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
The Best Eats Down Riccarton Road
While for some Riccarton Road may conjure up images of slow crawling traffic, BYOs gone rogue or adolescent moments at the mall that they’d rather forget, the quantity of exceptional eateries makes up for the road’s lesser qualities.
Ashburton is the New Black - A New Look Guide to this Mid Canterbury Town
Just over an hour south of Ōtautahi Christchurch sits the rural township of Hakatere Ashburton. Servicing a greater area of Mid Canterbury, this is where the coast, the mountains, the rivers and the rural landscape meet. For many Cantabrians, this is a town you pass through along journeys north or south, but scratch the surface, and you’ll find much more to Ashburton than you see along the highway.
New Brighton Good Life Guide: Jenna Ingram's Picks of the Neatest Things to do in New Brighton
Jenna Ingram is a Canadian-born, New Zealand-raised artist, mother, occasional MC/singer, and keen gardener who is slightly obsessed with growing and pickling pickles. She’s also the co-owner and Director of Fiksate Gallery, New Zealand's leading Urban Art gallery. We chatted to Jenna about her experiences in New Brighton and what makes it special.
Christchurch's Finest Places To Go For A Cocktail
No matter the weather it's always the right time for a cocktail. It could be the height of summer, the sun is shining, you’re with good friends and fruity concoctions are flowing. Or perhaps the temperatures have taken a dive, cosy vibes are key and your drink of choice also has the job of providing some much-needed warmth.
Explore our Directory
View AllBar Yoku
The ultimate izakaya experience in Ōtautahi Christchurch, Bar Yoku is something special.
Victoria Free House
A British-style pub, Victoria Free House is a slice of the old world in the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Tanoshi
Tanoshi has made a name for itself in Queenstown with three popular sites, each with a slightly different focus. But its Christchurch restaurant is a fusion of them all.
Frances Nation Café
Frances Nation Café is a go-to in Christchurch for superb coffee and delicious food.
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.
Coffee Embassy
Pay attention next time you are driving down Fitzgerald Ave because here you will find a cafe and roastery home to some of the best brews and beans in the city.
Two Thumb Brewing on Colombo
On the edge of Christchurch’s city centre, just as Colombo Street crosses into Sydenham, you’ll find Two Thumb Brewing Co.’s brewery and taproom.
Two Thumb Brewing Company on Manchester
Everyone needs a good local pub in their lives, a place you can go with a relaxed atmosphere, where you are guaranteed to run into a few mates and, most importantly, enjoy a...
Scoundrel
A destination on the east side of town, just a stone's throw away from Te Kaha Christchurch stadium, Scoundrel is one of those spots you wander into once and know instantly...
Triangle Espresso, Ashburton
Triangle Espresso is a landmark of Ashburton’s up-and-coming Triangle District.
The Rabbit, Ashburton
The Rabbit is an exciting eatery in the heart of The Triangle in Ashburton.
Smoke Restaurant, Ashburton
Ashburton's Smoke restaurant is a carnivore's haven specialising in American low and slow barbeque.
Ashburton Art Gallery & Heritage Centre
The Ashburton Art Gallery & Heritage Centre is home to both the town's art gallery and museum.
Cleavers Corner, Ashburton
Cleavers Corner is the locals' go-to in Ashburton.
The Cakelady, Ashburton
Tharina Nel is the Cakelady of Ashburton. A self-taught baker of incredible creations, she can whip up just about anything you can imagine.
Objectspace at Sir Miles Warren Gallery
Objectspace is Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading gallery dedicated to design, craft and architecture.
Ngaio Marsh House
Ngaio Marsh House sits in a beautiful spot on the lower slopes of Christchurch’s Cashmere Hills.