Guide12 Hours Christchurch

This independent bookstore has been a cornerstone of Christchurch since the 1970s. Browse through Scorpio’s 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 bookworms are to get on with the day at all, they’ll need to set a timer here.

Stroll through Hagley Park’s colorful botanic gardens, hundred-year-old trees and riverside knolls. Tucked amongst this greenery you’ll find Ilex Cafe which is defined by aesthetics and flavours as brilliant as the park itself. Ilex’s menu features local seasonal dishes, barista-made coffee and an array of sweet and savoury treats to get your day going.

On the edge of Hagley Park sits, The George, one of the cities most well known boutique hotels which boasts two dining venues: 50 Bistro and Pescatore. 50 Bistro’s beautiful dishes are created with ingredients that are ideally sourced from within a fifty kilometer range. Their signature beef and lamb dishes are award winning. Pescatore, on the other hand, pairs line caught fish with organic produce and curious taste profiles that keep patrons guessing. The fresh, sustainable menu items and artful presentations at these two destinations simply cannot be beat.

Get ready to ‘bao’ down to this totally yum chinese fusion lunch option. Sister Kong is reminiscent of a traditional Hong Kongese baijiu house and is decked out with red lanterns, neon Lucky Cats and a bustling bar that mimics Hong Kong’s energy. Here diners fill up on bao buns and dumplings that are filled with local produce, meats and other bold flavours. Chase your meal down with a cold Asahi and refresh yourself before heading into the afternoon.

Head to Made Espresso once you hit that 2:30 slump. This petite and sunshine filled espresso bar has all the caffeinated barista beverages and yummy lunch/snack options that you need to keep going. If you’re a bit peckish have a peek at the cabinet which is always brimming with sweet treats, Grizzly bagel sandwiches and salads. If you’re on the move take your order to-go and guilt free, all packaging used at Made is recyclable.

The Arts Centre boasts one of the most unique and exciting collections of retail stores in New Zealand, and all under one roof. With a focus on sustainable and Kiwi made goods shops like Frances Nation will wow you with beautiful, made-to-last objects for the home that all have their own story to tell. At Rekindle, a buzzing maker space, you’ll find handmade wares all of which are made by local craftspeople who subscribe to Rekindle’s ethos of ‘making what we need from what we have’. Indigo & Provisions houses a collection of carefully curated work wear, home wear and heritage styles that are designed to be worn and loved for many years.

While you’re here take a chance to rejuvenate. At Cloud9 you can de-stress with a float therapy session inside one of their four state-of-the art float pods, a completely tranquil experience. Total Body Concept is the place for wellness treatments like reflexology and anti-ageing treatments for both men and women. Renaissance skin clinic and day spa, located just steps from the beach, is well known for their bespoke facials where each client’s treatment is designed to be completely holistic. Skin Space, a light filled shop located within the Arts Centre, purveys some of the most aromatic, luxurious and high quality skin care products that are all ethically produced, made with pure ingredients and are cruelty free.

Those who love gin already and those who want to get to know her better will all fall in love with this cocktail bar. gin gin’s pink interior, vibrant plant life and quirky decor all complement the exciting and unusual cocktails that are on offer here. The drinks menu features boutique gin from New Zealand and beyond with added colour, flavour and texture from special additions like fermented berries, tonics, rose petals and more. Forget basic G&Ts. Spirits, wine and beer are also available.

Located alongside the Avon River, Sawyer, is an intimate spot for a luxe cocktail. Enjoy a private nook or take a seat at the raw wood bar to explore the enticing drinks list. You’ll discover adventurous and cheeky cocktails like a Buttered Martini as well as an extensive gin list, craft beer and cider. If you’re after a nibble, Sawyer’s ever evolving snack menu features crowd pleasers like an antipasto platter and a Reuben Toasty. You can’t go wrong with a drink above the river to end your day.

Earl, a European style bistro, is host to one of the most bespoke bar affairs that Christchurch has to offer. The iconic v-shaped bar frames the kitchen and creates a comfortable, inviting atmosphere with a light wood fit out, natural materials and hints of blue here and there. Libations include an array of wines, beers, spirits and Earl’s creative cocktail list. Order ‘The Manhattan’ a whiskey, vermouth and bitters cocktail to quite literally end your day with a cherry on top.