12 Hours Christchurch

First things first, you’re going to need a coffee. Opening on Hereford Street near the end of 2025, Rook is one of the latest additions to Christchurch’s cafe scene – and it’s already gained a reputation for its specialty drinks, ultra cool aesthetic and cabinet of baked treats. Enjoy the best version of your usual coffee order, or branch out with something from the cold foam menu. Pair your drink with a Grizzly donut or BUTTER canelé for optimum enjoyment. 

Continue your morning feed just around the corner at Child Sister, a beautifully designed café that locals flock to for its well-executed coffee and effortless breakfast that will fuel your action-packed day in the 03. The kimchi grilled cheese is a stand-out fave; simple yet delicious, the generous pile of spicy kimchi makes the perfect companion to all that melted cheesy goodness. The kimchi rice omelette is also a beloved signature. Linger as long as you like at this little haven but remember there’s much more to see today.

With a happy tum, it’s time to stock up on your at-home library at Scorpio Books – an independent bookstore that’s been a cornerstone of Christchurch since the 1970s. Browse through their huge selection of titles, enjoy all the local-bookstore-warm-fuzzies, plop down in a cosy chair for a few page turns and peruse the robust New Zealand literature section. If serious bookworms are to get on with the day at all, they’ll need to set a timer here. Make sure to pop next door to Telling Tales, Scorpio’s children’s bookshop full of whimsy and wonder.

A gander around a few selective stores is key to any memorable city trip. Thankfully, Christchurch has a plethora of boutiques for stylish folks to scope out, and we’ve cherry-picked the finest for a little shopping before lunch.

On High Street, you’ve got serious options. Infinite Definite exudes cool kid charm with a host of international and local clothing and homeware labels to fawn over. Next door, Head Over Heels is worth browsing for anyone who loves quality, fashion-forward footwear (with a few other accessories in the mix too). Designers include Abigayle, Bronwyn, Nelson Made and so many more. Found on the same street, Recycle Boutique is a second-hand haven of designer and vintage clothing, organised by size, colour and category to make uncovering preloved gems a little easier.

Got time for more? Check out Ruby’s latest collection at The Crossing, stop by PLUME for a fix of Zambesi, Company of Strangers, NOM*d and more, visit Nifty’s pink home full of secondhand finds on Cashel Street, and fall in love with some local threads and homeware at Swoon on Durham Street.

The Welder is a stunningly and seriously cool repurposed set of industrial buildings in the heart of South Town. You can take your pick from a raft of favourites, whatever you fancy there’s a strong chance you’ll find it.

Bar Yoku specialises in invigorating and flavourful Japanese food with personality. The dishes are balanced, use the best seasonal produce, and they even make sushi tacos. Grizzly Baked Goods offers a short but ever-so-sweet dine-in menu with toasties and bagels abound. Around the corner, enjoy a sweet pick-me-upper from Dhi Ferrari’s cabinet full of Brazilian-inspired cakes and patisserie that look (almost) too good to eat.

Time your visit right and you may even catch one of Kula Studio’s yoga or pilates classes.

For an alternative lunchtime destination, you can’t go wrong at Riverside Market. Riverside has completely electrified the inner city with its bustling community hub, complete with a seven-day farmers’ market, owner-operated eateries, and boutique retailers. With around 50 bars, eateries and stalls to choose from, your appetite is in safe hands. Bellbird Bakery, Smokey T’s, Ramen Ria, and Black Burger are just a few of our favourites to get you started. Afterwards, grab your reusable totes and let loose in the aisles of fresh and local produce, and make a point of pursuing local goods at Shopology down the laneway outside. 

A trailblazer in Christchurch’s post-quake rebuild has to be the inimitable Tūranga (the city’s main public library). Located on the corner of Cathedral Square, Tūranga is extraordinary in both scale and purpose. A biblio labyrinth spread across four floors with soft lighting to soothe even the most tired eyes. We recommend exploring as many nooks and crannies as you can, it won’t disappoint. 

A wander down New Regent Street’s pastel-coloured neighbourhood is enough to bring out the inner-romantic in all. Enjoy the last of the afternoon strolling past the charming buildings of this heritage streetscape and find yourself a scoop at Rollickin’ Gelato. Their creamy, organic scoops are handmade on-site every morning and feature fun-filled flavours like Butterscotch with Sticky Date, PB&J, and Espresso. 

Strolling through an art gallery is a rite of passage for most people venturing around a new city. In our whistle-stop guide, you can experience an enjoyable art fix at Christchurch Art Gallery which is the city’s largest and comprehensive gallery that hosts a revolving door of art exhibitions (free to visit). 

Nearby, both CoCA and The Physics Room focus on beautiful contemporary art with a dedication to celebrating new and innovative works from Aotearoa artists. The upstairs exhibition space at CoCA is currently hosting the Canterbury Museum pop-up while the museum’s own site is undergoing a major redevelopment.

The Arts Centre boasts one of the most unique and exciting collections of retail stores in New Zealand, all under one roof. With a focus on sustainable and Kiwi made goods, places like Frances Nation Shop will wow you with beautiful, made-to-last objects for the home that all have their own story to tell. Indigo & Provisions houses a collection of carefully curated workwear, home wear and heritage styles, and if you want an indelible reminder of your trip to the main city of the South, Absolution is an expert tattoo and piercing studio based onsite. Shop beautiful sheepskin products at Wilson & Dorset, pop into Tiny Toy Shop to treat wee ones in your life, and browse secondhand reads for adults and kids at The Custard Square Bookshop.

As the day heads towards the outro, take advantage of  Cellar Door, nestled in the picturesque south quad of The Arts Centre. Renowned for their extensive and quality wine flights this is a treat for those who love wine and even those who dabble. 

Tucked into The Terrace Courtyard, Brewda is a must for dinner in Ōtautahi. This award-winning bar and eatery pairs bold Korean flavours with a top-notch drinks list, perfect for easing into the evening. Helmed by Michelin-trained owner Cian Curtin and head chef Jake Lee, the menu is designed for sharing — think inventive takes on classic dishes, house-made kimchi and pickles, and seasonal foraged touches. Come for a full feast or a casual bite and soju; stay for the atmosphere.

Just around the corner from New Regent Street, Odeon is a luxe dinner option that still feels warmly welcoming. Run by Shafeeq Ismail, this Gloucester Street favourite blends Andalusian-inspired, share-style dishes with a standout wine list focused on organic and biodynamic drops. Inside, rich golden tones, cosy booths and an extended bar create spaces for everything from a quick glass to a long, celebratory feast. And if decision-making isn’t your thing, the ‘Feed Me’ option lets the chefs take care of the rest.

As the night draws to a close, you may find yourself uttering the word, “nightcap?” Who would blame you – there are some notable bars to seek out in the city. Elevated G&Ts at gin gin, a cold one served from Smash Palace’s bus window, a very good Yuzu Negroni at Rambler, Indian-inspired cocktails from Tiger Baby Bar, or perhaps a bottle of something bubbly at Kisi, Gatherings’ new bar tucked behind the restaurant. We weren’t kidding when we said you had options. Check out our full list of neat bars here.

Visiting from out of town or fancy a staycation? Let’s check you in to somewhere special. Located in The Arts Centre, The Observatory Hotel is truly magnificent and offers a unique chance to sleep in a heritage setting (with all the luxury comforts). The Eve Apartment in the Old Government Building blends old-world charm with bold touches, while Drifter on Lichfield Street is perfect for young, modern travellers. Other favourites include The Mayfair, The Tack Rooms, and The Muse.