Live the Digital Nomad Life with 11 Christchurch Cafés That Have Free Wifi

A woman working in a cafe.

A necessity in homes, workplaces and public spaces – but wifi connections in cafés, bars and restaurants can feel few and far between.

We've hunted out the handful of Christchurch establishments that have added wifi to their menus.

A man and woman sitting a table inside Little High Eatery.

Little High Eatery

Take your pick from the smorgasbord of work, study or web-surfing snacks on offer at the coolest inner-city food court. Park up at a booth, table or bar seat in the busy hub that’s open nearly all day and night with indoor and outdoor seating aplenty.

Little High is all about options for its customers, and internet connection is no different – it’s available through Little High’s own portal and one provided by the Christchurch City Council. Home to the famous Bacon Bros, Eightgrains dumplings, Sushi Soldier and others – Little High is always busy, which adds an important side serve of people watching to any visit.

The Origin

95 Westminster Street

This St Albans café has more than an admirable vegan menu, specialty teas and coffees: it also has unlimited wifi. Bringing pristine interiors, a tranquil vibe and a deliciously eclectic menu to the neighbourhood, The Origin is a great place to escape busy-to-the-brim city haunts. Immaculate, fresh interiors in whites and light wood, The Origin has a Scandinavian feel ideal for decluttering your mind before you sit down for a spell online.

The sleek and sophisticated fitout is complimented by an interesting animal product-free menu and cabinet offerings, as well as micro-roasted coffee and a selection of nut mylks and specialty teas.

Switch New Brighton

Cafes key icon.

7/78 Brighton Mall, New Brighton, Christchurch

For those wanting a casual, friendly café haunt that's close to the beach, Switch New Brighton is your next port of call. Laid back, with plenty of seating options (from comfy couches to barstool perches), Switch has a lot to offer. Kick back with a plate of killer French Toast, grab some caffeine to fuel your creativity, and maybe book yourself in for a beach walk break. Nothing says work-life balance like the sand in your toes and a coffee in your hand. 

Ten27

1027 Ferry Road, Ferrymead, Christchurch

Free, unlimited and lightning-quick Wifi is the cherry on top of Ten27’s impressive offering and space spanning two courtyards and a beautiful dining space.

One of the shiniest jewels in Ferrymead’s crown, Ten27 is setup to satisfy your every craving, whether it be a coffee, truffle polenta soldiers, a bourbon-glazed beer burger or just to charge your device and hop online whilst sipping a craft beer and lounging on the couches lined with powerpoints for your convenience – genius.

Little Pom's

Cafes key icon.

294 Kilmore Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch

With its humming café vibe and efficient service, Little Pom's is a natural fit for those wanting free wifi with the true cafe buzz to back it up.

Conveniently located near the city centre, with plenty of parking and easy bike access, Little Pom's should be a regular haunt for remote workers. You'll have no problem grabbing a great corner here to boot up the laptop. If the work day runs over, just pick up and relocate to Pomeroys right next door for a craft beer to finish the day. 

Black Betty

165 Madras Street, Christchurch Central

If you're a student at nearby Ara, there's a good chance you've popped into Black Betty for a pick-me-up between classes. But this industrial, rugged café is also a great spot to park up for that study period, making the most of the free wifi and great beats. Black Betty turns out quick coffee, with a great loyalty card system, and has a cabinet stocked up with easy, affordable eats. 

Six Ounces

Bars key icon. Cafes key icon.

178 Papanui Road, Merivale, Christchurch

There’s nothing quite like a cosy neighbourhood coffee shop and Six Ounces is exactly that. Clad in refurbished furniture, vintage lamps, plenty of greenery and hand-built cabinetry, the atmosphere inside this wee café is relaxed and inviting. Top that with quality coffee (made with Switch Espresso beans) and you’ve got yourself a new go-to. And free wifi! Sounds like working from home got a whole lot better. 

Addington Coffee Co-op

Cafes key icon.

297 Lincoln Road, Addington, Christchurch

Addington Coffee co-op is, simply put, a great café and a true Christchurch institution. You can settle in and watch the hustle and bustle of the fully-functioning roastery while you flick off a few e-mails, and of course, enjoy a cup or two of the black gold with one of their tasty muffins.  

Foundation Café

Cafes key icon.

60 Cathedral Square Christchurch Central City Christchurch, Christchurch Central City, Canterbury

Foundation Café serves flavoursome fare and coffee. Seamlessly integrated into Otautahi’s world-class library by way of clever design and friendly service, there's no better place to get your 'flow' on than this hub for learning. So sit down, sip on Prima coffee, and get cracking on that to-do list. The central location and plentiful seating makes it a cracking spot for a meeting too. 

Lux Espresso

Cafes key icon.

66 Gloucester Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013

Occupying the ground-floor with the Centre of Contemporary Art, this is a cool and stylish place to spend some of your work day. One of the great things about this place is that there’s no pressure to eat and run. Instead, customers are encouraged to stay as long as they like in the space, chatting with the staff, reading the newspaper or simply getting some mahi done.  

Park Ranger

Cafes key icon. Goods key icon.

114 Riccarton Road, Riccarton, Christchurch

Park Ranger sits on a leafy corner of Riccarton Road, only a stone’s throw from Riccarton Bush. With its abundance of flowers and plants, the space makes a pretty oasis to get some mahi done away from home. Couple that with excellent coffee - courtesy of Embassy Coffee - and an assortment of baked goods, Park Ranger is a place to go and explore. 

Neat Christchurch & Canterbury Places

Mod's Hair

A woman blow drying hair inside Mod's Merivale hairdresser in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Services key icon.

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.

Tom's

A sandwich and menu sitting on a blue table.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

If you are a sando aficionado and find yourself in the South Town area of Christchurch city centre, keep an eye out for the striking cobalt blue hue of Tom’s.

Embassy

A man working behind the counter at Embassy where lots of caps are displayed on shelves.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Fashion key icon.

Peruse the likes of Adidas, Vans, Element, and Lower’s latest lines all stocked in store, or choose from more than 50 other international and New Zealand brands.

Miss Peppercorn

Three different cocktails on a black table with straws.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Restaurants key icon.

Miss Peppercorn is a modern eatery, celebrating the fragrant and mouth-numbing flavours of the owner's hometown in the Chinese province of Sichuan.