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 Amberley & Waipara

A little house in Chamberlain Park in North Canterbury.

The best things to see, eat, and do.

Best of 2025: 22 New & Neat Openings in Ōtautahi Christchurch

Dog sitting on bench seating at Odds Coffee in Christchurch
Christchurch & Canterbury

If you’re still wondering why none of us can shut up about how obsessed we are with Ōtautahi Christchurch (shiny stadium aside), then this year’s wave of new arrivals should help paint a picture.

The Naveya & Sloane Guide to Ōtautahi’s Central City Gems

Shop assistant behind a jewellery counter.
Christchurch & Canterbury

For life’s significant moments and milestones, a special piece of jewellery is the perfect way to celebrate and remember for years to come. Homegrown Aotearoa jewellers, Naveya & Sloane, are experts in gems that provide a bit of sparkle, and spark memories of a meaningful time in your life, from engagements and weddings to new babies, big birthdays, and more.

A Neat Day in New Brighton: What to See, Eat & Do

A couple walking along New Brighton pier in the evening with pinky skies and calm waters in the background
Christchurch & Canterbury

Oh, we do like to be beside the seaside – especially the lively shores of New Brighton in Christchurch. Here's a whole day's worth of reasons why.

Live Like a Local: Discover Perfect Stays and Neat Spots Around Christchurch

Two women toasting their wine glasses sitting at a table.
Christchurch & Canterbury

When you’re booking a trip, one of the crucial decisions you have to make is where to stay, and while in days gone by it was a question of motel or hotel, nowadays there are so many more options to suit the kind of traveller you are. And if you are the kind that enjoys a boutique apartment stay, where all of life’s little luxuries and comforts have been thought of, then a Perfect Stays property might be just what you are after. Proudly owned and operated in Christchurch, they are experts in providing quality accommodation and knowing their city.

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The National

Person walking past exterior of The National gallery in Christchurch
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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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.

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.

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.

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.

Eightgrains

People queueing outside Eightgrains eatery inside Little High Eatery in Christchurch
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

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
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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.

Lucas Shawarma

Worker standing behind counter of Lucas at Little High Eatery in Christchurch
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Tucked in amongst the brick of Little High Eatery on St Asaph Street, Lucas is Christchurch's answer to...

Ma Maison

Facade of Ma Maison showcasing its covered outdoor dining area
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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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!).

Switch New Brighton

Exterior entrance of Switch New Brighton
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Switch is a bit of an institution of the seaside suburb of New Brighton.

Rambler

Door entrance to The Rambler.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Set across the ground floor of Drifter, a polished design-led hotel-hostel hybrid on Christchurch’s Lichfield Street, Rambler is a laid-back local favourite that...

Renegade Brewing Co

Groups of people drinking inside Renegade Brewing Co's industrial space in Christchurch
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Tucked into the industrial grid of Sydenham, on the corner of Orbell and Disraeli Streets, Renegade Brewing Co is part working brewery, part neighbourhood hangout.

Tīni

Woman sitting next to window at Tini bar with food and cocktails looking out on to waterfront views
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Bars key icon.

Every small town needs a decent watering hole, and perched right on the waterfront is Akaroa’s answer for this, Tīni.

Akaroa Butchery, Deli & Pantry

Portrait of Julia and T, owners of Akaroa Butchery & Deli
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Akaroa Butchery, Deli + Pantry is a feature on the seaside village’s main road of Rue Lavaud.

Zoyi Bakerhouse

Tray of cinnamon rolls with colourful icing at Zoyi.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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If you've ever pictured yourself in a postcard-perfect scene: pastel buildings, treat in hand, old trams rolling by, then Zoyi Bakerhouse on New Regent Street is your ticket.

Old School Collective

Outdoor seating area outside the cafe at the Old School Collective in North Canterbury.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Head north from Christchurch along State Highway 1, and you’ll soon come across the rural North Canterbury township of Waikuku, which is home to The Old School Collective.