

Christchurch Food Guide: Alex Davies of Gatherings

Image of the Chef Alex Davies wearing a cap.
Christchurch & Canterbury

Chef Alex Davies gives us his insight into some of the best places for food in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

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Sophie Divett Jewellery

A close up of a woman wearing a blunt hair cut holding a ring.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Fashion key icon.

Stepping into Sophie Divett Jewellery on Christchurch’s Colombo Street is like entering a jewellery store of a bygone era.

Mumma Bear

Exterior of Mumma Bear's retail space.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

In Sydenham, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find Mumma Bear’s retail space and production kitchen.

At Tonys Japanese Restaurant

Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

A Christchurch institution on Riccarton Road, this teppanyaki and izakaya bar has been serving up grill-side theatre, sushi, sashimi, and All You Can Eat menus for more than a quarter century.

Untouched World

Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon. Fashion key icon. Goods key icon.

The only fashion company in the world to be recognised by the United Nations for sustainability, Untouched World is a true leader in the field of ethical lifestyle fashion.

Get your Pocket Guide for Christchurch & Canterbury

A photo of the latest Neat Places Christchurch pocket guide.

Discover the best places to eat, drink, shop, and explore among the sweeping golden hills, frothing beaches and vibrant downtown of Christchurch.

Darfield Bakery

Place Christchurch & Canterbury Darfield
Cafes key icon.

Dart along State Highway 73, across the plains and toward the Alps, and you’ll soon hit honest-to-goodness Darfield – and, if you’re lucky enough, the...

Okioki by Great Pastry Co

The counter at Okioki by Great Pastry Co.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Opened by the Great Pastry Co team, Okioki on Victoria St is an inviting spot for fresh pastries, house-made focaccia sandwiches, pies, great coffee and more.

Dune Café

Large yellow outdoor umbrellas in front of the asymmetrical, black frontage of Dune Cafe in New Brighton.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

On the corner of Bridge Street and Estuary Road in the heart of South Brighton, you’ll find Dune Café.

Kula Studio

Portrait of Kula Studio owner Ellie
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Wellbeing key icon.

Step off funky Welles Street, glide up a set of green stairs and enter the oh-so-beautiful Kula Studio.

The National

Person walking past exterior of The National gallery in Christchurch
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Fashion key icon. Galleries and museum key icon.

The National has been at the forefront of the contemporary art scene in Christchurch for over a decade.

Ramen Ria

Worker standing behind counter and under Japanese style flags at Ramen Ria in Christchurch
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

Ramen Ria has all of the flavour and fun that can be found in some of Tokyo’s most well known, yet tucked away ramen joints.

Muy Muy

Tacos, corn, nachos and cocktail on table at Muy Muy in Christchurch
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Muy Muy breathes a breath of warm Central American air to the edge of Christchurch's CBD.

Midnight Shanghai

People sitting at upstairs terrace area at Midnight Shanghai in Christchurch
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Midnight Shanghai offers Christchurch elevated, modern Chinese fare with karaoke, handcrafted cocktails and a menu designed for sharing.

Eightgrains

People queueing outside Eightgrains eatery inside Little High Eatery in Christchurch
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Nestled within the flurry of Christchurch’s Little High Eatery, Eightgrains offers a range of...

Coffee Embassy Cashel

Three team members standing behind counter at Coffee Embassy Cashel Street in Christchurch
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Nestled within the heart of the city centre on Cashel Street, Coffee Embassy Cashel is a sleek second outpost for a local roaster that's shaped the 03’s bean scene for...

Duck Island Christchurch

Entrance to Duck Island on High Street in Christchurch
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Sitting pretty on the corner of High Street for all the world to see, Duck Island Ice Cream has landed its first South Island scoop shop. And, of course, it fits right in.

Ma Maison

Facade of Ma Maison showcasing its covered outdoor dining area
Place Christchurch & Canterbury Akaroa
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Sitting in a prime spot on Akaroa’s waterfront, Ma Maison is a restaurant worth making a trip for, and certainly not merely for the view (though it is damn pretty!).