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

An outside photo of Arts Centre and Frances Nation Grocer.

The best things to see, eat, and do in Christchurch

Throw on Your Barbour, Here's 11 Things to Do in Christchurch This Winter

Photo of puffer jacket hanging up by Rick Barrett.
Christchurch & Canterbury

Has the drop in temperature and southerly blasts got you hunkered down? Well, it’s time to grab your puffer, we’ve got some activities to get you out of hibernation mode this winter.

Christchurch Food Guide: Alex Davies of Gatherings

Image of the Chef Alex Davies wearing a cap.
Christchurch & Canterbury

Chef Alex Davies gives us his insight into some of the best places for food in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Best of 2025: 22 New & Neat Openings in Ōtautahi Christchurch

Dog sitting on bench seating at Odds Coffee in Christchurch
Christchurch & Canterbury

If you’re still wondering why none of us can shut up about how obsessed we are with Ōtautahi Christchurch (shiny stadium aside), then this year’s wave of new arrivals should help paint a picture.

The Naveya & Sloane Guide to Ōtautahi’s Central City Gems

Shop assistant behind a jewellery counter.
Christchurch & Canterbury

For life’s significant moments and milestones, a special piece of jewellery is the perfect way to celebrate and remember for years to come. Homegrown Aotearoa jewellers, Naveya & Sloane, are experts in gems that provide a bit of sparkle, and spark memories of a meaningful time in your life, from engagements and weddings to new babies, big birthdays, and more.

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Dune Café

Large yellow outdoor umbrellas in front of the asymmetrical, black frontage of Dune Cafe in New Brighton.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Cafes key icon.

On the corner of Bridge Street and Estuary Road in the heart of South Brighton, you’ll find Dune Café.

Kula Studio

Portrait of Kula Studio owner Ellie
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Step off funky Welles Street, glide up a set of green stairs and enter the oh-so-beautiful Kula Studio.

Three Boys Brewery

Two people drinking at table on mezzanine area of Three Boys Brewery in Christchurch.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Standing proud from its sunny position on Ferry Road in Woolston, Three Boys Brewery is a bonafide local watering hole that has quietly plied its craft for over two decades.

The National

Person walking past exterior of The National gallery in Christchurch
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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The National has been at the forefront of the contemporary art scene in Christchurch for over a decade.

Get your Pocket Guide for Christchurch & Canterbury

A photo of the latest Neat Places Christchurch pocket guide.

Discover the best places to eat, drink, shop, and explore among the sweeping golden hills, frothing beaches and vibrant downtown of Christchurch.

Ramen Ria

Worker standing behind counter and under Japanese style flags at Ramen Ria in Christchurch
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Ramen Ria has all of the flavour and fun that can be found in some of Tokyo’s most well known, yet tucked away ramen joints.

Midnight Shanghai

People sitting at upstairs terrace area at Midnight Shanghai in Christchurch
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Midnight Shanghai offers Christchurch elevated, modern Chinese fare with karaoke, handcrafted cocktails and a menu designed for sharing.

Muy Muy

Tacos, corn, nachos and cocktail on table at Muy Muy in Christchurch
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Muy Muy breathes a breath of warm Central American air to the edge of Christchurch's CBD.

Eightgrains

People queueing outside Eightgrains eatery inside Little High Eatery in Christchurch
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Nestled within the flurry of Christchurch’s Little High Eatery, Eightgrains offers a range of...

Duck Island Christchurch

Entrance to Duck Island on High Street in Christchurch
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Sitting pretty on the corner of High Street for all the world to see, Duck Island Ice Cream has landed its first South Island scoop shop. And, of course, it fits right in.

Lucas Shawarma

Worker standing behind counter of Lucas at Little High Eatery in Christchurch
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Tucked in amongst the brick of Little High Eatery on St Asaph Street, Lucas is Christchurch's answer to...

The Grand Hotel

People sitting together under umbrella at outdoor table at The Grand Hotel in Akaroa
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Wandering down Akaroa’s Rue Lavaud, it’s hard not to stop outside the Grand Hotel and take in its historic charm.

Ma Maison

Facade of Ma Maison showcasing its covered outdoor dining area
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Sitting in a prime spot on Akaroa’s waterfront, Ma Maison is a restaurant worth making a trip for, and certainly not merely for the view (though it is damn pretty!).

Switch New Brighton

Exterior entrance of Switch New Brighton
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Switch is a bit of an institution of the seaside suburb of New Brighton.

Rambler

Door entrance to The Rambler.
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Set across the ground floor of Drifter, a polished design-led hotel-hostel hybrid on Christchurch’s Lichfield Street, Rambler is a laid-back local favourite that...

Renegade Brewing Co

Groups of people drinking inside Renegade Brewing Co's industrial space in Christchurch
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
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Tucked into the industrial grid of Sydenham, on the corner of Orbell and Disraeli Streets, Renegade Brewing Co is part working brewery, part neighbourhood hangout.

Akaroa Butchery, Deli & Pantry

Portrait of Julia and T, owners of Akaroa Butchery & Deli
Place Christchurch & Canterbury
Goods key icon.

Akaroa Butchery, Deli + Pantry is a feature on the seaside village’s main road of Rue Lavaud.