Harbour Co-Op

No longer the domain of hippies and survivalists; organic, free-range, bulk and sustainable foods are now the norm and can be found in any supermarket. But for expert knowledge, cheap bulk products and fresh local produce, it's best to skip the large chains and track down a local food store.

The Harbour Co-op is New Zealand's second largest co-operative with over 200 members who volunteer in-store and have a say on everything that happens in the shop. It doesn't take long after stepping through the door to realise that's not the only thing about this place that is a little bit different. From the immediate smell of wooden floors and spices, to noticing that the supplier stacking the milk in the fridge still has mud on their boots from the milking shed, this shop isn't shy about revealing its focus on community and the environment.

If you want to buy a damn good vegetarian pie, freshly baked bread, a small or large amount of something obscure like quinoa flour or check out a huge selection of handmade chocolate, it's worth making the 15 min drive from the city to the Harbour Co-op. And while you're there, check out some of Lyttelton's other cool spots - Civil & Naval, Spooky Boogie, Corsair Bay or the British Hotel.