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

Volkswagen’s Little Legends: Ellie, Kula Studio

Ellie from Kula Studio with the Volkswagen Polo, Christchurch
Christchurch & Canterbury

Ellie from Kula Studio shares her Christchurch favourites, from wood-fired pizza at Arbour in Lyttelton to Utopia Ice and Grumpy’s Donuts.

Volkswagen’s Little Legends: Shafeeq, EDIZi & ODEON

Shafeeq from EDIZi and ODEON with the Volkswagen Polo, Christchurch
Christchurch & Canterbury

Shafeeq from EDIZi & ODEON shares the places he goes with his family, from Mediterranean Food Company to the cricket at Hagley Oval.

Volkswagen’s Little Legends: James, Rook Café

James from Rook Café with the Volkswagen Polo on Hereford Street, Christchurch
Christchurch & Canterbury

James from Rook Café shares where he goes when he’s not behind the counter, from Noki and Marlowe to burgers at Papa Smashies.

7 Unique Date Night Ideas in Christchurch

Close up of two hands clinking wine glasses.
Christchurch & Canterbury

Whether you've just met on Hinge or been together longer than The Rolling Stones, here are a few ideas for date night that isn't dinner and a movie.

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Terracotta Wellness

Timber arrival bays leading to the archway at Terracotta Wellness
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Wellbeing key icon.

Though the phrase is often bandied about, Terracotta Wellness, tucked into Rolleston Square on Masefield Drive, is truly an oasis hidden in plain sight.

The Fabric of Society

Fabric bolts and homewares inside The Fabric of Society
Place Christchurch & Canterbury

Tucked into one of the many characterful right-angled coves of Christchurch’s Sydenham, The Fabric of Society on Carlyle Street is a mecca of boutique bolts and threaded advice.

Mod's Hair

Salon floor and styling stations at Mod's Hair
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Let’s be honest – lovely as they both are – Merivale and Paris aren’t exactly twins. But thanks to Mod's Hair, the two places are connected just that little bit more.

The Tannery

The atrium at The Tannery with its glass roof, rose window and wrought iron balconies above the shopfronts.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Bars key icon. Cafes key icon. Fashion key icon.

Prepared to be wowed by the sophisticated one-stop-shop that is The Tannery.

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.

Riverlution Café

Two visitors at an outdoor table in front of the corrugated iron Riverlution Café shed, Richmond, Christchurch
Place Christchurch & Canterbury Richmond
Cafes key icon.

In an unassuming corner of Christchurch, you'll find a cleared two acres of peace and joy, and with it, Riverlution Café.

Sophie Divett Jewellery

A close up of a woman wearing a blunt hair cut holding a ring.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Stepping into Sophie Divett Jewellery on Christchurch’s Colombo Street is like entering a jewellery store of a bygone era.

Mumma Bear

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

In Sydenham, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find Mumma Bear’s retail space and production kitchen.

Edizi

Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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A breezy all-day bistro in the former Press building on Gloucester Street in central Christchurch, serving coffee, brunch and open-flame dinners.

Untouched World

Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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The only fashion company in the world to be recognised by the United Nations for sustainability, Untouched World is a true leader in the field of ethical lifestyle fashion.

Darfield Bakery

Place Christchurch & Canterbury Darfield
Cafes key icon.

Dart along State Highway 73, across the plains and toward the Alps, and you’ll soon hit honest-to-goodness Darfield – and, if you’re lucky enough, the...

Okioki by Great Pastry Co

The counter at Okioki by Great Pastry Co.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

Opened by the Great Pastry Co team, Okioki on Victoria St is an inviting spot for fresh pastries, house-made focaccia sandwiches, pies, great coffee and more.

Dune Café

Large yellow outdoor umbrellas in front of the asymmetrical, black frontage of Dune Cafe in New Brighton.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

On the corner of Bridge Street and Estuary Road in the heart of South Brighton, you’ll find Dune Café.

Kula Studio

Portrait of Kula Studio owner Ellie
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Step off funky Welles Street, glide up a set of green stairs and enter the oh-so-beautiful Kula Studio.

Three Boys Brewery

Worker pulling a pint using large wooden handles.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Standing proud from its sunny position on Ferry Road in Woolston, Three Boys Brewery is a bonafide local watering hole that has quietly plied its craft for over two decades.

The National

Shelf full of ceramics vases and sculptural pieces at The National gallery in Christchurch
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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The National has been at the forefront of the contemporary art scene in Christchurch for over a decade.

Muy Muy

Tacos, corn, nachos and cocktail on table at Muy Muy in Christchurch
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Muy Muy breathes a breath of warm Central American air to the edge of Christchurch's CBD.