Fill Your Cup: The Complete Wellness Guide to Ōtautahi Christchurch

Grater Goods recently moved from the backstreets of Sydenham into the heart of the city, unveiling a new chapter for the beloved plant-based biz: GG Bistro. The new High Street space is designed to whisk you away to the streets of Paris – albeit without the butter, cheese and cream – with its charming French-inspired fitout. Long-time fans of Grater Goods will spot their all-time favourites on the menu (yes, the KFT burger) alongside delicious brunch options, elegant shared plates like escarfaux (vegan snails) and charcuterie boards, and indulgent desserts. Trust us, you won’t be missing anything.

It’s all in the name. This place is great for the soul and a reason in itself to make the journey to Diamond Harbour. We highly recommend their smoothies, which have earned a local following (especially in the Neat Places fam) for being as nutritious as they are delicious, perfectly brewed matcha lattes, and always a sweet treat on the side. 

Not all granola, muesli, and porridge is made equal – but we reckon Mumma Bear’s is just right. This artisan breakfast and snack brand is all about using beautiful ingredients to make tasty, filling and nutritious morning fare that will make getting out of bed a much easier task. Pop into their kitchen and store space in Mt Pleasant to pick up a bag of Berry Best Granola, Muesli of the Month, and more.

Restocking your pantry with wholesome food is an easy way to guide your eating habits in the right direction. If you’re looking for an epic selection of local fruit and veg, ancient grains, pulses, nuts, seeds and much more, we suggest heading to Harbour Co-Op in Lyttelton or GoodFor (newly reopened on Colombo Street) to help you stock your cupboards full of the good stuff. Bring your own containers for the ultimate feel-good shopping feeling.

Japanese has long been heralded as one of the world’s healthiest cuisines. Fresh sashimi rich in omega-3, gut-loving fermented foods, vegetable-forward dishes… The list goes on. Located in The Welder, Bar Yoku offers a fun and playful environment to soak up all the delicious benefits of modern Japanese dining. Open for lunch and dinner, feast on grilled skewers, sashimi, sushi tacos, and much more.

If you’re looking for a restorative, low-impact way to move your body and strengthen your mind, Pilates is a great place to start. With so many studios around town, it can be tricky to know where to begin – so allow us to point you towards Movementor Pilates in Beckenham. The knowledgeable team offers a mix of mat and equipment-based classes, both private and in small groups. New members begin with one-on-one sessions, ensuring every stretch and movement is tailored to their individual needs before joining the wider class community.

For those who prefer their workouts without the chaos of traditional gym culture, The Well offers a calmer, more considered experience. Opened in 2021 by Jen Rice at The Tannery, this boutique studio blends movement science and evidence-based training with a serene, supportive atmosphere. Expect high-end Technogym equipment, guidance from personal trainers, a physiotherapist and a nutritionist, and even Aotearoa’s first AI-powered Biocircuit – a smart training system that adapts each session to you. Welcome to the future.

Dial your yoga sessions up a notch at O-Studio, home to a custom-built yoga studio with all the bells and whistles. Climbing the stairs is like voyaging into serenity, a place where your wellbeing equilibrium will be restored by the end of your session. With a choice of three options – dynamic, align and mellow – you can choose a class that suits your mood and energy levels.

Found in the forest and valleys of Cashmere, there’s a recharging experience for every temperament at Christchurch Adventure Park. For the thrill seekers among you, this is your chance to experience some of the best mountain biking trails in the country and zoom around on a zipline tour. If you prefer a gentler pace, no worries, the park still has plenty to offer you. You can enjoy the walking track which might get the heart rate up a little, but you can relax and take in the scenery on a chairlift ride back down to the bottom. Make your way to the cafe, where there’s plenty of local fare to choose from, such as Underground coffee, Cassels and Sons Brewing Co beer and wines from Black Estate.

It’s often said that there’s no better way to explore a city than on your own two feet. Well, how about two wheels? Grab a rental bike from Action Bicycle Club and create your own tour of Ōtautahi Christchurch. Make sure to ride by city icons like Hagley Park and the Arts Centre, and take advantage of the many dedicated cycleways. The rush of endorphins from cycling combined with the exploration of the central city, ensures both your mind and body are taken care of.

Architecturally imposing, the impressive scale of Tūranga is not merely bricks and mortar. The interior is an explosion of ideas, creativity and learning. With five floors of collections, books, magazines and comfy seats for relaxation or study, the realms of possibility are infinitely endless (well almost). Hot tip: search out the exceptional cheese scones at Foundation Café in Tūranga because life is about balance too.

Prestige permeates from The Arts Centre found on Worcester Boulevard. After all, it is where Sir Ernest Rutherford studied for his three degrees before becoming scientific royalty by splitting the atom only a matter of years later. Take time to walk the Hogwarts-esque halls, find a place to perch in the South quad and contemplate the many eclectic souls who have been in this very spot. Some of our favourite residents to visit include Frances Nation Cafe & Shop, Indigo & Provisions, The Custard Square Bookshop, and Cellar Door.

One of life’s simple pleasures is visiting a free art gallery and pondering the beauty, absurdity and mastery of the artworks that adorn the walls. There are two outstanding galleries in Christchurch almost side by side: CoCA and Christchurch Art Gallery. Carve out some time to gallery hop around the neighbourhood and revel in the creative genius of others. While the Canterbury Museum undergoes major redevelopment, they’ve opened a pop-up inside the same building as CoCA – what a bonus!

A trip to the theatre can be a transformative and life-affirming experience. If you haven’t visited The Court Theatre’s new home on Gloucester Street, expect to be blown away by the state-of-the-art venue as much as the spellbinding productions. With two dedicated theatre spaces, education, learning and wellbeing spaces, the curtain continues to rise on Christchurch’s theatre scene. Book a show, sit back and let the action unfold.

We can’t all just flitter off to a Greek island to find solace, but we can do the next best thing and bury our nose in a book. Scorpio Books is famous as one of Ōtautahi’s best independent bookshops, with a story for everyone – regardless of age or genre preference. Find this literary haven within the BNZ Centre, and don’t forget to pop next door to their children’s store, Telling Tales.

Just when you thought Sumner couldn’t get any more relaxing, along comes Face.it. Founded by Poland-born Agata in 2023, this holistic studio brings an entirely new kind of facial experience to Ōtautahi – one that’s as much about inner calm as outer glow. Using natural, non-invasive techniques (including the much-loved Kobido facial massage), treatments here tone, sculpt, and release tension while encouraging your skin to do what it does best: regenerate. With a soothing neutral interior and deeply personalised care, Face.it is less about chasing youth and more about celebrating balance, relaxation, and radiant well-being.

Just a few doors down from Face.it, Renaissance is another fine excuse to extend your day of pampering in the beautiful seaside suburb of Sumner. This award-winning spa is home to a team of skilled, genuinely caring therapists offering treatments that nurture your face, body, and sense of confidence. While you can certainly book your waxing or laser session here, we’d suggest leaning into full relaxation mode with a rejuvenating facial or massage instead – the kind that leaves you floating out the door.

Tucked off Ferry Road in Ferrymead, yourSPAce offers a peaceful escape from the city bustle. Founded by Michalina, the studio specialises in lymphatic drainage massage and body sculpting – treatments designed to help you feel lighter, calmer, and more in tune with yourself. The space itself is part of the therapy: soft tones, natural textures, and greenery create an atmosphere that instantly soothes. Each session is tailored to your needs, whether you’re recovering post-travel, post-partum, or simply seeking a moment of stillness.

We suggest making tracks to New Brighton to experience their luxurious saltwater hot pools, He Puna Taimoana. Located on the beachfront promenade, there are five different hot pools (one with incredible ocean views), a plunge pool, steam room and a rejuvenating sauna. Plus, check out their events calendar for special sunrise and late-night timings, as well as movie nights (hot pools, popcorn and iconic films? Say no more).

Right in the heart of The Crossing, Lovoir Day Spa brings a touch of luxury to central Christchurch. The award-winning space feels calm and cocooning, with forest-green velvet seating, natural tones and soft lighting setting the mood from the moment you arrive. Behind the serene design lies a team of expert therapists dedicated to personalised, results-driven treatments – from bespoke facials and skin therapies to massages, beauty treatments and full pamper days (complete with lunch from a nearby restaurant).

Perched above Manchester Street – with a second salon by the sea in Ferrymead – 1999 House of Nails is a calm, design-led haven for anyone who takes their nail care seriously (or simply wants a little pampering). Each visit feels indulgent yet relaxed, with private curtained stations, a soothing palette and pops of coral adding warmth to the space. From immaculate manicures to intricate nail art, every treatment is beautifully crafted and built to last. Book ahead – these chairs fill up lightning quick.

Just beyond Akaroa township, Hinewai Reserve is a lush haven of regenerating native bush that stretches across more than 1,250 hectares on Banks Peninsula. Once marginal farmland, it’s now a thriving ecosystem alive with native flora and fauna thanks to over 35 years of dedicated conservation. Wander through over 20 kilometres of walking tracks, where waterfalls, panoramic lookouts, and birdsong from tūī, kererū, and bellbirds await. For more walking inspiration, check out our feature on 11 Walks to Do in Canterbury.

It’s pretty clear why Christchurch has been coined the garden city when you see the vast expanse of Hagley Park and the pristine Botanic Gardens. If you fancy a bit of forest-bathing – a Japanese term adopted in the 1980s to describe the physiological and psychological benefit of walking amongst the trees – the park and gardens are the ideal destination. A gentle walk is bound to offer up reflection, mindfulness and wonderment. We love the hothouses for a mega mood-boosting, awe-inspiring horticultural encounter.

Is there anything more therapeutic than plunging your hands into the soil? In New Brighton, locals have been doing just that since 2005 at the New Brighton Community Gardens, a flourishing hub where volunteers, schools, and neighbours come together to learn, grow, and share in the rewards of community gardening. Meanwhile in Ferrymead, Trees for Canterbury champions regeneration on a larger scale, growing native plants for home gardens and citywide planting projects. Both prove that when we care for the earth, we nurture the community too.

Tucked in a lush valley near Little River, Okuti Garden is a one-of-a-kind escape that blends a garden, retreat, and staycation all in one. Plum and apple trees, wildflower gardens, vegetable beds, and friendly farm animals set the scene, while yurts, a teepee, and a house truck provide cosy overnight options. Owners Jim and Jane have spent 16 years shaping the space with care, from tending the gardens to building the accommodation themselves. Rustic, relaxing, and full of charm, Okuti Garden is a magical spot for a special weekend getaway.