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The Hunt for Christchurch's Hottest Hot Cross Buns

Person holding box of four Hot Cross Buns outside Grizzly in Christchurch

It’s that magical time of year, where the comforting scent of warm spices, citrus and melted butter fills the neighbourhood. Ah, Hot Cross Bun season. Where would we be without these Easter treats providing the best end-of-summer coping mechanism.

Whether you need to put in a bulk order for Easter weekend or fancy a quick single hit on the go, we went on a taste-testing mission (a tough job but someone’s gotta do it) to bring you this guide to Christchurch’s hottest hot cross buns.

Words by: Maggie Worthington
Photos by: Nancy Zhou & Supplied

As locals are more than aware, Ōtautahi is blessed with some of the greatest bakeries in the land – and their reputation only strengthens when armed with the likes of cinnamon, orange, currants, ginger and a few other secret ingredients.

While some supermarkets probably started stocking hot cross buns last June, we believe the beauty of these soft spiced delights is in their seasonal availability. For a limited number of weeks, it is basically your duty to slice, warm, butter and scoff as many hot cross buns as you can. Daily quota? No such thing.

Person sitting at table with a sliced and buttered Grizzly Hot Cross Bun on a plate

Grizzly Baked Goods

22 Welles Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch

If you like big buns (and you cannot lie…), then you’ll love Grizzly’s take on the hot cross bun. Crafted by a team of bakers striving for perfection, this special Easter recipe somehow keeps improving year after year, starting with a sourdough base enriched with free-range eggs, NZ butter, and just the right amount of fruit and spice. The brief for 2025? A hot cross bun that is as good scoffed fresh from the bag as it is toasted with lashings of butter. Size is an important factor here too, and you’ll find that Grizzly’s buns are as big as they come.

$5 each, $18 for four
Order online

Bellbird Bakery

The Tannery, 3 Garlands Road, Woolston, Christchurch

Serving up trays of super soft and glossy buns, Bellbird Bakery keeps the Christchurch crowds very happy in the lead up to Easter. When it comes to the recipe, the team sticks to a traditional base, elevated by their own secret mix of spices. And, unless you’re going hard on the bun to butter ratio, they also happen to be 100% plant-based. Order a six pack or simply swing by one of four locations for your daily fix.

$3.50 each, $18 for six
Order online

Person holding out a Bohemian hot cross bun on a plate with a small dish of butter

Bohemian Bakery

255 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch

Since opening in Sumner in 2016, Bohemian Bakery now has five beloved locations across Ōtautahi – greatly increasing your proximity to hot cross buns during Easter. While many of Bohemian’s products are inspired by Eastern Europe and France, they sure know a thing or two about the HXB. They use a custom spice mix and whole oranges to give the buns a fresh and tart undertone, with a sweet biscuit dough balancing the flavour and adding a good crunch. Enjoy one warmed and buttered at one of their bakery cafés or grab a six-pack to share with friends and family.

$3.50 each, $18 for six
Order online

Box of six glossy hot cross buns in a Great Pastry Shop branded box on heavy wooden table

The Great Pastry Shop

Riverside Market, 96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch

Mother-daughter duo Rhiannon and Elsie launched The Great Pastry Shop at Christchurch Farmers’ Market and the Arts Centre Mākete in 2017. These days, it’s a full family affair with a permanent location at the Riverside Market. Famous for their delicious baked goods that hero real, fresh ingredients (think plum and custard danishes and Korean-inspired garlic bread), the arrival of Autumn brings our favourite spicy player into the mix. These juicy hot cross buns are flavour-packed and coated in an irresistible sticky gloss. This family-owned patisserie should be included in every HXB hunt.

$5 each

Someone holding a plastic bag full of six hot cross buns on the street

Bakermans

19-23 Memorial Avenue, Fendalton, Christchurch

Okay, we all know Bakermans in Fendalton makes a perfect club sandwich (seriously, no notes) but we have it on good authority that their hot cross buns shouldn’t be overlooked either. Located right next to Fendalton New World, this local family bakery and café draws a crowd at Easter with their bags of soft and plump hot cross buns, available in a pack of six or twelve.

$3.90 each, $14.90 for six, $27 for 12

Copenhagen Bakery

409 Harewood Road, Bishopdale, Christchurch

A long-standing member of Christchurch’s bakery scene, Copenhagen Bakery has been pulling trays of delicious baked goods from the oven for almost four decades. You’ll find the bakery and cafe on Harewood Road in Bishopdale, home to a famous cabinet of fresh filled rolls, pastries, and hot pies, as well as a range of European sourdough breads. Their spicy hot cross buns are just one of many award-winning products, made with time and care using their own sourdough. Chocolate variations are available for the non-traditionalists, as well as a gluten-free option.

$2.90 each, $16.80 for six (or nine minis)
Order online

Close up of Hot Cross Madeleine Easter special by Butter in Christchurch

BUTTER Pastry

472 Tuam Street, Phillipstown, Christchurch

Yeah, we know it’s not a hot cross bun, but it’s a fun bonus addition for those wanting to top up their seasonal order. Butter’s Hot Cross Madeleines are a twist on the Easter favourite, with dainty spiced cakes filled with orange-soaked sultanas and finished with an classic white cross. The madeleines will be available right up until Easter weekend, and can be ordered online or picked up from the Saturday window (just make sure you get in early).

$24 for six, $45 for 12
Order online