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

Insider’s Guide to Christchurch’s St Asaph Block

The exterior of Space Academy Christchurch.
Christchurch & Canterbury

Located on the South-East edge of Christchurch’s Central City, the St Asaph Street block exudes a cool grittiness that’s hard to imitate. While this one-way stretch runs right through the city and ends at Hagley Park, it’s the laid-back mixed-use zone between Fitzgerald Ave and Barbadoes Street that defines this street’s unique character. From music venues and community events to art spaces, low-key bars, and a great coffee roastery, here are 10 reasons why this St Asaph Street block should never be overlooked.

Te Kohanga Taiao Sensory Nature Play Park: Powered by Hummingbird

A playground on a sunny day.
Christchurch & Canterbury

Regular visitors to Brooker Ave in Christchurch’s Red Zone will have noticed some changes recently, with the establishment of the Te Kohanga Taiao Sensory Nature Play Park. Nestled within restoration plantings in the Avon-Ōtākaro Forest Park, this new accessible sensory nature space was made possible thanks to a partnership between Hummingbird Coffee Roasters, The Green Lab and the Christchurch City Council. These two businesses have gone above and beyond when it comes to Christchurch’s regeneration post-earthquakes. This latest collaboration saw Hummingbird donate $60,000 to The Green Lab, who, as environmental green space experts, have worked their magic on what was once a deserted residential playground site. They have thoughtfully revived and designed a nature haven that focuses on sustainability, accessibility and biodiversity.

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.

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Bomba

People waiting in line at Bomba Lyttelton.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

Bomba on Lyttelton’s bustling London Street celebrates two of Italy’s greatest gifts to the culinary world… pizza and gelato.

Brewda

The entrance to Brewda Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

Looking to wow your tastebuds and discover your new favourite watering hole in Christchurch? May we present Brewda, located in The Terrace Courtyard, a bar and eatery that...

dainty

People sitting around a table eating brunch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Discerning coffee drinkers and brunch lovers Dainty will quickly become your home away from home.

Oulala Wine Bar

The counter at Oulala Wine Bar Ferrymead Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Bars key icon.

It’s no secret the hospitality scene in Christchurch is thriving, not only in the city centre but far and wide in the suburbs you’ll find some delightful gems.

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.

Grizzly Baked Goods Cashel Street

Yellow painted walls inside Grizzly Baked Goods.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Christchurch locals will need no introduction to Grizzly Baked Goods; first appearing on the scene at the Christchurch Farmers Market with their epic bagels in 2013 and...

The Muse Christchurch Art Hotel

The inside of a hotel room at The Muse in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Step off Manchester Street in Christchurch’s CBD and into the lobby of The MUSE Art Hotel and there is an immediate mood change.

Bellbird Bakery – Riverside Market

A cafe counter inside a large indoor market.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Bellbird Bakery isn’t a new name for Ōtautahi households.

Drifter Christchurch

The grand entrance to Drifter Hotel Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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The first thing you need to know about this hotel is that it’s not just a hotel.

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
Bars key icon.

Ready to flee the 21st century for the night? We know just the place.

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...

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
Cafes key icon.

On the corner of Papanui Road and Bealey Ave, NOKI harnesses the deliciousness of Korean ingredients to make brunch interesting again.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fresh On Kendal

Fruit and vegetables outside the entrance to Fresh on Kendal Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Weekly supermarket shops aren’t usually synonymous with peace and calm, but it’s a whole other story at Fresh On Kendal.