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

Not Eggs Benny: 11 Interesting Brunch Spots in Christchurch

Elevated version of french toast with grilled bananas and a quenelle of cream on the side
Christchurch & Canterbury

From Malaysian-inspired breakfasts to exciting bagel fillings, bougie oats to bánh mì, hokey pokey lattes to meatball subs, next time you’re planning a brunch date, skip the eggs on toast and try something new from these 11 standout cafés in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

The Hunt for Christchurch's Hottest Hot Cross Buns

Person holding box of four Hot Cross Buns outside Grizzly in Christchurch
Christchurch & Canterbury

It’s that magical time of year, where the comforting scent of warm spices, citrus and melted butter fills the neighbourhood. Ah, Hot Cross Bun season. Where would we be without these Easter treats providing the best end-of-summer coping mechanism. Whether you need to put in a bulk order for Easter weekend or fancy a quick single hit on the go, we went on a taste-testing mission (a tough job but someone’s gotta do it) to bring you this guide to Christchurch’s hottest hot cross buns.

Live the Digital Nomad Life with 11 Christchurch Cafés That Have Free Wifi

People working in a cafe.
Christchurch & Canterbury

The sparkle can dim on working from home day after day when you only have the dog or cat for company and you’re at a desk you’ve squeezed into the spare bedroom, surrounded by all kinds of miscellaneous items. Sometimes you need to be around the energy of others, enjoy a cup of coffee made by someone else and have a change in scene. Or perhaps you’re visiting Christchurch and are working remotely, you want to sample the epic food scene whilst still ticking off your work to-do list.

‘03 Pizza Devotees: Your Guide To The Best Spots in Christchurch

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.

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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.

Fluffy Bake Shop

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

Imōto Lounge Bar

Exterior of Imōto Lounge Bar within The Welder.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Looking for your next fun night out in Christchurch? Well, there’s someone we’d love to introduce you to.

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.

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.

London Canteen

Table laden with different dishes at London Canteen.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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London Canteen is a suburban oasis of a café located just off Christchurch’s busy Barrington Street, found next to a bustling plant centre and providing a true...

Ozone Coffee Walker Street

Exterior of Ozone Coffee Walker Street.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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The ultimate coffee hosts, Ozone Coffee, has a reputation around New Zealand and beyond for producing superior specialty coffee.

Doki Hair Salon

Miki standing in front of Doki Hair Salon.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Finding the right hairdresser can be a tricky business. But when Miki opened Doki Hair Salon in December 2015, she became a dream match for many Ōtautahi residents.

Space Academy

The exterior of Space Academy.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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In a converted industrial warehouse space on St Asaph Street, Space Academy has been keeping this part of town humming since it opened its doors in 2014.

Soulful Coffee Shop Diamond Harbour

Exterior view of Soulful Coffee Diamond Harbour.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Picture this… you’ve just disembarked from the ferry at Diamond Harbour and the need for coffee is strong, luckily after an easy 10 minute stroll you arrive in...

Restaurant O.G.B

View of Restaurant O.G.B
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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If you’re searching for a taste of London cool meets Mediterranean vibes in the heart of Christchurch city, Restaurant O.G.B is the answer.

Jolly Deli

Customer holding a Jolly Deli sandwich.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Jolly Deli on Christchurch’s Tuam Street sees two of the city’s food scene stars join forces to serve up some of the best sammies around the ‘03.

Trees for Canterbury

Wide view of Trees for Canterbury.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Located down a quiet suburban street in Christchurch’s Ferrymead you will find a hidden gem called Trees for Canterbury, a native plant nursery, garden centre and...

Vesuvio

The courtyard at Vesuvio.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Walking or driving down an ever-busy Papanui Road in Christchurch, you might be surprised that a sophisticated slice of Europe can be found only metres away at Vesuvio.

Dhi Ferrari Cakes

View of Dhi Farrari Cakes in The Welder.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

If a craving for something sweet strikes and you’re near The Welder in Christchurch’s city centre, you must immediately seek out Dhi Ferrari Cakes.