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
The best things to see, eat, and do in Christchurch
11 Walks to Do in Canterbury and Where to Reward Yourself After
There’s nothing quite like getting outside and touching some grass. Great for the mental health, great for the quads.
Our Kid-Friendly Guide for Your Next Family Day Out in Christchurch
Finding activities and destinations to keep every member of the family content, from the youngest to the oldest (yes, we’re looking at you adults) is no easy feat. Sometimes it can feel easier to stay home, but cabin fever can soon hit, so to help you out in moments like this, we’ve compiled a guide of parent and kid-friendly experiences in Ōtautahi Christchurch sure to delight on all levels.
In Good Spirits: A Day in the Life of a Distiller
The Spirits Workshop in the heart of Sydenham, on the outskirts of Christchurch’s city centre was founded by four whisky lovers in 2016. They had a vision to develop distinctly New Zealand spirits and to give our reputable wines and craft beer a run for their money on the world stage. It’s fair to say they’re realising this goal and are an Ōtautahi success story.
Spanner Turned Spatula: 11 Converted Warehouse Spaces in Christchurch
High ceilings, raw materials and a little grit meet warm hospitality, bold flavours and serious creativity. Here are some of our favourite spots that have taken the leap from industrial warehouse to delicious destination.
Explore our Directory
View AllNaveya & Sloane Jewellery
Naveya & Sloane is a jewellery house born and bred in New Zealand, and in mid-2025, they opened their Christchurch showroom on Oxford Terrace.
Black Betty
Black Betty on Christchurch’s Madras Street first opened in February 2011, and since those early days, it has cemented itself as a firm favourite on the Ōtautahi...
Paleta Gelateria
Any time of the day is a good time for gelato, and if you are in the vicinity of Christchurch’s Little High Eatery, we recommend making a beeline for Paleta Gelateria.
Southpaw Brewing Company & Taproom
Southpaw Brewing Company & Taproom, found in Christchurch’s seaside suburb of New Brighton, is proudly community-focused and this small, independent brewery is...
Get your Pocket Guide for Christchurch & Canterbury
Discover the best places to eat, drink, shop, and explore among the sweeping golden hills, frothing beaches and vibrant downtown of Christchurch.
Harris Farms Butchery, Bakery & Café
If you find yourself roadtripping along State Highway 1 between Christchurch and Kaikōura, chances are a stop in Cheviot will be needed.
The Eve Apartment - OGB Suite
The Old Government Building in the heart of Christchurch’s centre is a true heritage treasure for the city and is now home to a variety of businesses and accommodation...
Kusamono Café
Tucked into a calming corner of New Brighton Mall, Kusamono Café is where devotion to the perfect brew echoes the art of bonsai.
Shopology
Calling Riverside Lane home, Shopology is the place to go in Christchurch when you need something special or a nice dose of retail therapy.
Blue Moon Bakehouse
When Blue Moon Bakehouse opened their doors on Riccarton Road in 2024, they garnered a glowing reputation throughout Christchurch and beyond at lightning speed.
Vivace Espresso
Vivace Espresso on Christchurch’s Cambridge Terrace is a cafe that wears many hats and wears them well.
Bar Franco
If you’re looking for a slice of La Dolce Vita in the centre of Christchurch city, walk into Bar Franco and you’ll know instantly you’ve found it.
Airstream Icecream
Nestled on Christchurch’s Rolleston Ave, just across from the Botanical Gardens, Airstream Café is a charming little gem operating from a lovingly restored...
1999 House of Nails - Ferrymead
Mani-pedi lovers residing in or near Christchurch’s seaside suburb of Ferrymead, 1999 House of Nails is the place to go to fulfil all your builder gel manicure and...
Peaches
On a sunny, north-facing corner in Linwood Village, Peaches is a welcome new addition to the neighbourhood.
Poca Poca Cafe
Neighbourhood cafes bring charm, sustenance and perhaps most importantly, a place to gather, Poca Poca Cafe off Christchurch’s Cashmere Road fits this criteria to a tee.
1999 House of Nails - Manchester Street
Head up to the first floor of 87 Manchester Street in the heart of Christchurch and enter the luxurious haven that is 1999 House of Nails.
To Be Continued
If you’ve ever wished shopping preloved fashion felt a little more boutique and a lot less rummage, To Be Continued might just be your dream come true.
