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

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.

Gift Guide 2025: Neat Gifts from Neat Places in Aotearoa

Collage of all gifts featured in the Neat Places Gift Guide 2025
Auckland

Welcome to the Neat Places Gift Guide 2025, packed with beautiful, practical, and interesting finds from local businesses across Aotearoa.

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Renegade Brewing Co

Exterior of Renegade Brewing Co with food truck parked outside and people hanging out
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Bars key icon.

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
Goods key icon.

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
Cafes key icon.

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.

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.

Old School Collective

Outdoor seating area outside the cafe at the Old School Collective in North Canterbury.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon. Fashion key icon. Goods key icon.

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.

Odeon

A wide view of the inside of the Odeon restaurant in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Take one of Christchurch’s best chefs and his wealth of international experience, add his Andalusian-inspired dishes to an epic and interesting wine list, and top it all off with a sumptuous, luxe decor and you get Odeon.

Rook

Modern cafe space with barista behind counter making a coffee and customers sitting at tables, in Rook.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Breathing new life into the ground floor of Christchurch’s NZR Co Building, Rook is a sleek, hyper-modern cafe playing a pivotal role in the revival of this...

Supreme Supreme

White brick exterior of cafe Supreme Supreme, with bright red awning.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

The neatest places often honour their past while delivering something fresh to the communities that embrace them.

Ashe

Gallery owner hangs a piece of art on the walls at Ashe.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Contemporary art gallery and design space, Ashe, located on Christchurch’s High Street, is a place where art and design naturally intersect.

Grumpys

A tray of colourful donuts at Grumpys.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Delivering North American-inspired donuts from a hot pink shipping container in Christchurch’s Sydenham Underpass, Grumpys is all about finding joy in the simplest of...

yourSPAce

Customer is lying on massage table and massage therapist is behind at yourSPAce.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Tucked away off Ferry Road in Christchurch’s Ferrymead, you’ll find yourSPAce, a studio that feels more like a cosy reprieve from the busy city just outside the...

Bellbird Bakery Holmwood

Customers sitting at tables outside Bellbird Bakery Holmwood.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Bellbird Bakery Holmwood represents an exciting new chapter for the Christchurch artisan bakery that is well known and beloved around the ‘03.

Sweet As Waffles

A customer walks in the front door of Sweet As Waffles.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

Suffusing New Brighton Mall’s northern arcade with the irresistible aroma of Belgian goodness, Sweet As Waffles is the go-to for any serious sweet tooth spending their...

Pottery Capital

A ceramicist is sitting at a pottery wheel station in Pottery Capital.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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If you've been searching most of your life for true inner peace, you'll be delighted to learn that it can now be found in The Barn at Christchurch's New Brighton Mall.

Naveya & Sloane Jewellery

Wide shot of jewellery showroom with cabinet full of jewellery and a shop assistant behind at Naveya & Sloane Jewellery.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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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

Front counter with table in the foreground at Black Betty.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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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...