Insider’s Guide to Christchurch’s St Asaph Block

The exterior of Space Academy Christchurch.
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.

The Muse Christchurch Art Hotel

The inside of a hotel room at The Muse in Christchurch.
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Step off Manchester Street in Christchurch’s CBD and into the lobby of The MUSE Art Hotel and there is an immediate mood change.

Drifter Christchurch

The grand entrance to Drifter Hotel Christchurch.
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The first thing you need to know about this hotel is that it’s not just a hotel.

Ashburton Art Gallery & Heritage Centre

Works of art on a white wall.
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The Ashburton Art Gallery & Heritage Centre is home to both the town's art gallery and museum.

Objectspace at Sir Miles Warren Gallery

The sloping ceiling inside Objectspace Christchurch.
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Objectspace is Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading gallery dedicated to design, craft and architecture.

Ngaio Marsh House

A colourful bookshelf by an old bed in the Ngaio Marsh House.
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Ngaio Marsh House sits in a beautiful spot on the lower slopes of Christchurch’s Cashmere Hills.

Movementor Pilates

An empty pilates studio.
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Movementor is a well-known Pilates studio situated within the Beckenham hub at the corner of Christchurch’s Colombo and Tennyson Streets.

Hinewai Reserve

A view of the ocean from the Banks Peninsula.
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Not far from the township of Akaroa (walking distance if you’re really game), lies an idyllic haven of regenerating native bush nestled in the wild south east corner...

The Margaret Mahy Family Playground

A tower at the Margaret Mahy playground.
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If you have kids and are looking for a way to burn some energy in Christchurch’s city centre, look no further than the beloved Margaret Mahy Family Playground.

Nifty

The pink block exterior of Nifty in Christchurch.
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Driving along the industrial end of Christchurch's Cashel Street, you don’t expect to come across a pale pink pop of colour that is the Nifty building.

New Brighton Community Gardens

A woman crouching whilst tending to plants at New Brighton Community Gardens.
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Around Christchurch Ōtautahi there are so many unique suburbs and within these, there are amazing communities and initiatives that deserve the spotlight.

The Mayfair

A dark grey and white bedroom inside The Mayfair Christchurch.
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For the discerning modern traveller, The Mayfair is a rare and precious find in the typically heritage-focused city of Christchurch.

The Observatory Hotel

A Modern Gothic lounge design.
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The Observatory Hotel is a beautiful central location in Christchurch, allowing you to leave the car for your stay and explore the city on foot.

Te Kohanga Taiao Sensory Nature Play Park: Powered by Hummingbird

A playground on a sunny day.
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.

Tussock Hill Vineyard

Interior of Tussock Hill restaurant with customers dining against the panoramic windows that look out over the Christchurch Port Hills.
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The long and winding road up to Tussock Hill Vineyard & Cellar Door is as inconspicuous as it is rewarding.

He Puna Taimoana

Two friends in the sauna at He Puna Taimoana.
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Nestled beside the sandy beaches of New Brighton, you’ll find He Puna Taimoana, aka the New Brighton Hot Pools, boasting five luxurious hot pools with jaw dropping...

Movement Art Practice

Woman dancing at Movement Art Practice.
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Start the journey into contemporary dance without judgement.

Okuti Garden

A yurt surrounded by tables and chairs at Okuti Garden in Little River.
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A garden for creating, learning, playing and celebrating. And a garden you can stay in.

Better than New: Finding the Sparkle in Secondhand with Nifty’s Rosie Carroll

Photo of Rosie Carroll sitting on orange semi-circle couch at her secondshop Nifty in Christchurch
There are people in this world who have a knack for turning one person’s trash into their own wardrobe treasure. After years of working in retail, schooling up on fast fashion, and selling her own threads at markets, Rosie Carroll is undeniably blessed with this gift.

The Tack Rooms

Inside the Tack Rooms.
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The Tack Rooms by Hotel Montreal is one of Christchurch's most innovative and unique accommodation options that doubles as an equally spectacular event space.

Tūranga

Harry Potter stairs at Turanga.
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It’s not often that grand designs are plucked from the mind’s eye and brought to life. At Tūranga they are, every day.

Christchurch Adventure Park

A person flying down one of the zip lines at Christchurch Adventure Park.
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Christchurch’s unique Adventure Park is a tranquil escape for those seeking more than just thrills.

French Bay House

Bedroom at French Bay House in Akarao, Canterbury.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury Akaroa
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A sprawling, idyllic guest house steeped in local history and offering genuine hospitality in the picturesque Akaroa.

Gap Filler Dance-O-Mat

Two people dancing in white clothing at Dance-o-Mat.
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If it’s a good enough dance floor for old Prince Charles and Camilla then it’s good enough for you too.

Christchurch Farmers Market

Flowers on the ground at the Christchurch Farmers Market.
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One of the best food markets in Christchurch.

Ōtoromiro Hotel

Ōtoromiro Hotel exterior in Govenor's Bay.
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Perched at its grand position on a hillside at the end of Te Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour, the historical Ōtoromiro Hotel offers hard-to-beat views, friendly service and...

Black Estate

View out of window at Black Estate, North Canterbury towards vines.
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A winery, tasting room and restaurant, Black Estate is famous not only for its organic and biodynamic wines but its refreshing approach to food.

Nicola Quinn Beauty & Day Spa

The inside of Nicola Quinn beauty spa Christchurch.
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For indulgence from your head down to your toes, pop along to this renowned Merivale day spa.