The Best Eats Down Riccarton Road
The Neat Places team’s favourite places to brunch
Here at Neat Places, we're certainly partial to great food – and brunch is no exception. We've spilled the beans on our team's favourite spots around the country to enjoy a slow morning over eggs, smashed avo, pancakes, omelettes, and more goodness...
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.
Shafeeq Ismail's Favourite Christchurch Food Spots
Elevate Your Lunch in Christchurch's CBD
When it comes to meals throughout the day, breakfast is touted as the most important and dinner often gets all the glory, however, we say there is a serious case to be made for lunch being the best. In Christchurch’s city centre, there are plenty of options to satisfy your twelve o’clock hunger.
How to Survive a Hot Summer’s Day in Christchurch
The Best Christchurch Spots For An Iced Drink This Summer
Picture this… the sun is shining, the vibes are popping and you’re in the mood for the perfect icy beverage to complement your day.
Where You'd Rather Be: The Best Mediterranean Restaurants in Christchurch
Neatest Places in Christchurch for an Ice Cream
Dine Out on the Neat Places’ Team's Restaurant Picks
In Our Book: Here are the Best Bookshops in Christchurch Ōtautahi
Fill your Christmas Table with Christchurch’s Best
Best of 2023: The Neatest Newcomers of Christchurch’s Food Scene
Sandwich shops, spritz bars, the return of old favourites, churches converted into pubs and open fire cooking. This year was arguably one of the most exciting times to be dining out in Christchurch Ōtautahi, as we were treated to an influx of new cafés, delis, wine bars, pubs and restaurants. From flashy riverside venues to humble hidden gems, here are 17 notable newcomers who opened their doors in 2023.
Rolleston Fields: Experience the New Side to Rolleston
Hit the motorway heading south from the centre of Christchurch, and in a mere 15-20 minutes, you’ll arrive in New Zealand’s fastest-growing town, Rolleston. Once dubbed “the town of the future”, it’s apparent this is now very much a reality with a booming population, plenty of investment and exciting new developments appearing on the scene. With its modern, design-led town centre, it’s clear to see why so many people from around the country and further afield are choosing to call Rolleston home.
Our Pick of the Tastiest Veggie Burgers in Christchurch
Ask a kid what their favourite food is, and you’re bound to get a simple answer: a burger. Ask a grown-up, and who knows what answer you’ll get, but in all honesty, there’s really that kid within most of us who finds digging their teeth into a good burger a satisfaction unlike anything else.
New Brighton Good Life Guide: Cam Burgess of Southpaw
Venture forth: Your Guide to the Best of Banks Peninsula
The Recipe for a Neighbourhood Institution with Sarah Freeman of The Birdwood
Is there much better than a great neighbourhood local? A place where everyone knows your name, usual order and favourite seat. A place you’ve frequented so often that it feels like an extension of your living room. Wellington and Auckland have endless ‘locals’, but here in Ōtautahi Christchurch, they’re a little harder to uncover. For residents of Beckenham, however, they’re blessed with The Birdwood. A prominent character building perfectly positioned in the heart of the community. A café by day in one space and a restaurant come evening in another, and now thanks to some renovations, there’s more connection between the two and a new bar to familiarise yourself with.
The Emerging Organic Wine Brands of Waipara, North Canterbury
If you look beyond the standout Waipara wine brands we all know and love, four passionate young Canterbury winemakers are doing things a little differently. We spoke with each of them to better understand their inspiration and wine styles.
The Tale of Tussock Hill; The Journey of Vineyard to Table on Christchurch’s Port Hills
Growing grapes on Christchurch's Port Hills is rare and, from what I've been told, not easy. Match that with an onsite restaurant with a vantage point looking over Christchurch City and the vineyard while enjoying your glass of organic goodness, and you've got Tussock Hill. It's only been open since 2021 but already feels like part of the landscape.
New Zealand’s Top Hotels For Unforgettable Staycations
An Interview with Josh Bradshaw of Sonder Leather Goods
We’re excited to announce the first of our Neat Places urban travel products, created in collaboration with some of our favourite makers.
To kick things off, we’ve partnered with our friends at Sonder Leather Goods to create a travel wallet for all your essentials, including your wallet, credit cards, and of course, a Neat Places pocket guide.
We sat down with Josh Bradshaw of Sonder to chat about the collaboration and the rhythms of leather...
Venture Out: A Day Trip from Christchurch in Every Direction
Christchurch Ōtautahi is an excellent starting point for a whole host of diurnal excursions. Nature lovers, vintage (grapes and/or permanent objects) enthusiasts, pie connoisseurs, keen boulderers, or those with a penchant for something new, look no further when the conditions for a day trip transpire. Feeling spoilt for choice and can’t decide which direction to head in? Spin a compass - there’s one on your phone.
Culinary Inspirations: Behind the Scenes with Sweet Soul Pâtisserie's Rea Scur
As a passionate Francophile and self-confessed sweet tooth, Nicola Amy Hinman was rather excited to chat with Rea Scur, one half of the incredibly talented sister duo behind Christchurch Ōtautahi’s favourite pâtisserie, about her culinary inspirations and the creative process behind their exquisite desserts.
Exploring The Terrace: An Insider’s Guide
Unearth the hidden gems of Christchurch Ōtautahi's most vibrant dining and entertainment precinct. Just a stone's throw from the picturesque Avon River, The Terrace is a hub where authenticity meets creativity, a meeting point for the intimate and the avant-garde.
Where to Catchup With Friends During the Week in Christchurch
Weekends aren’t the only time for catching up with friends, and they no longer hold the monopoly on being when you can have some fun.
Your Guide to Second-Hand Clothes Shopping in Christchurch
The neatest second-hand clothing finds in the ‘03.
Five Late Night Spots in Christchurch for Coffee, Treats & Sweets
From Novice To Advanced Yogi, These Are The Best Yoga Studios in Christchurch
In the heart of the city and the surrounding suburbs, there are several specialist yoga studios that know their downward dog from their chaturanga. Here are our picks of Christchurch's best places to practice yoga.
Connect With Your Core At The Best Pilates Studios In Christchurch
Tired of lifting weights, sweating out in a HIIT session or just looking to shake up your fitness routine? A low-impact (yet still highly effective) Pilates class might be what you are after. Here are our picks of the best Pilates studios in Christchurch.
New Brighton Good Life Guide: Matt Morris, The Urban Monk
Meet Matt Morris of The Urban Monk, a fermentary providing nourishing sauerkraut to the people since 2012 and, more recently, opening doors on New Brighton Mall.
A taste of Mexico in Christchurch: The city's best Mexican restaurants
Craving Mexican food? Here are our picks of the best Mexican restaurants in Christchurch.
Our Pick of the Best Indian Restaurants in Christchurch
How to Slow Down in Ashburton: A Guide to Elevating The Drive Through
Table For One: The Best Solo Dining Spots In The Garden City
Christchurch's Sweetest Treats: Where to Find the City's Best Desserts
This may be a bold statement… but the best (and often most overlooked) meal of the day would have to be dessert. While some may argue that it doesn’t qualify as a meal, we would very much counter this, and our evidence lies in the many sweet sensations you can find around Christchurch Ōtautahi. One of the greatest qualities dessert has going for it, in our humble opinion, is you can eat it any time of the day. From a decadent pastry with your morning coffee to a treat-yourself-ice-cream moment to a lavish creation enjoyed post-dinner.
To Methven & Beyond: A Weekend Getaway Guide
Methven is an outdoor playground, and thanks to some recent additions to the town scene, there's even more reason to visit this mountainside community on the western edge of the Canterbury Plains.
Mid-Canterbury Adventures & Where to Treat Yourself Afterwards
Mid Canterbury is a district well worth visiting, as there are endless tramping opportunities, thermal pools, motorsport and adventure-filled gems.
How to Spend Autumn in Christchurch Ōtautahi
Put on your flannel and get ready to explore. This South Island city is teeming with the best things to do in autumn.
Dinner and a Show? Here are our Picks on Where to Dine and be Entertained in Christchurch
From Udon Noodles to Yakitori: Here are Our Picks for Christchurch's Best Japanese Restaurants
Just like food from any country, Japanese cuisine has an array of regional specialities that have been created from local ingredients and traditional recipes. The best way to sample these would be to take a culinary tour across the island nation, but luckily for us in Christchurch, the city offers a number of authentic Japanese restaurants, all with their own speciality.
New Brighton Good Life Guide: Hamish Evans from Switch
Meet Hamish Evans, a coffee impresario, family man and local legend who calls New Brighton home.
Mangia Italiano: Where to find Christchurch's finest Italian restaurants
We've searched out Christchurch's best establishments offering a slice of the good life, inspired by the fields of Florence, streets of Rome and canals of Venice.
Fast and Flavourful: Our Must-Try Takeaways In Christchurch
Discover some of Christchurch’s best food and eateries without having to leave the comfort of your own home.
Where to Dine as a Big Group in Christchurch
Seats in the City: Best Seats in Ōtautahi Christchurch
New Brighton Good Life Guide: Samantha Fay
Best Urban Wine Experiences in New Zealand
All around New Zealand, we are blessed with incredible wine experiences right in our own urban backyard. No matter your vino preference from a classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc to a Central Otago Pinot Noir or perhaps an interesting blend from a far away European vineyard, you don’t have to travel far to sample and enjoy a glass or two (responsibly of course!).
Catherine & Lin from New Brighton Community Gardens
Meet Catherine O’Neill and Lin Klenner of New Brighton Community Gardens. Catherine has been the trusted Garden Manager since 2010 and Lin looks after everything but gardening. From the ground up is how they roll.
Best Things To Do In Christchurch This Spring
On a gorgeous day, it’s hard to beat Ōtautahi Christchurch in the springtime as the garden city comes into its own.
Where to Find Christchurch’s Best Burgers
If you are looking for a good burger in Christchurch, you don't have to look very far!
A Wondrous Walking Guide to Christchurch Ōtautahi
Lace up your comfiest shoes and hit the pavement, the best way to explore a city is on your own two feet and Christchurch is no exception. In fact, with not a hill or steep incline in sight in the city centre, it’s arguably the easiest city in the country to walk around - or at least the easiest on your calf muscles.
A Guide to Shopping and One of a Kind Fashion in Christchurch
A Guide to Architecture and Art in Christchurch
Ōtautahi Christchurch’s cityscape is ever evolving and the combination of historic structures versus new modern buildings, works together in harmony to create a vibrant city.
10 South Island Ski Fields and Bars for Your Après-Ski
The feeling of cracking open a cold beverage after a hard day on the ski fields is tough to beat. Whether it’s while soaking those sore muscles in a hot tub, or changing gears for a big night out, it always feels like a drink well earned. Even more so if it’s freezing outside.
Memorable Christchurch Accommodation Worth Travelling for
Looking for that one-of-a-kind Christchurch accommodation that will make your trip to Ōtautahi truly unforgettable? From fancy five-star hotel experiences to secluded cabins in the heart of wine country, whatever your needs and whatever your budget, our Christchurch accommodation guide has you covered.
Christchurch Food Guide: Alex Davies of Gatherings
The Key Ingredients for a Wellness Weekend in Ōtautahi Christchurch
The Ultimate Local's Guide to Christchurch & Surrounds
Welcome to Eating & Drinking in Christchurch's East Block
The 'East Block' is home to many of Christchurch, Ōtautahi's best bars and restaurants. You will find a various range of cultures to meet every occasion.
Fill Your Picnic Basket with Sydenham's Finest Artisan Food & Drinks
The streets of Sydenham are filled with all the best artisan producers and quality food and drink. From picnics, special lunches or filling the pantry, we've made this list of Sydenham's top locations so you don't have to.
New Brighton Good Life Guide: Reuben Woods
Bottoms Up ... 9 of the Best South Island Pubs
Pack up the car, gather a group of mates and most importantly designate a sober driver… it’s time to embark on a tour of the South Island.
Aotearoa's Underground Haunts, Rooftops and The In-betweens
From rooftop bars to underground haunts and hidden gems in-between, New Zealand has plenty of incredible spots hiding in our cities and towns. They may be a bit hard to find, but the best stuff takes a little effort, right?
South Town
Some Like It Hot: A Guide To New Zealand’s Best Hot Pools
Remedy your winter chills by submerging yourself in one of these dreamy (and super steamy) hot pools.
Christchurch's Secret Spaces and Places
10 Craft Beer Destinations To Add To Your South Island Getaway
Few things top the feeling of sampling a local craft beer while on holiday. Lucky for you, the South Island is brimming with places to get your small-batch fix.
Free Things To Do in Christchurch Ōtautahi
7 Urban Hotels Worth Travelling For
New Brighton
Bygone days of seaside prosperity linger in the eastern suburb of New Brighton, but don’t be surprised if you fall for its current scruffy charm. With newly emerging hospitality, He Puna Taimoana hot pools and eighteen kilometres of sandy coastline, New Brighton has a distinctive appeal.
Having famously gained popularity in the 1960s - when New Brighton was the only shopping centre open on a Saturday in Christchurch - crowds would routinely flock to the shops where they could pick up their wares, an ice cream and stroll along the pier. Nowadays, locals and visitors alike can still be seen meandering down the longest pier in Australasia and breathing in some of that salty sea air.
New Brighton Good Life Guide: Sam & Caroline at The Burger Joint
7 South Island Road Trips to Add to Your Bucket List
Fill up the tank; a South Island road trip adventure awaits.
8 Café and Restaurant Interiors that will set your heart aflutter in Ōtautahi
Forget Pinterest, head to these Christchurch spots for major mood board inspo.
Crazy about Hazy? All about the stouts? Time to read our CHC Craft Beer Guide
8 Unexpected Things To Do in Christchurch
Get Acquainted at the Chef’s Table at these Christchurch Spots
Dine up close and personal.
Time to Mastermind an Outing with Your Family at One of These Kid Friendly Spots
You’ve got the mini-mes in tow and you’re needing a bite to eat - we’ve got you covered…
Let's Celebrate Women in Hospitality
Great hair days on repeat with Christchurch’s best hairdressers
Fall in love with your locks with a visit to one of these top salons in Ōtautahi
Stock Up On Vinyl At The 8 Best Record Stores In New Zealand
Tick Off Your Reading List At New Zealand’s Independent Bookshops
Bibliophiles gather around; here's your comprehensive guide to New Zealand's best bookshops. Each of these fiercely independent bookstores brings a strong sense of personality, enriched by the culture and history of the towns they call home.
From North to South, from mystical fantasy to heartfelt memoirs, there's plenty to tickle your bookish brains at these local spots. So clear your shelf and break out your Good Reads list; here's where to get your literature fix across Aotearoa.
Get the Glow with Christchurch's Best Facials
Score The Inside Scoop On New Zealand’s Best Ice Cream And Gelato Spots
Best on Bread: 7 Carby Delights to Eat Your Way Across Christchurch
Not all sandwiches were made equal so we've rounded up some of our favourite spots to grab a sammy in Christchurch.
CHC Institutions We Love
Still going strong after 10 plus years, and there's a whole multitude of reasons why.
Quirky Christmas Shopping in Christchurch
Nary a big-box gift insight, we’ve curated a list of alternative shops that will make your Christmas gift-giving one-of-a-kind.
Christchurch’s Art Galleries and Where To Grab a Drink Afterwards
Kid-friendly Spots in Christchurch for Your next Family Day Out
Head to any of these Christchurch locations for parent and kid friendly experiences sure to delight on all levels.
Get to Know the North Canterbury Wine Region
The North Canterbury wine region is a hidden gem for wine, food and relaxing accommodation — the perfect recipe for a long weekend. Surrounded by the Southern Alps, close to the sea and with fertile soil for a variety of growing opportunities, this close-to-Christchurch destination is a must-stay. Discover some of North Canterbury’s finest vineyards, ready and waiting for you to explore.
9 Reasons You Should Visit North Canterbury's Cellar Doors
The North Canterbury wine region offers diverse and intriguing varieties and unexpected delights.
Drool-worthy Donut Spots You Need to Devour in Christchurch
From sprinkles to custard, Lyttelton to Wigram, Christchurch has plenty to offer in the donut scene.
Upgrade Your Home Cooking with the Best Craft Food Stores in Christchurch
Grocery Stores, Farmers' Markets & Local Growers
Snack Your Way Through 9 of the Best Baos in Christchurch
Where To Get Your American Food and Drink Fix in Christchurch
7 Must-shop Menswear Stores in Christchurch
The Christchurch menswear scene has graduated from jeans and a t-shirt, and we couldn’t be more grateful.
How to Spend an Afternoon in New Brighton
Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside (in New Brighton) and here's a whole bunch of reasons why.
Where to Find the Best Pastries in Christchurch
Pastry has been kicking around since Egyptian times so it’s high time we put together a list for the best spots to pick up pastries in Ōtautahi.
8 Places to Elevate Your Dining Experience
When was the last time you treated yourself to a slow dinner with friends and family or visited a restaurant that is a little bit special? We think it's about now.
Sweet or Savoury? Scope Our Definitive Guide to Christchurch's Best Scones
Throw on Your Barbour, Here's 8 Things to Do in Christchurch This Winter
Have those Southerly blasts got you hunkered down? Well, it's time to grab your puffer, we've got some activities to get you out of the house this winter.
Warm Your Winter Soul at the Cosiest Places in Christchurch
If the winter weather is keeping you curled up at home, we suggest warming up at some of our favourite cosy spots in Christchurch instead.
These 8 Christchurch Roasters Will Change the Way You Think about Coffee
Christchurch’s coffee roasters are the ones to watch. With established roasteries and new players popping up on the scene, the South Island’s biggest city is competing with the best of ‘em.
Sip Your Way Through Our Guide To Kiwi-Made Spirits
From specialty gin to artisan whiskey, amp up your next cocktail party with our curated selection of homegrown spirits.
Where To Find The Best Architecture in Christchurch
8 Unique Date Ideas in Christchurch
Top Plant-Based Brunches in Christchurch
10 Christchurch Restaurants to Try When You Feel Like Travelling
Sure, the plane ride to a new place may be a while away, but we invite you to explore Christchurch with tourist eyes. You just may surprise yourself with what you find.
8 Fried Chicken Alternatives in Christchurch
Vegetarians rejoice - we’ve found the best fried chicken alternatives in Christchurch, so you can enjoy the finger-lickin’ goodness sans cluck. No chicken, no problem.
6 Unique Activities to Try in Christchurch
Whether you’re looking for a unique adventure for the whole family or a little R&R, you’ll find a host of unique activities in Christchurch.
Where to Find the Best Craft Cocktails in Christchurch
We've done the legwork and narrowed down the best spots to sip a flawless craft cocktail in Christchurch’s CBD.
Go Plastic-Free With These 10 NZ Homeware Brands
How to Spend the Perfect Night Out in Christchurch CBD
Here's your guide to the Christchurch CBD after dark.
Dine Al Fresco at the Best Outdoor Restaurant Spots in Christchurch
Whether you’re looking to settle in for an evening of people watching or prefer to enjoy your long black in al fresco solitude, keep scrolling for where to find outdoor dining in Christchurch
Back Local These Holidays with Our Christchurch Shopping and Gifting Guide
Shopping local is a treat with so many offerings around Christchurch. Make a day of it and revel in the diverse range of shops, price points, and offerings, all while supporting the spirit of Ōtautahi.
6 of the Best Plant-Based Eateries in Christchurch
With options ranging from casual café grab-and-go options, to full sit down dinners, it’s never been a better time to explore your plant-based options in Christchurch’s food scene.
The Neatest Campgrounds in Canterbury
Reply ‘STAB ME’ to Confirm
48 Hours Christchurch
There’s nothing like the promise of a full weekend ahead. We’ve already curated the best way to spend 12 hours in Christchurch, but if you have a little more time to spare, we have no shortage of ideas. From buzzing city cafes, quirky gallery exhibits, seaside walks and memorable meals, not a moment will feel wasted.
The Modern Mess
11 Walks to Do in Canterbury and Where to Reward Yourself After
Now’s the time to get out and explore all Canterbury has to offer, both outdoors and in the towns that make this region so special.
Explore New Zealand's most beautiful street
A stroll down colourful, pedestrianised New Regent Street in Christchurch will instantly transport you to a bygone era.
Low and Slow from Christchurch to Tokyo
Pursuing Your best, Together
A Dram with Whisky Galore's Stella Fraser Milne
Trading the Corporate Life for Biang Biang Noodles
A Road Trip Guide to Akaroa
7 Places Every Brunch Enthusiast Needs to Tick off in Christchurch
Brunch enthusiasts, rejoice! Neat Places has compiled your weekend hit-list for the best brunch in Christchurch. From the caffeine hit to the perfectly poached eggs, you'll find somewhere just right for that next weekend brunch outing.
Unstoppable: Andy and Mia
Cool Hangs - Indigo & Provisions
Step inside the historic Boys’ High building in central Christchurch and you’ll find your way upstairs to Indigo & Provisions, a stunning retail space. Focussed on quality, the space has a great brand story for the curated fashion and homeware items that adorn the shelves. We caught up with owner/operator Dominic Ellett to hear more about the brand, his ethos, and his inspiration for the store.
SALT District
Mountain Biking is the New Golf
West End
City North
Sydenham
Where to Go For A Gin Cocktail in Christchurch This February
Brunch in the 'Burbs with the Best Neighbourhood Cafés in Christchurch
There’s nothing quite like the comfort of your local neighbourhood café where familiar faces greet you from day to day and your regular order can be placed with a mere nod and a smile.
Dose up on Goodness, Here's 5 Places to Sink a Green Smoothie in Christchurch
Healthy, filling, nutritious, energising, the green smoothie is one craving not to feel guilty over.
Drool Your Way Through Christchurch's Finger-lickin' Fried Chicken Dishes
We've scoured Christchurch to find the best places to get your hands on the finger-lickin' fried chicken.
Pantries at the ready. Here's our Guide to Shopping without a supermarket
Hospitality Hero
Christchurch Cafés Open on a Sunday to Stave off Your Work Week Blues
Five of the best: where to fill your own beer
Bring your own bottle? How about filling your own bottle - of delicious, fresh craft beer, that is.
Lunch Lady
Sharing is caring. The best places for shared plates
Whoever first coined the phrase “sharing is caring” was clearly a good person to head out to dinner with.
Live the Digital Nomad Life with 11 Christchurch Cafés That Have Free Wifi
A necessity in homes, workplaces and public spaces – but wifi connections in cafés, bars and restaurants can feel few and far between.
Amberley and Waipara
Not to be mistaken for simply a place to pass through, North Canterbury's Amberley and Waipara have a few aces up their sleeves when it comes to places worth lingering a while. Wine country in Waipara is home to a number of top-class vineyards and tasting rooms. Here, you'll look out upon rolling hills of vines and sip wide varieties of wine, while hearing about the process from the talented winemakers themselves. Vintage shopping or boutique beer anyone? Amberley has the best of both, and after meandering your way through thrift shop finds and filling up your takeaway rigger, there are cafés aplenty to rest your feet in and fill up on small-town cheese scones.
High Street
Port Lyttelton
Sweet & Savage
Roses to Riches
A Decade of Making It Raw
Make It Raw founder, Julia Brown, chats to us about making her delicious raw creations, balancing motherhood and what’s next for the family-run business.
12 Hours Christchurch
The best things to see, eat, and do in Christchurch
A Guide to New Zealand's Coffee Roasters
Not all coffee is created equal, so in our guide to New Zealand’s coffee roasters, we pay homage to those roasting, brewing, and serving it the best. You’ll find micro-roasters rubbing shoulders with the country’s biggest producers.