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
The best things to see, eat, and do in Christchurch
Our Kid-Friendly Guide for Your Next Family Day Out in Christchurch
Finding activities and destinations to keep every member of the family content, from the youngest to the oldest (yes, we’re looking at you adults) is no easy feat. Sometimes it can feel easier to stay home, but cabin fever can soon hit, so to help you out in moments like this, we’ve compiled a guide of parent and kid-friendly experiences in Ōtautahi Christchurch sure to delight on all levels.
In Good Spirits: A Day in the Life of a Distiller
The Spirits Workshop in the heart of Sydenham, on the outskirts of Christchurch’s city centre was founded by four whisky lovers in 2016. They had a vision to develop distinctly New Zealand spirits and to give our reputable wines and craft beer a run for their money on the world stage. It’s fair to say they’re realising this goal and are an Ōtautahi success story.
Spanner Turned Spatula: 11 Converted Warehouse Spaces in Christchurch
High ceilings, raw materials and a little grit meet warm hospitality, bold flavours and serious creativity. Here are some of our favourite spots that have taken the leap from industrial warehouse to delicious destination.
From Lox to Loaded: The Must-Try Bagels in Christchurch
Schmeared, topped or filled? Plain, sesame or everything? Fresh or toasted? Ordering a bagel often involves a decision or two (or three, four and more!), and that begins when you are trying to think of where to go to get one. Luckily for Christchurch locals and visitors, the garden city delivers in spades when it comes to their bagel offering.
Explore our Directory
View AllShopology
Calling Riverside Lane home, Shopology is the place to go in Christchurch when you need something special or a nice dose of retail therapy.
Blue Moon Bakehouse
When Blue Moon Bakehouse opened their doors on Riccarton Road in 2024, they garnered a glowing reputation throughout Christchurch and beyond at lightning speed.
Vivace Espresso
Vivace Espresso on Christchurch’s Cambridge Terrace is a cafe that wears many hats and wears them well.
Bar Franco
If you’re looking for a slice of La Dolce Vita in the centre of Christchurch city, walk into Bar Franco and you’ll know instantly you’ve found it.
Get your Pocket Guide for Christchurch & Canterbury
Discover the best places to eat, drink, shop, and explore among the sweeping golden hills, frothing beaches and vibrant downtown of Christchurch.
Airstream Icecream
Nestled on Christchurch’s Rolleston Ave, just across from the Botanical Gardens, Airstream Café is a charming little gem operating from a lovingly restored...
1999 House of Nails - Ferrymead
Mani-pedi lovers residing in or near Christchurch’s seaside suburb of Ferrymead, 1999 House of Nails is the place to go to fulfil all your builder gel manicure and...
Peaches
On a sunny, north-facing corner in Linwood Village, Peaches is a welcome new addition to the neighbourhood.
Poca Poca Cafe
Neighbourhood cafes bring charm, sustenance and perhaps most importantly, a place to gather, Poca Poca Cafe off Christchurch’s Cashmere Road fits this criteria to a tee.
1999 House of Nails - Manchester Street
Head up to the first floor of 87 Manchester Street in the heart of Christchurch and enter the luxurious haven that is 1999 House of Nails.
To Be Continued
If you’ve ever wished shopping preloved fashion felt a little more boutique and a lot less rummage, To Be Continued might just be your dream come true.
Ciao
Ciao is the kind of place that makes you want to linger, over a perfectly made negroni, a bowl of fresh pasta, or simply the feeling that you’ve stumbled across a...
Sala Coffee
This might come as a surprise to you, but one of Christchurch’s greatest specialty coffee shops is tucked away in an industrial warehouse space in Wigram.
Mumma Bear
In a quiet block of neighbourhood shops in Christchurch’s seaside suburb of Mt Pleasant, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find Mumma Bear’s retail space...
Woods Cafe
Tucked away on the corner of Normans and Strowan Road, Woods Cafe is a warm and inviting neighbourhood spot serving first-class coffee using Allpress Espresso and delicious,...
Odds Coffee
Finding a top-notch cafe in an industrial area can sometimes be a tall order.
Two Thumb Brewing Co. - Redcliffs
Redcliffs locals and anyone who regularly visits Christchurch’s seaside suburbs were overjoyed when Two Thumb Brewing Co. opened their Main Road brew bar in April 2025.
Olympia
Olympia Espresso on Christchurch’s Papanui Road is the definition of ‘good things come in small packages’.
