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 on Bread: 12 Top Sandwich Spots in Christchurch

Two simple sandwiches placed next to each other on blue table at Odds in Christchurch
Christchurch & Canterbury

Not all sandwiches were made equal so we've rounded up some of our favourite spots to grab a sammy in Christchurch.

Comfort in a Bowl: Where to Find the Best Soups in Christchurch

Close up of someone dipping spoon into minestrone soup from Estelle next to plate of toast
Christchurch & Canterbury

Would it really be winter without soup? Whether it’s silky pumpkin, a hearty bowl of Italian minestrone, or flavour-packed phở, there’s something about soup that transcends trend and geography.

Plate to Play: Where to Dine Near Christchurch's New Court Theatre

Exterior of the new Court Theatre building in Christchurch
Christchurch & Canterbury

To celebrate and welcome this new state-of-the-art theatre to the inner city’s Performing Arts Precinct, we’ve put together a guide of all the best places you can eat and drink before and after a show.

Where to Find the Best Baked Goods in Christchurch

Silver trays of croissants and pastries stacked on top of each other in bakery kitchen
Christchurch & Canterbury

Pastry has been kicking around since Egyptian times so it’s high time we put together a list for the best spots to pick up a flaky delight in Ōtautahi – with a few other baked goods thrown in the mix.

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1999 House of Nails - Ferrymead

Clients sitting up at the nail bar getting their manicures done at 1999 House of Nails Ferrymead.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Mani-pedi lovers residing in or near Christchurch’s seaside suburb of Ferrymead, 1999 House of Nails is the place to go to fulfil all your builder gel manicure and...

Peaches

Bright orange awning of Peaches cafe.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

On a sunny, north-facing corner in Linwood Village, Peaches is a welcome new addition to the neighbourhood.

Poca Poca Cafe

Customer walking to a bar leaner table at Poca Poca.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Neighbourhood cafes bring charm, sustenance and perhaps most importantly, a place to gather — Poca Poca Cafe off Christchurch’s Cashmere Road fits this criteria...

1999 House of Nails - Manchester Street

Nail technician walking across the nail salon at 1999 House of Nails - Manchester Street.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Head up to the first floor of 87 Manchester Street in the heart of Christchurch and enter the luxurious haven that is 1999 House of Nails.

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.

To Be Continued

Customer walking into the Ferrymead location of To Be Continued.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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If you’ve ever wished shopping preloved fashion felt a little more boutique and a lot less rummage, To Be Continued might just be your dream come true.

Woods Cafe

Busy cafe interior with customers at tables in Woods Cafe.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Tucked away on the corner of Normans and Strowan Road, Woods Cafe is a warm and inviting neighbourhood spot serving first-class coffee using Allpress Espresso and delicious,...

Sala Coffee

Exterior of Sala Coffee with blue sky behind it.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

This might come as a surprise to you, but one of Christchurch’s greatest specialty coffee shops is tucked away in an industrial warehouse space in Wigram.

Mumma Bear

Exterior of Mumma Bear's retail space.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

In a quiet block of neighbourhood shops in Christchurch’s seaside suburb of Mt Pleasant, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find Mumma Bear’s retail space...

Two Thumb Brewing Co. - Redcliffs

Exterior of Two Thumb Brewing Co. Redcliffs on a corner block.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Redcliffs locals and anyone who regularly visits Christchurch’s seaside suburbs were overjoyed when Two Thumb Brewing Co. opened their Main Road brew bar in April 2025.

Olympia

People lining up inside a small cafe.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Olympia Espresso on Christchurch’s Papanui Road is the definition of ‘good things come in small packages’.

Fluffy Bake Shop

Customers ordering at the counter at Fluffy Bake Shop.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Christchurch-dwellers or visitors to the garden city with a penchant for pastries, Fluffy Bake Shop needs to be at the top of your must-visit list.

Lo-Fi Burgers

Burger in a basket on the table at Lo-Fi Burgers.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

It seems that somewhere along the line, humans started to overcomplicate the burger.

Bones Pickles

Chefs Mike and Max standing outside the kitchen of Bones Pickles.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Tangy, salty, crunchy… There’s a very good reason people go mad for pickles.

Imōto Lounge Bar

Exterior of Imōto Lounge Bar within The Welder.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Bars key icon.

Looking for your next fun night out in Christchurch? Well, there’s someone we’d love to introduce you to.

Sumner Post Office

Beautifully restored building that Sumner Post Office inhabits.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Restored to glory and proudly standing on Nayland Street, Sumner Post Office is the neighbourhood’s new favourite place to eat, drink, and give back to the community...

Twiggi Hair

Counter and chairs at Twiggi Hair.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Adding a loud burst of colour to The Crossing in Christchurch, Twiggi is guaranteed to leave you and your hair feeling revitalised.