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

10 Top Spots For A Dry July Drink In Christchurch

Bartender adding a citrus garnish to cocktail in a copper mug next to a pink cocktail with a mint garnish
Christchurch & Canterbury

Every year people around the country commit to being alcohol free for Dry July. For some the motivation is to raise money for charity, for others, it’s more of a personal challenge and one that can often lead to longer-term lifestyle changes. In years gone by this might have meant ordering a soda with lime when you met friends at the pub on the weekend. But the times they are a-changin’ – and with growing demand for more interesting and varied alcohol-free beverages, you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice if you’re dipping your toe into teetotalism this Dry July in Christchurch.

11 Cracking Cabinets in Christchurch

Three staff members behind the counter at Grizzly, with a cabinet filled with croissants, morning buns and filled bagels
Christchurch & Canterbury

Ōtautahi locals know we are on to a good thing when it comes to our cafe scene. We are spoiled for choice throughout the city when it comes to quality establishments serving up incredible coffee, food and service. In fact, in Christchurch, the problem you are often faced with when deciding where to catch up with a friend or enjoy a lunch date is the sheer number of cafes that are smashing it.

Meet Sung Park: The Triple Shot Threat of Christchurch’s Café Scene

Christchurch cafe owner Sung Park drinking a coffee in the sun-drenched space of Akin
Christchurch & Canterbury

Operating one successful business in the hospitality sector is no mean feat – but managing three thriving establishments? Well, that’s something else. Sung Park, together with his wife Jenny, is the mastermind behind Christchurch’s beloved café trio: Lux, Doubles and Akin.

Pedro’s Secret Vegan Picks in Christchurch

Chef Pedro Johnston sitting on couch smiling at Scoundrel in Christchurch
Christchurch & Canterbury

Once upon a time, creamy sauces and flaky croissants were strictly off limits to the vegan community. Thanks to innovative chefs like Christchurch-based Pedro Johnston, this couldn't be further from today's reality.

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Lillies

The long green serving counter at Lillies Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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An ethereal green glow emanates from the windows of what looks to be another garage workshop in Christchurch's industrial neighbourhood of Phillipstown.

Kong

Looking into art deco style bar where a waitress is taking a drinks order from two men surrounded by panelled walls and old school artwork
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Ready to flee the 21st century for the night? We know just the place.

NOKI

Interior of NOKI in Christchurch with wooden furnishings, green leather chairs, white-tiled countertop and framed art prints including someone sticking their finger in a fried egg
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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On the corner of Papanui Road and Bealey Ave, NOKI harnesses the deliciousness of Korean ingredients to make brunch interesting again.

Two Thumb Brewing Co. – Harbourside

Exterior of Two Thumb Harbourside with people drinking and eating at tables
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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For years Diamond Harbour residents have been patiently waiting for a local watering hole; a venue to catch up with their neighbours and somewhere to kick back and relax...

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.

The Beer Library

A large bar surrounded by a fridge of beers.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Listen up craft beer lovers of Christchurch and beyond, if you haven’t already visited The Beer Library, you must rectify this situation immediately.

Swoon Store

Two women browsing the shelves at Swoon Store Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Everything you need to know about this store is in the name.

Inati

A hand spoons a garnish onto a dish on a wooden board.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Prepare to be wowed by the thoughtful and beautifully executed Inati.

Montreal Bar and Restaurant

Outdoor seating at Hotel Montreal on a sunny day.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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While most hotel bars and restaurants are often only frequented by out-of-towners, we’ve found the exception – and it’s a very stylish one.

Kin Hair

The retro interior of Kin Hair Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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In a renovated warehouse space in Christchurch's Sydenham, Kin Hair offers an inclusive high-end salon treatment unlike any other in town.

Tanoshi

Hands holding chopsticks reaching for food on a plate.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Tanoshi has made a name for itself in Queenstown with three popular sites, each with a slightly different focus. But its Christchurch restaurant is a fusion of them all.

Victoria Free House

A beer and bangers and mash on a table at Victoria Free House Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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A British-style pub, Victoria Free House is a slice of the old world in the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Bar Yoku

The colourful entrance to Bar Yoku Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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The ultimate izakaya experience in Ōtautahi Christchurch, Bar Yoku is something special.

Frances Nation Café

Shelves lined with pantry goods inside a cafe.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Frances Nation Café is a go-to in Christchurch for superb coffee and delicious food.

Coffee Embassy

The cafe space at Coffee Embassy.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Pay attention next time you are driving down Fitzgerald Ave because here you will find a cafe and roastery home to some of the best brews and beans in the city.

Two Thumb Brewing on Colombo

An indoor seating area with 'Two Thumb' printed on a brick wall.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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On the edge of Christchurch’s city centre, just as Colombo Street crosses into Sydenham, you’ll find Two Thumb Brewing Co.’s brewery and taproom.

Two Thumb Brewing Company on Manchester

The dark interior of a large warehouse bar.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Everyone needs a good local pub in their lives, a place you can go with a relaxed atmosphere, where you are guaranteed to run into a few mates and, most importantly, enjoy a...