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

The Best Ice Cream & Gelato in Christchurch (2026)

A hand holding an ice cream.
Christchurch & Canterbury

On a hot day in Christchurch, there’s no better way to cool down than with a delicious iced delight.

The Best Brunch in Christchurch: 10 Cafés to Try (2026)

Brunch served in a Christchurch cafe offering the best brunch in the city.
Christchurch & Canterbury

Brunch enthusiasts, rejoice! Neat Places has compiled your weekend hit-list for the best brunch in Christchurch. From the caffeine hit to the perfectly poached eggs, you'll find somewhere just right for that next weekend brunch outing.

The Best Pizza in Christchurch: 10 Spots for ‘03 Pizza Devotees (2026)

Diners enjoy a slice of pizza from one of the 10 best pizza spots in Christchurch.
Christchurch & Canterbury

We may be far from Italy in our little corner of the world here in Ōtautahi Christchurch, but our pizza game is strong, and wherever you are in the city, you’ll never be far from some excellent choices.

The Best Op Shops & Second-Hand Clothing Stores in Christchurch (2026)

The busy and bright interior of a second hand clothing store.
Christchurch & Canterbury

The neatest second-hand clothing finds in the ‘03.

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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.

Sophie Divett Jewellery

A close up of a woman wearing a blunt hair cut holding a ring.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Stepping into Sophie Divett Jewellery on Christchurch’s Colombo Street is like entering a jewellery store of a bygone era.

Edizi

Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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A breezy all-day bistro in the former Press building on Gloucester Street in central Christchurch, serving coffee, brunch and open-flame dinners.

At Tonys Japanese Restaurant

Plates of sushi and fish beside a bottle of sake at At Tonys Japanese Restaurant, Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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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.

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.

Untouched World

Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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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.

Darfield Bakery

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

Three Boys Brewery

Worker pulling a pint using large wooden handles.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Standing proud from its sunny position on Ferry Road in Woolston, Three Boys Brewery is a bonafide local watering hole that has quietly plied its craft for over two decades.

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.

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.

Ramen Ria

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

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...

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.

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...