Best of 2024: New & Neat Eats in Ōtautahi Christchurch

Make no mistake: Christchurch’s food scene is only going in one direction – and that’s skyward. This year, a long list of locals turned their notepad of ideas into delicious realities. From neighbourhood cafes and urban wineries to pâtisserie paradises and one-of-a-kind restaurants, the city’s offerings continue to grow in both flavour and creativity.

Insider’s Guide to Christchurch’s St Asaph Block

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

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

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.